San Jose Criminal Defense Blog

How To Prove Innocence When Falsely Accused of Sexual Assault

March 9, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | Sex Crimes

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, many people in this situation want to understand how to prove innocence when falsely accused and what steps they can take to protect themselves. Understanding your rights as...

Attempted Murder vs. Aggravated Assault: The Difference in California

March 8, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | Murder

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...

Improper Discharge of a Firearm

March 7, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | California Law

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...

What Is Domestic Battery?

March 6, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | Domestic Violence Lawyer Near San Jose, California

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...

What is Gross Sexual Imposition?

March 5, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | Sex Crimes

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...

Are You Eligible for a Criminal Record Expungement Under California’s Clean Slate Act?

March 4, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | California Law

A criminal record can prevent you from getting the job you want or obtaining housing where you want to live. A mistake made years ago could continue to impact your personal and professional life. Expungement laws vary by state. In California, the expungement process is called "cleaning your record." The process of cleaning your...

Am I Facing Jail Time if Arrested for Simple Battery?

March 1, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | Criminal Defense Lawyer Near San Jose, California

Facing a charge for simple battery can feel stressful and confusing, especially if you’ve never been involved in the criminal justice system before. Under California Penal Code § 242 PC, simple battery involves the willful and unlawful use of force or violence on another person, even if there’s no actual injury. It’s important for...

Is There a Difference Between a DWI and a DUI in California?

February 26, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | DUI Lawyer Near San Jose, California

The terms DUI (driving under the influence) and DWI (driving while intoxicated) are commonly used interchangeably when drivers are charged with impaired driving. But is there a difference between a DWI and a DUI in California? Many states differentiate between the two terms, but in California, the legal system primarily uses "DUI." A Redwood...

Sealing vs. Expunging an Arrest Record in California: What’s the Difference?

February 20, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | Criminal Law

Sealing or expunging an arrest record in California can result in the same thing – the arrest record is not available to the general public. However, the process for sealing vs. expunging an arrest record differs. Also, sealing records applies if you were arrested but never convicted. Expungement can be used to seal records...

Consent Laws in California

February 18, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | Sex Crimes

Consent is an important factor in sexual relationships, especially when one of the parties accuses the other party of sex crimes. Understanding consent laws in California is crucial for protecting yourself when engaging in sexual conduct. Ensuring you have consent when engaging in sex can help you if someone accuses you of statutory rape,...