How Much Is a Reckless Driving Ticket?

How Much Is a Reckless Driving Ticket? What Is Reckless Driving?  Under California Vehicle Code Section 23103, reckless driving is driving a vehicle “in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” You can be charged with reckless driving on a highway, as well as in an off-street parking facility. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor and usually results in a fine. However, you may incur more severe…

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What Happens If Charges Are Dropped Before Trial?

What Happens If Charges Are Dropped Before Trial? If you are charged with a crime in California, you will face legal action from the state. However, not all hope is lost because charges in both misdemeanor and felony cases may be dropped. Only the prosecution side may decide to drop the charges, and the charges may be dropped before or after the prosecution files your case. To find out whether…

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How to Avoid Paying Restitution 

What Is Restitution?  Avoid paying restitution As authorized under California Penal Code Section 1202.4, many criminal cases require a guilty defendant to pay restitution to the victim. Restitution is a penalty that is used to compensate the victim for any property damage, medical expenses, or other financial harms they suffered as a result of the crime. In California, there is no maximum amount that a judge can order for restitution,…

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How Long Can You Be Held Without Bail? 

What Is Bail?  Bail After a defendant has been charged with a crime and taken into custody, the court will set a bail amount. Bail is money or property that is posted with the court in order to be released from jail before trial. This money ensures that the defendant will show up for mandatory court appointments. If the defendant fails to appear, the bail can be forfeited.  What Is…

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What Happens in a Hung Jury? 

What Is a Hung Jury?  In most jurisdictions, a unanimous jury decision is required for a verdict to be given, meaning all jurors must agree on whether the defendant is guilty or not. A hung jury, also known as a deadlocked jury, is a jury whose members are unable to agree on a verdict of guilty or not guilty.  What Happens in a Hung Jury?  If there is a hung…

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What Are Sex Offenders Prohibited from Doing? 

What Are Sex Offenders Prohibited from Doing?  California enforces strict laws regarding sex crimes and imposes serious penalties for violators. A sex crime conviction may hold negative impacts on many areas of one's life, in addition to having serious legal repercussions. Specifically, sex offender registration may wreak havoc on your personal and professional life and prevent you from doing many of the things you used to enjoy. The best way…

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5 Things You Can’t Do If You Have a Warrant for Your Arrest

5 Things You Can’t Do If You Have a Warrant for Your Arrest 

5 Things You Can’t Do If You Have a Warrant for Your Arrest  In southern California, an arrest warrant authorizes police officers to arrest and detain you for a suspected crime. A warrant for your arrest in California can seriously limit your freedom, preventing you from performing everyday tasks. Whether it’s an arrest warrant for a felony or misdemeanor or a bench warrant for a probation violation, you may be…

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What is the Minimum Sentence for Child Molesters Under California Penal Code 647.6 PC

What is the Minimum Sentence for Child Molesters Under California Penal Code 647.6 PC If you have been accused or charged with child molestation, chances are you are worried about the impact a child molestation conviction could have on your life and what is the minimum sentence for child molesters in California.   The skilled attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have been successfully defending clients facing child molestation charges for more…

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Is Spanking a Child Illegal in California?

Is Spanking a Child Illegal in California? Under California law, spanking your child, or using some other reasonable form of corporal punishment,  isn't necessarily illegal. However, physical punishment inflicted on a child should not be excessive and cause injury. If the punishment you inflict causes injury to your child, there is a good chance that you could be charged with child abuse under PC 273d of the California Penal Code.…

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How Long After Being Molested Can You Press Charges in California?

How Long After Being Molested Can You Press Charges in California? A statute of limitations determines the timeline for criminal charges to be brought against the perpetrator of a crime. Although the statute of limitations will often vary from crime to crime, charges for child molestation will typically have a considerably longer statute of limitations window compared to other criminal offenses. That makes it possible for charges to be filed…

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