Criminal Defense Q&A: Is It Too Late to File a Police Report against My Contractor for Burglary?
A man hires a contractor to remodel his house and then accuses the contractor of stealing his appliances. Is there enough evidence to charge the contractor with burglary? And, if so, is it too late to do so? Question: I had a contractor working in my house in 2016,s and…
Criminal Defense Q&A: Will I Violate My Restraining Order if I Respond to My Ex on Social Media?
Question: Can you violate a restraining order if it’s the victim who contacting you? That person keeps bugging me throughout social media and passing by my apartment. Answer: Ignore the person and, if possible, block the person from your social media account(s). If you are the subject of a restraining order,…
Cars, Youths, and Booze: 3 Common Things (that You’ve Probably Done) that Are Actually Crimes
Growing up you may have done some things that you aren’t necessarily proud of today but which, at the time, were considered a rite of passage. In fact, so common among your own friends were some of the things you did that even today, if you were to see your…
Criminal Defense Q&A: When Can I File a Restraining Order Against Someone?
Question: My ex-husband is hateful toward my boyfriend and me and sends horrid texts and emails. Now, because he is mad he cannot live with me--despite having contributed money for me to move--he has said he made good on threats to write to the agencies I get funding for my…
Criminal Defense Q&A: Can I Get Fired Over a DUI Conviction?
Question: I don't drive a company vehicle and I show up for work when I am supposed to. I got my conviction on my own time. Answer: Most likely, yes. In general, at-will employees can be terminated for any reason. The only exception to this is that employers cannot terminate…
Criminal Defense Q&A: What Is the Punishment for Shoplifting in California?
Question: I have a court date in October for first time theft offense. Amount is $49.99. What are the possible punishments in CA? Answer: First-time shoplifting is a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 6 months' jail, or a fine of up to $1,000, or both jail time and…
