Criminal Defense Blog

Get a free consultation now

San Mateo PD Crime Statistics

Holding police officers and departments accountable for their actions begins by understanding what these agencies and their employees do. Some police units, including the San Mateo Police Department, make finding basic statistics about their activities easy through the use of informational dashboards. Citizens of San Mateo can and should periodically review the information presented...

Read more

Does California Have Romeo and Juliet Laws?

Romeo and Juliet laws are designed to decriminalize consensual sexual activity between minors and young adults by providing a "close-in-age" exemption. These laws allow minors to engage in sexual activity with another minor or an adult close to their age without facing criminal charges. California does not have specific Romeo and Juliet laws, making...

Read more

How Long Does It Take to Seal an Arrest Record in California?

In California, if you were arrested but never convicted, you have the right to ask the court to seal and destroy your arrest records. Once sealed, these documents won’t appear on most criminal background checks, and law enforcement agencies must destroy items like police reports, fingerprints, and booking photos.  This legal option is intended...

Read more

How Long Does a DUI Stay On Your Record in California?

If you are charged with a DUI in California, the best thing to do is to fight against it. A DUI conviction can have serious penalties. Depending on the charge, the conviction could stay on your criminal and driving record for a long time, even forever. This can negatively impact your job prospects, insurance...

Read more

Domestic Violence: The Difference Between Spousal Battery and Corporal Injury

Understanding the distinctions between spousal battery and corporal injury is essential for defendants navigating the criminal justice system. Both terms involve physical harm, but they differ in their elements, consequences, and potential defenses. Recognizing these differences can help you understand what to expect going forward.  What is Domestic Battery? Domestic battery in California involves...

Read more

How To Prove Innocence When Falsely Accused of Sexual Assault

Facing a false accusation of sexual assault can be overwhelming, but know that you have options and ways to fight back. Although everything may feel uncertain, there are concrete steps you can take to show your innocence.  Understanding your rights as a defendant is essential, as the situation is very serious. Below are some...

Read more

Attempted Murder vs. Aggravated Assault: The Difference in California

Understanding the differences between aggravated assault and attempted homicide charges in California is crucial because the penalties, legal defenses, and long-term consequences tied to each can be significantly different. Knowing which charge applies can greatly impact how you build your defense and how a case is resolved for a defendant. Read on to learn...

Read more

Improper Discharge of a Firearm

Improper discharge of a firearm, referred to as negligent discharge of a firearm in California, is a serious offense that can carry significant legal consequences. If you’re a defendant who has been charged with this crime, it’s essential to understand what prosecutors must prove and what your defense options might look like.  Having a...

Read more

What Is Domestic Battery?

Domestic battery is one of the many offenses in California that can result in domestic violence charges. Battery is defined in California Penal Code §242 as any unlawful and willful use of violence or force on another person. Section 243(e) discusses a battery against a current or former intimate partner or the parent of...

Read more

What is Gross Sexual Imposition?

Gross sexual imposition generally refers to the non-consensual touching of someone’s intimate areas performed for sexual gratification. In California, the offense most similar to what some may call “gross sexual imposition” is “sexual assault,” as defined under Penal Code 243.4.  This behavior falls under the broader umbrella of sexual battery, which covers a range...

Read more