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Is It Illegal to Hack Someone’s Phone in California?

"Hacking" someone’s phone can cover a wide range of activities, like accessing another person’s messages, photos, location data, private apps, or online accounts without their knowledge or permission. Some defendants underestimate how serious the law is about these activities.  If you're facing these allegations, it's crucial to understand the law and to contact a...

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California’s Open Container Laws: What You Need to Know

California treats drinking and driving seriously, and that includes its rules about alcohol inside a vehicle. Under California Vehicle Code § 23222, it’s illegal to have an open container of alcohol in a moving or parked car when it’s on a public road. Violations can lead to fines, license issues, and more serious charges...

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What Qualifies as an Assault Weapon Under California Law? 

In California, an assault weapon is defined primarily by statute and includes firearms explicitly named by make and model or characteristics. This definition is one of the strictest in the United States, reflecting California’s comprehensive gun control laws. California’s broad definition and strict regulation of assault weapons contribute to its status as having the...

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Did California Ban Glocks?

Many people assume California banned Glocks altogether after hearing that certain models soon can’t be purchased in the state. However, the truth is more nuanced than that. California did not ban the Glock brand altogether, and it is still potentially legal to own one of these firearms in certain circumstances, such as when it...

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What Is Entrapment?

Entrapment is a legal defense that can protect defendants who have been lured, pressured, or induced by law enforcement to commit a crime they would not have committed otherwise. Understanding what constitutes entrapment and what does not can be crucial in defending against unfair criminal charges. Successfully using the entrapment defense in California requires...

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Is Improperly Handling a Firearm a Felony in California?

California has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. Because of that fact, what might seem like a small mistake involving the handling of a firearm can potentially lead to weapon charges in the state. However, whether the offense is treated as a misdemeanor or a felony will ultimately depend on the...

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Factors Affecting Alcohol Absorption

Most people know that alcohol affects everyone differently—but not everyone knows why. The speed and intensity of alcohol’s effects depend on how quickly it’s absorbed into your bloodstream. This process varies from person to person and can be influenced by everything from what you’ve eaten to your body size.  Understanding the factors that affect...

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What Happens if You’re Caught With an Illegal Assault Weapon in San Jose?

California has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, and San Jose enforces them aggressively. Owning or possessing an illegal assault weapon is a serious criminal offense that can lead to serious penalties, including years of jail time on top of substantial fines.  If you’ve been arrested or believe you may be...

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When Can the Police Enter Your Private Property in San Jose, CA?

Your home is supposed to be your private space, where you have the highest level of legal protection from government intrusion. Yet, there are exceptions when the police can enter your property without breaking the law. In California, and especially in cities like San Jose, the rules are governed by the Fourth Amendment of...

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How Would a Judge View Community Service Done BEFORE My Court Date?

 their court date as a way to demonstrate remorse and responsibility. While this may seem like a proactive step, judges are not required to consider voluntary community service that occurs before sentencing—and in some cases, it may have little or no impact on the outcome of a case. Understanding how community service fits into...

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