When Appeals Matter: How a Murder Conviction Can Be Reversed in California
When Appeals Matter: How a Murder Conviction Can Be Reversed in California Being convicted of a serious crime like murder can feel like the end of the road. Many defendants believe that once a jury returns a guilty verdict, their fate is sealed. However, California's appellate process provides an opportunity for freedom after a wrongful conviction and legal errors that may have occurred during trial. A recent California Court of…
Read More
Can Prior Convictions Affect Federal Sentencing Enhancements?
Can Prior Convictions Affect Federal Sentencing Enhancements? In federal criminal cases, prior convictions can significantly impact sentencing outcomes, particularly in cases involving serious offenses. A recent federal court ruling highlights how the legal system approaches mandatory minimum sentencing enhancements when a defendant has prior convictions. This blog explains these enhancements and what they mean for those facing federal charges. Our skilled criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich can guide…
Read More
Why Defense Counsel Should Be Engaged Before an Arrest
Why Defense Counsel Should Be Engaged Before an Arrest Most people wait until formal charges or an arrest before seeking legal representation. This common but potentially costly mistake can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Early intervention by experienced defense attorneys can make the difference between a case that's dismissed before charges and one that follows you for years. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich can…
Read More
Public Defenders Seek $120M as Prop 36 Strains Resources: What It Means for Justice in California
Public Defenders Seek $120M as Prop 36 Strains Resources: What It Means for Justice in California California’s criminal justice system is feeling the pressure. Public defenders across the state are urgently seeking $120 million in funding over the next three years to keep up with a growing caseload brought on by Proposition 36 — a measure that’s turning certain drug-related offenses back into felonies. As public defenders call for additional…
Read More
ICE Agents Wait Outside Courthouses to Detain Undocumented Immigrants and People Are Terrified
ICE Agents Wait Outside Courthouses to Detain Undocumented Immigrants and People Are Terrified Richard Urdaneta Pulido’s papers were scattered across the floor as his girlfriend collapsed, overwhelmed by emotion, yelling his name in desperation. The 25-year-old was surrounded and apprehended by five federal immigration agents immediately after leaving an immigration courtroom in downtown Los Angeles last week. His girlfriend, whose identity remains protected for safety reasons, watched in disbelief as…
Read More
Understanding the California Felony Murder Rule: What Accused Individuals Need to Know
Understanding the California Felony Murder Rule: What Accused Individuals Need to Know The California Felony Murder Rule has long been a source of fear and confusion for those accused of serious crimes. Its implications are significant, often holding individuals accountable for murder even when they didn’t commit the actual act. If you or someone you know is facing charges under this rule, understanding its scope, and possible defenses is crucial.…
Read More
Trump Administration’s New Courthouse Immigration Policy: What You Need to Know
Trump Administration's New Courthouse Immigration Policy: What You Need to Know Recent changes in federal immigration enforcement policy have raised serious concerns about access to justice in California. The Trump administration has lifted the ban on immigration enforcement in courthouses, creating potential risks for undocumented individuals seeking to exercise their legal rights. Here's what you need to know about this critical change. Our skilled criminal defense attorneys at Wallin &…
Read More
Why You Need an Experienced Lawyer in Criminal Trials
Why You Need an Experienced Lawyer in Criminal Trials When it comes to criminal trials, even small mistakes can have long-lasting consequences. One such critical error often occurs during jury selection or in pivotal moments when objections are not raised. That single moment of inaction by a defense attorney can significantly influence the outcome of a case, even leading to the denial of an appeal. This post will unpack a…
Read More
Newport Beach Attorney Sentenced in $8.7 Million Fraud Case: A Stark Reminder of the Stakes in White Collar Crime
Newport Beach Attorney Sentenced in $8.7 Million Fraud Case: A Stark Reminder of the Stakes in White Collar Crime A Newport Beach attorney who used her legal credentials and business connections to orchestrate a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme has been sentenced to federal prison. On May 20, 2024, Sara Jacqueline King, 41, received a 21-month sentence from U.S. District Judge David O. Carter after pleading guilty to wire fraud and money…
Read More
Menendez Brothers Resentencing: How Resentencing Can Get You Out Of Jail Now
Menendez Brothers Resentencing: How Resentencing Can Get You Out Of Jail Now The recent resentencing of Erik and Lyle Menendez this week marks a significant turning point in one of America's most notorious murder cases. After more than three decades behind bars, the brothers have been resentenced to 50 years to life in prison, making them immediately eligible for parole—a dramatic shift from their original sentence of life without the…
Read More