How the Right Lawyer Can Overturn an Unjust Conviction
How the Right Lawyer Can Overturn an Unjust Conviction When a loved one is convicted of a crime, it can feel like the end of the road. The verdict has been delivered, the sentence pronounced, and hope may seem lost. However, a criminal conviction is not always the final word. The appellate process exists precisely because our justice system recognizes that trials are not perfect, and errors can lead to…
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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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Can the Court Order Victim Restitution 30 Years After Sentencing? The California Court Says Yes.
Can the Court Order Victim Restitution 30 Years After Sentencing? The California Court Says Yes. At Wallin & Klarich, we know that when a person is sentenced for a crime, there’s a belief that the punishment—prison, fines, restitution—is final. But a recent appellate decision in People v. Sinay makes one thing very clear: California courts can impose victim restitution decades after the original sentencing, even if it was never mentioned…
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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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Former OC Supervisor Gets 5 Years for $12M COVID Relief Fraud: What It Means for You
Former OC Supervisor Gets 5 Years for $12M COVID Relief Fraud: What It Means for You Former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do was sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in a $12 million public corruption scheme that misused COVID-19 relief funds. His conviction sends a clear message: public corruption and financial crimes are taken seriously—not just by the federal government, but also by the State of…
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Can You Be Banned from All Social Media as a Condition of Probation? The Court Says YES
Can You Be Banned from All Social Media as a Condition of Probation? The Court Says YES At Wallin & Klarich, we’re often asked: Can the court really ban me from using all social media while I’m on probation or supervision? A recent California case answers that question clearly: Yes—if social media played a role in the offense, a total ban may be legal. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys at…
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How Criminal Appeals and Penal Code 1172.6 Can Transform Life Sentences
How Criminal Appeals and Penal Code 1172.6 Can Transform Life Sentences A recent case involving Penal Code section 1172.6 shows why criminal appeals are so crucial and how new legislation can provide hope for those serving sentences that no longer fit their actual culpability. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich can guide you through the legal process. Call Wallin & Klarich today toll-free at (877) 466-5245 for…
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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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Can a DUI Lead to Losing Custody of Your Child?
Can a DUI Lead to Losing Custody of Your Child? When most people think about DUI penalties, they focus on the immediate consequences: jail time, fines, license suspension, and increased insurance rates. However, there's a devastating consequence that many parents don't consider until it's too late—the loss of custody of their children. A DUI conviction, especially one involving a child passenger, can trigger dependency proceedings that may result in losing…
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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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