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How Adult and Juvenile Criminal Processes Differ in California

California has two separate systems for handling criminal behavior: the adult criminal justice system and the juvenile justice system. While both deal with violations of the law, they operate differently in several important ways, including their goals, procedures, and potential outcomes.  The systems have different goals, use different procedures, and can lead to very...

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How to Deal With an Outstanding Warrant for Your Arrest

Discovering that there may be a warrant for your arrest can be stressful and confusing. An outstanding warrant means a judge has authorized law enforcement to take someone into custody. Many people do not realize a warrant exists until they are stopped by police or contacted by the court. Ignoring the issue usually makes...

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What Is a Hung Jury?

A hung jury occurs when the jurors in a criminal case cannot reach a verdict. In California, the law requires that verdicts in criminal trials must be unanimous, meaning every single juror must agree to convict or acquit the defendant. If the jurors cannot unanimously agree on a verdict, the jury may become deadlocked...

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Everything You Need to Know About House Arrest in San Jose, CA

House arrest can sound like an easy alternative to jail, but in reality, it is a strict form of custody with serious rules and consequences. In San Jose and throughout Santa Clara County, house arrest is often paired with electronic monitoring and court-ordered restrictions that must be followed precisely.  Below is an overview of...

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What Are the Penalties for Driving Without a License in California?

Driving without a valid license in California may seem like a minor offense, but it can carry serious legal consequences. Depending on the circumstances, you could face fines, misdemeanor charges, and even jail time. Understanding how California law treats different licensing violations is an important first step in protecting your rights. Below, we break...

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What Happens to Your Possessions When You Go to Jail?

When someone is arrested and taken to jail, their personal property does not simply disappear. Instead, it moves through a series of procedures governed by law enforcement policies and jail regulations. Understanding this process can help explain why certain items are unavailable, delayed, or lost during incarceration. What happens to your possessions depends largely...

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Attacking an “Odor of Alcohol” Claim in San Jose, CA

In many DUI cases, the police report will say that the officer noticed an “odor of alcohol” coming from the driver. This phrase is extremely common, but it’s also highly subjective and often unreliable. If you’ve been arrested for DUI in San Jose, California, you should know that an officer’s claim about smelling alcohol...

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How Does a Felony Charge Impact Your Life?

A felony charge is one of the most serious legal challenges a person can face. Unlike minor offenses, felonies carry severe penalties and long-lasting consequences that can affect nearly every aspect of daily life.  From the moment charges are filed, the effects often extend well beyond the courtroom, influencing employment, personal relationships, finances, and...

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The Devastating Consequences of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense in California, with consequences that extend far beyond a traffic stop or court appearance. A DUI can impact your freedom, finances, career, and personal life for years to come.  Understanding how California DUI laws work—and what penalties may apply—can help drivers grasp...

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8 Tips for Hiring a DUI Lawyer in Redwood City, CA

A DUI arrest in Redwood City can be overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with California’s DUI laws and the local court process. Choosing the right lawyer is one of the most important decisions you can make after an arrest.  The following tips can help you evaluate your options and find a DUI lawyer...

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