×
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 9
Do you have any California Criminal Defense questions page 9 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

Can I violate my probation with a crime I did before I was in probation?

Answered 8 years and 8 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   2 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Instead of worrying about probation violation (the answer is NO), you need to focus your attention on how you can avoid being convicted. Time to shop for a lawyer.
Instead of worrying about probation violation (the answer is NO), you need to focus your attention on how you can avoid being convicted. Time to shop... Read More

Can I violate my probation with a crime I did before I was in probation?

Answered 8 years and 8 months ago by Dan Eugene Chambers (Unclaimed Profile)   |   2 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
No.
No.

How to get a charge for possession of marijuana removed from my record?

Answered 8 years and 8 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You need to have successfully completed the entire term of probation, have nothing criminal pending, and not be on probation for any other offense(s). Contact a lawyer to file the petition for expungement on your behalf.
You need to have successfully completed the entire term of probation, have nothing criminal pending, and not be on probation for any other... Read More

What's the punishment if I am on probation for DUI and was recently arrested for public intoxication?

Answered 8 years and 8 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You should hire a lawyer and get this relatively minor charge dismissed. By yourself you're going to get a violated, and it isn't worth it.
You should hire a lawyer and get this relatively minor charge dismissed. By yourself you're going to get a violated, and it isn't worth it.

Since he went MIA, am I responsible for anything since I posted his bail?

Answered 8 years and 8 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Yes. They get to keep your bail money (assuming you paid in full).
Yes. They get to keep your bail money (assuming you paid in full).

What does her jail time look like if she falsified checks at her job and cashed $10,000?

Answered 8 years and 8 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Instead of worrying about the jail time, she needs to focus your attention on how she can avoid being convicted. Time to shop for a lawyer.
Instead of worrying about the jail time, she needs to focus your attention on how she can avoid being convicted. Time to shop for a lawyer.

Can I go out of state for a trip if I am on probation?

Answered 8 years and 8 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
If it is informal/summary probation, then yes, no need to ask permission.
If it is informal/summary probation, then yes, no need to ask permission.

What can happen to a Failure to Appear for a misdemeanor violation?

Answered 8 years and 8 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

How can I be charged with petty theft, ordered to appear in court, if I was never arrested, cited, or had police contact?

Answered 8 years and 8 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   2 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
There is no requirement that you be arrested or cited first. 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
There is no requirement that you be arrested or cited first. Petty theft is a crime of moral turpitude, and if convicted it will really hurt your... Read More

How can I be charged with petty theft, ordered to appear in court, if I was never arrested, cited, or had police contact?

Answered 8 years and 8 months ago by Dan Eugene Chambers (Unclaimed Profile)   |   2 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
This is not uncommon. Make sure you show up on the court date. You will be given a copy of the complaint listing the charge and offense date, and the police reports if you represent yourself. You should consider hiring an attorney to assist you.
This is not uncommon. Make sure you show up on the court date. You will be given a copy of the complaint listing the charge and offense date, and... Read More

If I got arrested for grant theft for less than $20,000 from retail store that I working at years ago, what do I do?

Answered 8 years and 8 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Time to shop for a lawyer, preferably before you open your mouth and cop out.
Time to shop for a lawyer, preferably before you open your mouth and cop out.

Is it legal to come arrest someone from another county with a remy and arrest warrant but no charges ever filed?

Answered 8 years and 9 months ago by Jared Christian Winter (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Yes.
Yes.

What is the worst possible outcome and what should I do to avoid such criminal record?

Answered 8 years and 9 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You should hire a lawyer and get this relatively minor charge dismissed. By yourself you're going to get a criminal record, and it isn't worth it.
You should hire a lawyer and get this relatively minor charge dismissed. By yourself you're going to get a criminal record, and it isn't worth it.

P.c. 243 (a) battery What will happen at court if its his first offense?

Answered 8 years and 9 months ago by Ronald L. Freeman (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Your husband should hire an attorney to fight the charges. If your husband does not have a criminal record, and based off of the facts that you posted above he may be able to have have the charges dismissed.
Your husband should hire an attorney to fight the charges. If your husband does not have a criminal record, and based off of the facts that you... Read More

How can I get a copy of case that have been destroyed in a fire and to try the court recorder?

Answered 8 years and 9 months ago by Jared Christian Winter (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
If the case was destroyed in a fire, how could an attorney, or anyone for that matter, help you get a copy of it?
If the case was destroyed in a fire, how could an attorney, or anyone for that matter, help you get a copy of it?

If I direct non-profit supporting sex offenders but don't lend legal advice, I have been accused of a 288.7 offense on a minor, what should I do?

Answered 8 years and 9 months ago by Jared Christian Winter (Unclaimed Profile)   |   2 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Well, that offense is about as serious as they come and carries a sentence of 25 years to life. You should be quiet and get a lawyer immediately. This isn't a situation to turn to the internet for free legal advice.
Well, that offense is about as serious as they come and carries a sentence of 25 years to life. You should be quiet and get a lawyer immediately. ... Read More

How will I know if charges are being filed against me?

Answered 8 years and 9 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   2 Answers   |  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

How will I know if charges are being filed against me?

Answered 8 years and 9 months ago by Jared Christian Winter (Unclaimed Profile)   |   2 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You'll either get a notice in the mail to appear in court or they'll get an arrest warrant and come get you.
You'll either get a notice in the mail to appear in court or they'll get an arrest warrant and come get you.

What's going to happen if I was given a citation for attempted theft?

Answered 8 years and 9 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You should hire a lawyer and get this relatively minor charge dismissed or at least infracted. By yourself you're going to get a criminal record, and it isn't worth it.
You should hire a lawyer and get this relatively minor charge dismissed or at least infracted. By yourself you're going to get a criminal record, and... Read More

If you are a drug abuser and as a result committed crimes that landed 18 years, what can I do to lessen my sentenced?

Answered 8 years and 9 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Hire a good lawyer before you foolishly plead guilty.
Hire a good lawyer before you foolishly plead guilty.

What should I do to clear a warrant issued for failure to appear?

Answered 8 years and 9 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

If I got a ticket of hit and run and now the court asked me for my fingerprints and photo, what will happen next?

Answered 8 years and 9 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
That depends what you do. Time to shop for a lawyer.
That depends what you do. Time to shop for a lawyer.

What should I do and what would I be expecting on a joint suspension on joint suspension?

Answered 8 years and 9 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You should hire a lawyer before you enter more pleas in the future.
You should hire a lawyer before you enter more pleas in the future.

If I was caught shoplifting 3 times and didn't go to court for all of it, I have a warrant for my arrest, what do I need to do?

Answered 8 years and 9 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

Can my boyfriend be charged with robbery for driving a car to the store but he didn't know was in a robbery?

Answered 8 years and 9 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   3 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
His own words may be enough to seal his fate. You might want to remind him about the right to remain silent!
His own words may be enough to seal his fate. You might want to remind him about the right to remain silent!
Criminal Law
California

Helpful Resources