×
Go back to Martindale-Avvo ➔

California Criminal Defense Legal Questions

Want a good answer? Ask a thorough question starting with "Who, What, When, How, Will I or Do I".
Then, add details. This will help you get a quicker and better answer.
Question field is required
Explanation field is required
A valid US zip code is required Validating the Zip Code.
Question type field is required
Question type field is required
1
Ask a Question
2
Details
3
Submit
1
Ask a Question
2
Submit
Fullname is required
A valid email address is required.
Receive a follow-up from lawyers after your question is answered
A valid phone number is required
Select the best time for you to receive a follow-up call from a lawyer after your question is answered. (Required field)
to
Invalid Time

*Required fields

Question
Description
By submitting your question, you understand and agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy for use of the site. Do not include any personal information including name, email or other identifying details in your question or question details. An attorney-client relationship is not being established and you are not a prospective client of any attorney who responds to your question. No question, answer, or discussion of any kind facilitated on this site is confidential or legal advice. Questions answered are randomly selected based on general consumer interest and not all are addressed. Questions may display online and be archived by Martindale-Hubbell.
454 legal questions have been posted about criminal law by real users in California. Ask your question and dive into the knowledge of attorneys who handle your issue regularly. Similar topics to explore also include theft, weapons charges, and death penalty. All topics and other states can be accessed in the dropdowns below.
California Criminal Defense Questions & Legal Answers - Page 6
Do you have any California Criminal Defense questions page 6 and need some legal advice or guidance? Ask a Lawyer to get an answer or read through our 454 previously answered California Criminal Defense questions.
Criminal Law
California

Recent Legal Answers

How much time will I be serving for criminal threats and assault with deadly weapon?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
First point, you have the right to remain silent. Only idiots talk to investigators/cops. Remember, no matter what you say it will be twisted around and used against you later. Second, hire a lawyer before you forget the first point!
First point, you have the right to remain silent. Only idiots talk to investigators/cops. Remember, no matter what you say it will be twisted around... Read More

What should I do if I unknowingly put stolen item on my online account?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You have the right to remain silent. Only idiots talk to investigators/cops. Remember, no matter what you say it will be twisted around and used against you later.
You have the right to remain silent. Only idiots talk to investigators/cops. Remember, no matter what you say it will be twisted around and used... Read More

What should be done if I've been arrested for a false report my ex made?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You should hire a lawyer right away. The consequences of a DV conviction is severe, including a life-time ban on gun ownership, requirement to attend a long and expensive 52-week DV course, among other things.
You should hire a lawyer right away. The consequences of a DV conviction is severe, including a life-time ban on gun ownership, requirement to attend... Read More

If somebody has a $15,000 warrant do you have to serve any jail time and how can that be cleared up?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You should hire a lawyer to go to court to recall the warrant. A lawyer can do this without you present if the underlying charge is a misdemeanor, so it is less risky for you.
You should hire a lawyer to go to court to recall the warrant. A lawyer can do this without you present if the underlying charge is a misdemeanor, so... Read More

I stole from a grocery store, what can I do if I'm in jail?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Instead of worrying about the jail time, you need to focus your attention on how you can avoid being convicted. Petty theft is a crime of moral turpitude, and if convicted it will really hurt your school/employment aspirations. You should talk to a lawyer, who may be able to work out a deal with the Judge whereby you can earn yourself a dismissal.... Read More
Instead of worrying about the jail time, you need to focus your attention on how you can avoid being convicted. Petty theft is a crime of moral... Read More

How do I know if I still have the old warrants?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You should hire a lawyer to go to court to check for you and to recall the warrant(s). A lawyer can do this without you present if the underlying charge is a misdemeanor, so it is less risky for you.
You should hire a lawyer to go to court to check for you and to recall the warrant(s). A lawyer can do this without you present if the underlying... Read More

How long does it take for a warrant to be active if I did not show to jail?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
A few hours. You should hire a lawyer to go to court to recall the warrant. A lawyer can do this without you present if the underlying charge is a misdemeanor, so it is less risky for you. Then you can get a new and "safe" surrender date.
A few hours. You should hire a lawyer to go to court to recall the warrant. A lawyer can do this without you present if the underlying charge is a... Read More

I was caught and charged for petty theft, what should I expect?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Petty theft is a crime of moral turpitude, and if convicted it will really hurt your school/employment aspirations. You should talk to a lawyer, who may be able to work out a deal with the Judge whereby you can earn yourself a dismissal.
Petty theft is a crime of moral turpitude, and if convicted it will really hurt your school/employment aspirations. You should talk to a lawyer, who... Read More

What are the penalties that I may be facing for a misdemeanor for petty theft?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Petty theft is a crime of moral turpitude, and if convicted it will really hurt your school/employment aspirations. You should talk to a lawyer, who may be able to work out a deal with the Judge whereby you can earn yourself a dismissal.
Petty theft is a crime of moral turpitude, and if convicted it will really hurt your school/employment aspirations. You should talk to a lawyer, who... Read More

my sister was sentenced to time served (6) months, 3 years formal probation, 2 strikes and a drug/alchol program

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Ronald L. Freeman (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You sister would need to consult with a criminal attorney as soon as possible to deal with the warrant and to help her avoid the probation violation.
You sister would need to consult with a criminal attorney as soon as possible to deal with the warrant and to help her avoid the probation violation.

