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What Does a Dismissal Without Prejudice Mean? 

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...

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Class 4 Felonies in 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...

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

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...

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

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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, and questions like are Glocks banned in California often come from misunderstandings about recent legislation. California did not ban the Glock brand altogether, and it is still...

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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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