Robert D. Chase, Attorney at Law, Legal Blog
Juvenile interrogation: Are parents required to be present?
When a juvenile is a suspect in a crime in California, parents and legal guardians may wonder if the police can question their child without their presence. The laws around juvenile interrogations are complex, and it is essential to understand the rights and...
Are there any defenses to CSAM charges?
As you undoubtedly know, possessing child sexual abuse material is one of the more serious criminal offenses anyone can commit. Indeed, according to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, 99.1% of CSAM convicts end up serving prison time. Moreover, the average prison...
Is it a crime to drop a baby?
Being a parent is one of the more fulfilling things you are likely ever to do in your life. Still, as the saying goes, kids do not come with an instruction manual. As a result, it is perfectly normal to feel unprepared to handle a new baby. Babies are both small and...
Can cyberbullying be a crime?
As a parent, you probably have some well-founded concerns about your children's access to the internet. After all, there is a great deal of bad stuff online. The popularity of social media also allows your kids to connect with virtually anyone. Cyberbullying is a...
What should you know about temporary protective orders?
If someone close to you has accused you of domestic violence, it is possible for them to serve you a temporary protective order, also called a restraining order. This order stays in place until a hearing which will determine the validity of the claim. It is important...
The implications of invasive recording charges in family disputes
Petty grievances, resentment or a desire for revenge can lead to accusations of abuse in a family. Unsubstantiated claims may arise during divorce proceedings or other legal disputes among relatives. One disturbing accusation is the secret recording of a person for...
What are the leading contributors to juvenile delinquency?
Criminal activity among youths is a concern for everyone. Parents, teachers and other mentors seek ways to minimize the potential for young ones to find their way into trouble. The following conditions can leave fertile ground for minors to turn to crime and are...
What is DARVO?
Discussions about domestic violence often include the term DARVO. It is an acronym that describes the response of those who have genuinely engaged in abusive behavior to allegations of such. Though intended as a purely descriptive term, DARVO has implications for men...
Common defenses against shaken baby syndrome
A childcare provider may face accusations of causing shaken baby syndrome. Defendants in such cases rightly wonder about how common the condition is and the true potential for harm. Recent studies have led to various individuals receiving a release from prison over...
A review of changes to California rape laws
A bill changing California rape laws in 2021 eliminated an exception for married people. This changed certain criminal defense strategies. However, this bill — like many successful legislative efforts — had been in development for some time. Defense attorneys...