Mom has felony charge grand theft and battery as well as bringing weapon to court charge

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Ronald L. Freeman (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Your friend's mom is in very serious trouble and could be sent to prison if her case is not handled correctly. She should contact an attorney to discuss her options.
Your friend's mom is in very serious trouble and could be sent to prison if her case is not handled correctly. She should contact an attorney to... Read More

Can I have charges against me if someone has text messages and they are assuming that I sold pills?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You have the right to remain silent. Only idiots talk to investigators/cops. Remember, no matter what you say it will be twisted around and used against you later.
You have the right to remain silent. Only idiots talk to investigators/cops. Remember, no matter what you say it will be twisted around and used... Read More

What can happen if I found someone's credit card and used 125 dollars at a gas station on gas?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You have the right to remain silent. Only idiots talk to investigators/cops. Remember, no matter what you say it will be twisted around and used against you later.
You have the right to remain silent. Only idiots talk to investigators/cops. Remember, no matter what you say it will be twisted around and used... Read More

What is my recourse if someone filed false domestic violence charge against me?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You have the right to remain silent. Only idiots talk to investigators/cops. Remember, no matter what you say it will be twisted around and used against you later. You better hire a lawyer instead of dealing with the police department yourself.
You have the right to remain silent. Only idiots talk to investigators/cops. Remember, no matter what you say it will be twisted around and used... Read More

What can I do so I don't have to go to court if I was caught shoplifting?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   2 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
It's out of your hands at this stage. With that in mind, petty theft is a crime of moral turpitude, and if convicted it will really hurt your school/employment aspirations. You should talk to a lawyer, who may be able to work out a deal with the Judge whereby you can earn yourself a dismissal.... Read More
It's out of your hands at this stage. With that in mind, petty theft is a crime of moral turpitude, and if convicted it will really hurt your... Read More

What will happen to my 15-year old friend if he stole a vehicle and was arrested?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Dan Eugene Chambers (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
He will end up in juvenile court. He may be eligible for 654 supervision under the Welfare and Institutions Code.
He will end up in juvenile court. He may be eligible for 654 supervision under the Welfare and Institutions Code.

How can I reschedule my court date?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
It depends if you have a warrant outstanding. Contact a lawyer to do it for you.
It depends if you have a warrant outstanding. Contact a lawyer to do it for you.

How can I avoid jail for a battery charge?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Instead of worrying about the jail time, you need to focus your attention on how you can avoid being convicted. Time to shop for a lawyer and get this relatively minor charge dismissed.
Instead of worrying about the jail time, you need to focus your attention on how you can avoid being convicted. Time to shop for a lawyer and get... Read More

What’s going to happen? Will shoplifting be permanently on my record?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Don't confuse the civil case between you and the store with the criminal case in court between you and the state. Signing the papers was foolish enough, and paying the civil demand will make you look even more guilty. Petty theft is a crime of moral turpitude, and if convicted it will really hurt your school/employment aspirations. You should talk to a lawyer, who may be able to work out a deal with the Judge whereby you can earn yourself a dismissal.... Read More
Don't confuse the civil case between you and the store with the criminal case in court between you and the state. Signing the papers was foolish... Read More

What do I do if I was told by the police that I have a warrant but I've never been arrested there?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You don't need to have been arrested to have a warrant outstanding. You should hire a lawyer to go to court to recall the warrant. A lawyer can do this without you present if the underlying charge is a misdemeanor, so it is less risky for you.
You don't need to have been arrested to have a warrant outstanding. You should hire a lawyer to go to court to recall the warrant. A lawyer can do... Read More

Do I have to speak to a detective about a crime that doesn't involve me?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
No you don't. You have the right to remain silent. Only idiots talk to investigators/cops. Remember, no matter what you say it will be twisted around and used against you later. You may end up being just the scapegoat they're looking for.
No you don't. You have the right to remain silent. Only idiots talk to investigators/cops. Remember, no matter what you say it will be twisted around... Read More

Why is he still in jail if the DA dropped the charges?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Jared Christian Winter (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
This happens all the time. It?s easier to prove a probation violation than a new charge.
This happens all the time. It?s easier to prove a probation violation than a new charge.

What should I do if I was fired for theft and ex employer now filed a police report?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Jared Christian Winter (Unclaimed Profile)   |   2 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Hire a lawyer.
Hire a lawyer.

What are the consequences for distribution and possession with intent to distribute as a teenager?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Jared Christian Winter (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
The range of possible consequences is too large to give you a decent answer. Consult with a local criminal defense lawyer ASAP. If you can't afford to hire a private lawyer, the public defender will be appointed by the court. Talk to the public defender about this. Good luck.
The range of possible consequences is too large to give you a decent answer. Consult with a local criminal defense lawyer ASAP. If you can't afford... Read More

Is that legal for probation to do informal search and seizure probation?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Jared Christian Winter (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Just because the probation is informal doesn't mean that they don?t have the right to search without a warrant. It depends on the terms and conditions the judge put in place when probation was granted.
Just because the probation is informal doesn't mean that they don?t have the right to search without a warrant. It depends on the terms and... Read More
Criminal Law
California

Helpful Resources