Sextortion is a Crime in California (PC 518)
Sextortion is a Crime in California (PC 518) California Governor Jerry Brown recently signed a law that will make “sextortion” a crime in California. The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2018, amends existing extortion law under California Penal Code Section 518 to make it a crime to use the threat of releasing private sexually explicit images as blackmail to demand the payment of money, performance of sexual acts or…
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What Does a Certificate of Rehabilitation Do?
What Does a Certificate of Rehabilitation Do? A criminal conviction can have a negative impact on you for the rest of your life. If you’ve been convicted of a crime, you may have a hard time finding a job, maintaining meaningful relationships and applying for professional licenses. However, you may be able to reduce the impact of a criminal conviction by obtaining a Certificate of Rehabilitation. A Certificate of Rehabilitation…
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Why You Should Apply for a Governor’s Pardon Now
Why Should You Apply for a Governor’s Pardon Now? Time is running out for California Governor Jerry Brown. He is about to enter his final year in office and he is not eligible to run again. After the 2018 election, he will be a normal citizen. What does this mean for you? It means you should consider applying for a Governor’s Pardon immediately if you have a criminal conviction on…
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7 Things to Look for in an Orange County Appeals Attorney
7 Things to Look for in an Orange County Appeals Attorney If you’ve been convicted of a crime in Orange County, it doesn’t mean your case needs to end. You still have options. One of those options is to appeal your conviction. If your appeal is successful, you could avoid the sentence that was imposed and all its consequences. Before you appeal your case, it is important that you research…
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What Happens at a Felony Sentencing Hearing in California?
What Happens at a Felony Sentencing Hearing in California? When you are convicted of a felony, it does not mean that your case is over. The next step is receiving your sentence. This will occur at a felony sentencing hearing. At your sentencing hearing, the prosecution is likely to argue for a harsh sentence. That is why you need an aggressive criminal defense lawyer fighting for you at your sentencing…
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What is a Split Sentence for a Felony Offense in California?
What is a Split Sentence for a Felony Offense in California? If you are convicted of a felony offense in California, you may be overcome with panic because you’re looking at the very real possibility of spending time in prison. However, there are options that may be available to you that could allow you to reduce the time you serve in prison. One of those options is split sentencing. What…
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What is Realignment in California?
What is Realignment in California? When you are convicted of a felony, you may assume you will have to serve time in prison. However, thanks to realignment in California, you may be able to avoid prison depending on the severity of your crime. Let’s examine how realignment works in California. The California Public Safety Realignment Initiative A 2011 ruling by the United States Supreme Court led to the creation of…
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How to Get Probation Granted
How to Get Probation Granted If you are sentenced to jail time, your entire life could change. Not only will you lose your freedom, you could also lose your job. However, you may be able to stay out of jail by seeking probation. If you are granted probation, you could live at your home, keep your job and not have to deal with all of the adverse consequences that occur…
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Revenge Porn Laws: Is the Person in the Images Identifiable? PC 647(j)(4)
Revenge Porn Laws: Is the Person in the Images Identifiable? PC 647(j)(4) “Revenge porn” is the concept of publishing nude or explicit images of your ex-significant other as a form of revenge against that person because he or she broke up with you. This has become so common that California passed revenge porn laws. Under California Penal Code Section 647(j)(4), revenge porn is a crime punishable by up to six…
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What Does Inflict Corporal Injury on a Spouse Mean? (PC 273.5)
What Does Inflict Corporal Injury on a Spouse Mean? (PC 273.5) If you are convicted of inflicting corporal injury on a spouse under California Penal Code Section 273.5, you face harsh penalties. A felony conviction is punishable by up to four years in state prison and fines of up to $6,000. You could also be prohibited from making any contact at all with the victim for 10 years and required…
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