CRAWFORD'S BLOGS

Domestic violence remains one of the most complex and emotionally charged areas of criminal law in California. While public awareness has grown and reporting mechanisms have improved, the data over the past decade reveals a nuanced - and sometimes surprising - story. For individuals facing domes...

Being charged with domestic violence in California can be overwhelming, stressful, and life-altering. Whether the allegations stem from a misunderstanding, a heated argument, or false accusations, the consequences of a conviction can be severe - impacting your freedom, reputation, and future. If...

Vehicular manslaughter is one of the most serious charges that can arise from a traffic accident. In the aftermath of a fatal crash, many people understandably ask: Is vehicular manslaughter a felony in California? The short answer is:it depends. Under California law, vehicular manslaughter is ...

If you or a loved one is facing criminal accusations, the legal terminology can feel overwhelming - especially when words like charged and indicted are used interchangeably in the media. While both mean that criminal proceedings are moving forward, they are not the same thing, particularly under ...

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California police officers and prosecutors have a few options for handling domestic violence accusations. They often turn to “domestic battery” as defined in Penal Code § 243(e)(1) due to its breadth. Specifically, this statute can be used whenever the state has evidence of unwanted, intentional ...

Some drunk-driving offenses are misdemeanors, while others are felonies. One of the offenses that straddle the line between a misdemeanor and a felony is a DUI causing an injury. Under California's DUI sentencing statutes, prosecutors must take into account many factors, including the number of p...

California law contains two related but distinct criminal offenses. The terms “burglary” and “robbery” are often used interchangeably, but these crimes have different elements. Moreover, these offenses have a connection to theft, yet another related but distinct crime. Understanding the differen...

After you have been arrested, you will receive a hearing where a judge will inform you of the charges against you. Often, this list will include a charge of resisting arrest. In some jurisdictions, it often feels like almost every arrest results in a charge of resisting arrest.

The differences between specific and general intent can provide a path for a strong defense.  These differences may give you options for discrediting the prosecution’s evidence to secure an acquittal, dismissal, or plea deal.

California's Proposition 21 appeared on the 2000 ballot and went into effect the same year. This proposal was known as the “Juvenile Crime Initiative,” and it made many changes to state law, including increasing punishment for gang-related offenses and violent offenses committed by children under...

When judges make errors, the legal system provides a final extraordinary remedy that can be used to correct situations that otherwise can’t be resolved. This remedy is known as a writ of mandamus.

The juvenile courts were created with the goal of rehabilitation and education rather than punishment. The system is very different from adult court and can raise complex issues.

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.

If your child has been charged with assault in California, they could be facing severe consequences that could impact them for the rest of their life. It’s essential to understand what the charges are and what your child could face so that you can take the necessary legal steps.

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. 

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).

Drug-related offenses are taken very seriously in California, including those involving possession for sale of controlled substances. According to Health and Safety Code (HS) 11351, it's a felony to possess a controlled substance with the intention of selling it.  A conviction for this crime can...

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.

Bail for domestic violence charges in California will vary depending upon which county you were arrested in. Most counties use a bail schedule which sets forth set amounts for each crime.