First-Time Restraining Order Violations: What You Need to Know
First-Time Restraining Order Violations: What You Need to Know When a court issues a restraining order, it carries the full weight of legal enforcement. Violating that order—even for the first time—can result in serious criminal charges that may lead to jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Understanding the legal framework surrounding restraining order violations and the potential consequences is crucial for anyone facing these charges. Our experienced criminal…
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Can My Case Be Dismissed for Speedy Trial Violations?
Can My Case Be Dismissed for Speedy Trial Violations? In our criminal justice system, defendants have a constitutional right to a speedy trial. A recent California appellate court decision demonstrates how this protection works in practice and why having an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands these rights is essential. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich can guide you through the legal process. Call Wallin & Klarich…
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California Attorney General Takes Action: The Ongoing Crisis in LA County Jails
California Attorney General Takes Action: The Ongoing Crisis in LA County Jails The California Attorney General recently filed a lawsuit against Los Angeles County over jail conditions. The lawsuit, filed after failed negotiations, alleges that unconstitutional conditions in the nation's largest jail system have contributed to more than 206 inmate deaths over four years. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich can guide you through the legal process.…
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Orange County Jailhouse Informant Scandal: DOJ Agreement Signals the End of Unconstitutional Practices
Orange County Jailhouse Informant Scandal: DOJ Agreement Signals the End of Unconstitutional Practices The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially announced that it has completed its reform agreement with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) to end the unconstitutional use of jailhouse informants — a practice that, for nearly a decade, violated the constitutional rights of defendants in Orange County. The agreement, signed in January 2025, followed DOJ findings…
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Federal Immigration Conviction Overturned Due to Weak Evidence: Why Strong Legal Representation Matters Now More Than Ever
Federal Immigration Conviction Overturned Due to Weak Evidence: Why Strong Legal Representation Matters Now More Than Ever In a recent case, a federal appeals court reversed the conviction of Wardy Liberato, a Dominican national who had been charged with illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a). His case serves as a powerful reminder that even in serious federal prosecutions, the government must meet a strict burden of proof—and when they…
Read MoreCalifornia’s “One-Gun-a-Month” Law Struck Down: What This Means for Gun Owners
California's "One-Gun-a-Month" Law Struck Down: What This Means for Gun Owners California has long been known for having some of the nation's strictest gun laws, but a recent federal court decision has dealt a significant blow to one of the state's key firearm regulations. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals recently affirmed a lower court's decision striking down California's "one-gun-a-month" law, ruling that it violates the Second Amendment to the…
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Setting Aside a Guilty Plea Due to Mental Unfitness: What You Need to Know
Setting Aside a Guilty Plea Due to Mental Unfitness: What You Need to Know Plea bargains are common practice in our legal system, but there are circumstances where a guilty plea might be deemed invalid or unjust. One such circumstance involves mental unfitness or impairment that prevented the defendant from fully understanding the consequences of their plea. Our skilled criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich can guide you through…
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Understanding Your Rights Under California Penal Code 1172.1: A New Path to Resentencing
Understanding Your Rights Under California Penal Code 1172.1: A New Path to Resentencing In California's evolving criminal justice landscape, recent changes have opened new doors for individuals seeking to challenge their original sentences. One of the most significant developments is California Penal Code 1172.1, which provides a pathway for felony defendants to have their sentences reconsidered when circumstances suggest the original sentence may no longer be just or appropriate. Our…
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Why Hiring an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Matters: A Cautionary Tale from the Racial Justice Act
Why Hiring an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Matters: A Cautionary Tale from the Racial Justice Act At Wallin & Klarich, we understand that your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line when you’re facing criminal charges. That’s why having a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorney by your side isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. A recent California appellate decision involving Brandon Wagstaff shows just how much is at stake when…
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Want to Own a Gun? Avoid a Felony Conviction—Even a Nonviolent One
Want to Own a Gun? Avoid a Felony Conviction—Even a Nonviolent One If you value your right to own or possess a firearm, there's one thing you must understand: any felony conviction—violent or nonviolent—can permanently take that right away under federal law. A recent decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals made this clear. On May 10, 2025, the court upheld a federal statute that bans all felons…
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