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What to Expect and Ask During Your First Meeting with a San Jose Criminal Defense Attorney

Your first meeting with a San Jose criminal defense attorney should focus on practical next steps: organizing case documents, identifying urgent court dates, reviewing how representation begins, and deciding what needs to happen next. For a criminal case in San Jose or elsewhere in Santa Clara County, do not assume that scheduling a consultation...

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What Happens if I Don’t Go to Court?

If you have been charged with a crime in California as a defendant, the court will expect you to show up on your scheduled date. Missing that appearance might seem like it isn’t a critical mistake in the moment; after all, life can get in the way sometimes. However, in the eyes of the...

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What Does “Motion for Discovery” Mean on a Court Docket?

If you see a "motion for discovery" on a court docket, it generally means that one party has asked the court to address access to evidence or information relevant to the case. In a California criminal case, discovery can include police reports, witness information, recordings, photographs, test results, and other evidence. Discovery is an...

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Is It Illegal to Be High on Marijuana in Public in California? 

California legalized recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older through Proposition 64. Since then, many residents have assumed that anything related to marijuana use is fair game. However, the law draws a clear line between what you can do in private and what is allowed in public. While simply feeling the effects of marijuana...

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Can a 16-Year-Old Girl Date a 19-Year-Old Boy in California?

Relationships between teenagers and young adults raise a lot of legal questions in California. Parents and teens are often unsure about where the law draws the line, partially due to the fact that there is plenty of bad information out there on the topic. The short answer is that dating on its own is...

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What to Do Next If You’ve Been Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter in California

An involuntary manslaughter charge can put you in a felony case even though prosecutors are not accusing you of intending to kill anyone. What you do after being arrested or charged can also affect what evidence is available and how the case develops. If you are facing involuntary manslaughter charges in San Jose, California,...

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Can Breathalyzer Tests Be Wrong? Common Causes of False Positive Results

Yes, breathalyzer tests can be wrong. While law enforcement commonly relies on breath testing during driving under the influence (DUI) investigations, several factors can affect the accuracy of a result. A high reading can become important evidence in a California DUI case, especially when it shows a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or...

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4 Common Defenses to Statutory Rape Charges

A statutory rape charge in Santa Clara County, CA, can carry serious consequences, including jail or prison time, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record. Depending on the circumstances, a conviction may also affect employment opportunities, professional licenses, and other aspects of your future.  However, an arrest or criminal charge for a sex offense...

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Do I Need a Lawyer for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in San Jose?

You are not required to hire a lawyer to respond to a domestic violence restraining order in San Jose, California, but handling the matter on your own can carry serious risks. An attorney can review the allegations, help you prepare for the hearing, and address how the restraining order may affect a related criminal...

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What Makes a Domestic Violence Attorney the Right Fit for Your Case in San Jose?

If you have been accused of domestic violence in San Jose, CA, choosing the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you will make. Not every criminal defense lawyer has the same experience, qualifications, or approach to handling domestic violence cases.  Looking beyond advertising and focusing on an attorney's background can help...

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