San Jose Criminal Defense Blog

Understanding Your Resisting Arrest Charge: A Clear Guide to California Penal Code

January 20, 2026 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | California Law

Resisting arrest is a commonly-charged offense in California, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Under California Penal Code 148(a) PC, it’s illegal to “willfully resist, delay, or obstruct” a law enforcement officer or emergency medical technician (EMT) performing their lawful duties. While that might sound straightforward, the law can apply to a...

What Are the Four Elements of a Crime?

January 14, 2026 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | Criminal Defense Lawyer Near San Jose, California

When a defendant is charged with a crime, prosecutors have to do much more than just point fingers. There are certain elements they must prove beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction. Understanding these elements is crucial if you’re ever arrested, investigated, or charged. Below are the four primary elements of most crimes. ...

Can an 18-Year-Old Date a 16-Year-Old in California?

January 12, 2026 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | California Law

Relationships between teenagers often raise questions about consent and legality. One common question is can a 16 year old date a 18 year old under California law. Strictly speaking, California law does not make it illegal for an 18-year-old to date a 16-year-old. However, any sexual activity between them can lead to serious sex...

How to Appeal a CCW Denial in California

January 10, 2026 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | California Law

Being denied a concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit in California can be extremely frustrating. Getting a CCW license is not guaranteed, even if it seems like you did everything right. Law enforcement has significant discretion in deciding who qualifies to carry a firearm in public. That said, you should know that if your application...

AI-Generated Child Pornography

January 8, 2026 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | Sex Crimes

Artificial intelligence can now create images and videos that look virtually identical to real life. While this technology has many uses, it can also lead to serious legal problems. For example, under California law, AI-generated child pornography is illegal, and it doesn’t matter whether a real child was involved. These sex crime charges are...

How to Get a Child Endangerment Charge Dropped

December 29, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | Miscellaneous

Being charged with child endangerment is a serious legal matter that can have long-lasting consequences. However, not all allegations result in a conviction. In fact, it is possible to get a child endangerment charge dropped or reduced. This article outlines several legal strategies and steps you can take—from hiring a criminal defense attorney to...

What Does a Dismissal Without Prejudice Mean?

December 23, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | Criminal Defense Lawyer Near San Jose, California

In California criminal law, a dismissal without prejudice means that your case has been dropped for now, but the prosecutor has the right to refile the charges later. This type of dismissal does not count as a permanent end to your case. Instead, it provides temporary relief and leaves the door open for the...

Class 4 Felonies in California

December 22, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | Criminal Defense Lawyer Near San Jose, California

If you’ve heard someone mention a “Class 4 felony” in California, it’s important to know that the state does not classify crimes by numbered “classes” like some other states do. Instead, California’s criminal justice system uses terms such as “felonies,” “wobblers,” “misdemeanors,” and “infractions” to describe the seriousness of a charge and its potential...

How Hard Is It to Get a Concealed Carry Permit in California?

December 17, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | California Law

California is known for having some of the strictest gun laws in the country, and that includes its rules for concealed carry permits. While it is legal to obtain a concealed carry weapon (CCW) license, doing so in San Mateo County (or anywhere else in the state) isn’t always easy. The process involves multiple...

Can Felons Hunt? How To Restore Your Gun Rights in California

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

California has some of the strictest firearm laws in the country, and one of the most important questions people have after a felony conviction is whether they can ever legally own a gun again. Many who find themselves in these circumstances just want to use a firearm for a specific, legal purpose, such as...