Robert D. Chase, Attorney at Law, Legal Blog
What to do if in possession of a temporary protective order
Someone can request a restraining order if he or she claims there was abuse by someone of a close relationship. If someone has served you with a temporary protective order, also called a restraining order, you may be wondering what your next steps are. The California...
How can an underage DUI affect your life?
Drinking underage can potentially put a person at huge risk for enormous legal penalties. This can include fines and fees, and may even include incarceration or time in jail in some cases. However, there are plenty of repercussions that do not get as much attention....
Does California expunge juvenile records?
There are likely very few adults in California who look back on their younger years without remembering one or two things they regret. Fortunately, most probably will not have to worry about those past regrets (provided they learn from them) impacting them in the...
Detailing California’s self-defense law
It may be easy for many in California to dismiss claims of self-defense due to skepticism. This no doubt comes from the assumption that in any altercation serious enough to produce significant injuries (or even death) to one of the involved parties, both parties were...
How does California define domestic violence?
California takes domestic violence seriously and offers you protection if you become a victim of it. Under California law, however, if someone accuses you of domestic violence, you have the right to due process, meaning you can appear in court and contest the...
California weapons offenses and the potential for long sentences
If you find yourself facing a conviction for a weapons offense, the court will consider many factors in deciding the outcome of your case. Among the penalties that no doubt concern you is the prospect of jail time or a lengthy prison sentence. What can you expect to...
Is consent a defense to statutory rape charges?
Not only does a sexual assault conviction come with serious penalties in California, but it also exposes individuals to extreme social stigma. This stigma may follow you forever, as you may have to register as a sex offender. Still, you may have some valid defenses to...
When does California charge juveniles as adults?
Many juvenile crimes carry lighter sentences than adult offenses, but in some circumstances, minors may still face adult criminal charges – and the penalties associated with them. However, when possible, courts may decide to try to issue lighter sentences to try to...
What do you know about non-physical domestic violence?
While a person may never lay hands on a partner, she or he may still face domestic violence charges. Not all violence involves physical abuse. REACH explores various types of non-physical domestic violence. Understanding different examples of abuse may help accused...
What are the degrees of burglary in California?
In California, burglary refers to the crime of entering a property without permission and with the intent to commit a crime. For sentencing purposes, the California Penal Code lists several types of properties an individual may enter for the purposes of committing...
