Ex-UCLA Teacher Convicted of Multiple Counts of Child Sexual Abuse
Ex-UCLA Teacher Convicted of Multiple Counts of Child Sexual Abuse A former UCLA Early Care and Education center teacher named Christopher Rodriguez was convicted on nine counts of child sexual abuse. He worked at UCLA ECE centers for nearly 25 years, including at the Krieger Center and University Village Center. The charges brought against Rodriguez included multiple counts of sexual battery against minors and willful cruelty to children. After the…
Read MoreTutor Accused of Molesting 2 Anaheim Students As His Trial Begins
Tutor Accused of Molesting 2 Anaheim Students As His Trial Begins A 53-year-old man is accused of sexually assaulting two boys he tutored in Anaheim, starting when they were 8 and 9 years old and continuing until they were 13 and 14. On Monday, a prosecutor told jurors that the defendant, Zeta “Jimmy” Dhanapanth, who is representing himself, claims the accusations are false. Dhanapanth faces multiple charges, including lewd acts…
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What to Do If You’re Falsely Accused: Critical First Steps to Protect Your Rights
What to Do If You're Falsely Accused: Critical First Steps to Protect Your Rights Being falsely accused of a crime can be a terrifying and overwhelming experience. Your reputation, freedom, and future are suddenly at stake due to allegations you know are not true. However, the actions you take in the immediate aftermath of these accusations can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here's what you need to know…
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California’s 2022 Law Change and Its Impact on Accused Individuals
California’s 2022 Law Change and Its Impact on Accused Individuals The legal landscape in California underwent a significant transformation in January 2022, reshaping how certain information about accused individuals is handled. A pivotal change in the law now mandates the online publication of names and faces for those accused of specific crimes, sparking widespread concern. For accused individuals, this shift can feel like navigating uncharted waters. Whether you’re directly affected…
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Southern California Man Arrested for Privacy Crimes Involving Minors
Southern California Man Arrested for Privacy Crimes Involving Minors Recent headlines involving a high-profile arrest in Palm Desert serve as a reminder of California's strict laws regarding privacy violations and crimes involving minors. This case highlights the serious legal consequences individuals face when accused of such offenses and the importance of understanding your rights in the criminal justice system. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich can guide…
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Criminal Restitution Orders Following Civil Settlements in California
Criminal Restitution Orders Following Civil Settlements in California When facing legal battles in California, particularly those involving both civil settlements and criminal charges, the complexities surrounding restitution orders can be overwhelming. If you've been accused of wrongdoing, understanding how criminal restitution intersects with civil agreements is crucial. This blog will guide you through: The basics of criminal restitution in California How civil settlements interact with restitution orders The implications for…
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Mental Health Diversion in California: A Path to Recovery and Rehabilitation
Mental Health Diversion in California: A Path to Recovery and Rehabilitation The intersection of mental health and criminal justice has long been a challenging area in our legal system. However, California's mental health diversion program is showing promising results in helping individuals get the treatment they need while avoiding the devastating impact of incarceration. Our skilled criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich can guide you through the legal process.…
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Southern California Coach Arrested for Underage Sex Crimes Allegations
Southern California Coach Arrested for Underage Sex Crimes Allegations A wrestling coach from Southern California has been arrested on allegations of engaging in sexual relationships with underage students. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department reported that Anthony Oscar Alcala, a 28-year-old resident of Huntington Beach, was taken into custody on Wednesday in connection with these accusations. According to investigators, a report was filed in February 2025 alleging that Alcala had groomed…
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The Importance of EvidenceCode Section 352 in Criminal Defense
The Importance of EvidenceCode Section 352 in Criminal Defense A recent California case, People v. Caratachea, shows how a defense attorney's failure to use the rules of evidence to their advice (Evidence Code Section 352) can have profound consequences for their client. This case serves as a crucial reminder of why experienced criminal defense representation can make the difference between winning and losing your case. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys…
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Understanding Consent Laws: A Legal Defense Guide to California Penal Code 261
Understanding Consent Laws: A Legal Defense Guide to California Penal Code 261 When facing criminal charges in California, understanding the complexities of consent laws can mean the difference between a strong defense and a conviction. Penal Code 261 establishes strict guidelines around consent in sexual encounters, but interpreting and applying these laws requires deep legal expertise. Our criminal defense team has successfully defended numerous cases involving consent-related charges, and we've…
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