San Jose Criminal Defense Blog

What Is the Legal Age of Consent in California?

July 30, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | Criminal Law

In California, the legal age of consent is 18 years old. It means that under state law, anyone under the age of 18 is not legally able to consent to sexual activity, even if they willingly agree to it. If an adult engages in sexual conduct with a minor, they may be charged with...

What Happens at a DMV Hearing for DUI in California?

July 27, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | DUI Lawyer Near San Jose, California

If you’re arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in California, you’re not just facing a court case. You also have to deal with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV hearing is separate from the criminal process and focuses only on your driving privileges. Importantly, this hearing can result in the suspension...

How to Check if My California Driver’s License Is Suspended

July 24, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | Criminal Defense Lawyer Near San Jose, California

It may not always be clear whether or not your driver’s license has been suspended in San Jose, CA. You must do the legwork to check if your driver’s license has been suspended. You have a few options for verifying the status of your driving record. A criminal defense attorney can simplify the process. ...

What Crimes Can Get Your Green Card Revoked in California?

July 21, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | Criminal Law

Obtaining a green card, officially known as “lawful permanent residency,” is a significant milestone for many immigrants in California. It provides the legal right to live and work in the United States indefinitely and is often a step toward full citizenship. However, certain criminal offenses can lead to the revocation of your green card...

Federal Prison vs. State Prison

June 21, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | Criminal Law

State and federal prisons differ primarily in their jurisdiction, management, and the types of crimes that lead to incarceration in each system. Understanding these fundamental differences is essential for anyone facing criminal charges, as they directly influence sentencing guidelines, facility conditions, and post-conviction options. Here are some of the differences between these two systems:...

Accessory to Murder in California

June 15, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | Criminal Defense Lawyer Near San Jose, California

Being accused of any involvement in a murder is an extremely serious matter under California law. While the person who actually commits the killing faces the most severe penalties, California also has strict rules for those who assist or help the killer after the fact. These individuals are known as "accessories," and being charged...

Protest Laws in California: What You Need to Know Before You Join a Protest

June 12, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | California Law

Exercising your First Amendment rights by participating in a protest is a powerful way to express your voice and demand change. However, while the U.S. Constitution protects your right to free speech and peaceful assembly, there are still laws and regulations you should be aware of, especially in a state like California. Understanding your...

What Happens if You Violate Your Own Restraining Order in California?

June 10, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | California Law

Restraining orders in California protect people from abuse, harassment, threats, or violence. Usually, the restrained person (the person subject to the restraining order) must stay away and have no contact with the protected person (the person who sought the order). However, what happens if you, the person who requested the restraining order, decide to...

Indictment vs. Arrest: Understanding the Critical Differences in Legal Proceedings Under California Law

June 8, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Redwood City, CA

When someone is accused of a crime in California, there are multiple steps in the criminal justice process. Two of the most misunderstood are indictments and arrests. Although both can lead to criminal charges for defendants, they are not the same thing. Each plays a different role in the legal system and has different...

Do White-Collar Criminals Go to Prison?

June 6, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed | Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Redwood City, CA

There is a common perception that people who commit white-collar crimes get off easy. There are countless examples of wealthy people convicted of financial crimes who walk free. However, there are also examples of white-collar criminals who end up in prison. The reality is that anyone convicted of a white-collar crime may still end...