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Check out our most recent blog posts below!

What is Habeas Corpus?

Posted by Phillip Crawford | Jun 23, 2025 | 0 Comments

Habeas corpus is a legal term that is over 800 years old. It originated with the Magna Carta, considered by many to be the foundation of modern law. A Latin term, “habeas corpus” literally means “that you have the body.” Originally, this right granted the king the power to demand accountability for any subject who was restrained by authorities other than the king. He could demand that those authorities show that they “have the body” and justify the continued imprisonment of the individual.

What is a "Wobbler" Offense in California?

Posted by Julie Crawford | May 29, 2025 | 0 Comments

You may have heard the term “wobbler” used in relation to certain offenses in the state of California. If you have been charged with one of these crimes, understanding what the term means can make it easier to face the legal system. Learn more about wobbler offenses and why you need representation on your side from the start. 

Is Resisting Arrest a Felony in California?

Posted by Julie Crawford | May 14, 2025 | 0 Comments

According to California law (Penal Code Section 148), resisting arrest, as a misdemeanor, occurs when someone willfully resists, delays, or obstructs a police officer or emergency medical technician. If you are convicted of this crime, you will be punished with no more than one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. However, resisting arrest can also be charged as a felony under Penal Code Section 69.  This law makes it a felony to: by means of any threat or violence, deter or prevent an executive officer from performing any duty imposed upon the officer by law, or;  knowingly resist, by use of force or violence, the officer, in the performance of their duty, This offense is punishable by a maximum of three years in prison and a fine of ten-thousand dollars ($10,000).

What is a Fitness Hearing for Juveniles?

Posted by Phillip Crawford | Feb 25, 2025 | 0 Comments

Juvenile delinquency courts typically handle crimes committed by minors, operating separately from adult criminal courts. These courts focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment, aiming to equip young offenders with the education and resources needed to prevent future offenses. However, in cases involving particularly serious crimes, minors may be prosecuted in adult criminal court and subject to the same penalties as adults. To decide whether a juvenile should be transferred to adult court, a judge conducts a “fitness hearing” to assess the appropriateness of such a move.

What is Assault with a Deadly Weapon?

Posted by Phillip Crawford | Dec 28, 2022 | 0 Comments

In California, the crime of Assault With a Deadly Weapon (ADW) is  defined by Penal Code Section 245(a)(1). Typically, this crime is filed as a felony charge, although it is a “wobbler” and can be filed as a misdemeanor as well. In order to prove ADW, the prosecutor has to prove two main componen...

Several Diversion Motions Granted in Monterey County

Posted by Brett Hartmann | Feb 23, 2022 | 0 Comments

As of January 1, 2021, California Penal Code Section 1001.95 allows a judge to grant diversion in most misdemeanor cases. When a criminal defendant is granted diversion, their case is put “on hold” while the defendant complies with terms laid out by the judge; if the defendant complies with the j...

Can My Arrest Record Be Sealed in California?

Posted by Phillip Crawford | Feb 22, 2022 | 0 Comments

When you are arrested for a crime in California, the record of your arrest is public information. This is true even if the prosecutor never files criminal charges or if your case is later dismissed. An arrest can show up on a background check requested by potential employers, schools, landlords, insurance companies, etc.

Diversion Granted on Battery Charge

Posted by Brett Hartmann | Oct 05, 2021 | 0 Comments

A Salinas woman was arrested for Battery and advised by her public defender to plead guilty. Once she hired our firm we moved the court for diversion, which the court granted. Our client will have no criminal record and her arrest record will be sealed.

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