Three offices across Los Angeles County, all reachable on the same 24-hour line. Consultations are free and confidential, in person or by phone.
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Motion to Strike Prior Convictions
How to File a 1385 PC Motion to Strike Prior Convictions A prior conviction can add years to your sentence, however, California law provides a powerful remedy. A 1385 PC motion allows defendants to request the court strike previous convictions from consideration during sentencing, potentially reducing lengthy prison terms under the Three Strikes law. Filing…
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What Are Brady Motions?
Brady Motions in California A Brady motion is a formal request filed by a criminal defendant asking the court to compel the prosecution to disclose any exculpatory evidence or material information favorable to the defense in California criminal proceedings. The motion originates from the landmark United States Supreme Court decision in Brady v. Maryland (1963),…
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What is a Pitchess Motion?
Pitchess Motions A Pitchess motion is a formal request made by defendants in California criminal cases to access a law enforcement officer’s personnel records for evidence of misconduct. Named after the landmark California Supreme Court case Pitchess v. Superior Court (1974) 11 Cal.3d 531, this legal mechanism enables defendants to inspect personnel files when alleging…
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Motion for Mental Health Diversion
What is Mental Health Diversion (PC 1001.36)? Mental Health Diversion under California Penal Code 1001.36 is a pretrial court diversion program that allows defendants diagnosed with qualifying mental disorders to receive mental health treatment instead of proceeding through traditional criminal prosecution. Pretrial diversion refers to the postponement of prosecution, either temporarily or permanently, at any…
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Early Intervention (AKA Pre-Filing Intervention)
What is Early Intervention (Pre-Filing Intervention)? Early intervention, also known as pre-filing intervention, refers to legal representation that begins before formal charges are filed in a criminal court. This proactive legal strategy occurs during the window between the start of a criminal investigation and the formal filing of charges by a prosecutor, as outlined under…
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When Does Illegal Gun Possession Become a Felony in California?
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in California: When It’s a Felony Unlawful possession of a firearm in California carries serious legal consequences that can dramatically impact your future. What many don’t realize is that certain aggravating factors can elevate a misdemeanor charge to a felony, resulting in substantial prison time and permanent loss of rights.…
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What Happens If Police Lie to You During a Criminal Investigation?
Can the Police Lie to You During Interrogations? Can the police lie to you during an interrogation? The answer may surprise you: in reality, law enforcement officers in California are legally permitted to use deceptive tactics when questioning suspects. This includes fabricating evidence, claiming witnesses have implicated you, and misrepresenting the strength of their case.…
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What Happens When Police Find Drugs in a Storage Unit?
What Happens When Police Find Drugs in Your Storage Unit: Unreasonable Search or Seizure in California? Police discovering drugs in your storage unit can trigger serious criminal charges, but not every search is legal. California law protects you against unreasonable search or seizure under the Fourth Amendment, even in rented storage spaces. However, understanding when…
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How Prosecutors Use Social Media Posts to Build Gun Crime Cases
Can You Go to Jail for a Threat? How California Prosecutors Use Your Social Media Posts Can you go to jail for a threat made online? The answer is yes, particularly when California prosecutors build cases using your social media posts as evidence. What might seem like venting frustration or sharing imagery can indeed become…
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Can You Face Drug Trafficking Charges Without Crossing State Lines?
California Drug Laws: The Surprising Truth About Drug Trafficking Charges California drug laws contain provisions that surprise many defendants, particularly when simple possession escalates to trafficking charges. Transportation of controlled substances, possession with intent to sell, or even maintaining a location where drugs are present can trigger serious trafficking allegations under state statutes. Consequently, understanding…