Restoring your gun rights after a criminal conviction can be a difficult and complicated task. Owning or possessing a gun is important to many groups of people whether it is for protection, livelihood, or recreational activities such as hunting. California has strict firearm laws and the federal government is even stricter. California gun restrictions Gun …
Posting Bail
The California criminal court system allows bail to be posted, in certain circumstances, if you or a loved one has been arrested and put in jail. Throughout Fresno, especially Downtown, you’ve likely seen bail bonds companies but understanding the process of posting bail may be new to you. Posting bail can help expedite the release …
Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana
Most people would likely associate DUI with alcohol, however, driving under the influence of marijuana is also illegal in California. If you are impaired to the point that you are unable to safely operate your vehicle, you may be cited for DUI in the event you are pulled over by law enforcement. Penalties for driving …
Drug Court Sentencing Alternatives
Drug court sentencing alternatives allow rehabilitation as an alternative to jail time. Those convicted of crimes due to substance abuse may qualify. The court has the power to determine which defendants it will accept for treatment programs as an alternative to incarceration. Typically, the court will review such factors as the defendants’ history and criminal …
Florida v. Jardines
What is Florida v. Jardines? Florida v. Jardines is a decision by the United States Supreme Court holding that the use by police of a trained detection dog to sniff for narcotics on the front porch of a private home is a “search” within the meaning of the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, …
Fresno Defense Attorneys: DA’s Clogging Courts
Two Fresno defense attorneys complain that the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office is clogging the court system by filing cases it can’t win. Franz Criego, one of the attorneys raising the charge, pointed to the dismissal he won Friday for a client who faced a misdemeanor parole violation charge. For Criego, it was the 17th …
Court Backlog Blamed on Fresno DA’s Office
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Fresno County defense attorneys are blaming the district attorney’s office for a backlog of court cases. They say bad judgment is clogging the process of justice, wasting time and money, and ruining lives. We’ve talked about the court backlog before. Trials and preliminary hearings are frequently postponed because of a lack …
Identity Theft and Tax Refund Scams
This tax season federal authorities are warning taxpayers of potential identity theft and tax refund scams that lead to your personal information being stolen. One such tax refund scam being reported is someone phoning the intended victim claiming to be a representative of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). During the call the thief informs the …
Marijuana Possession
Under California law unlawful marijuana possession can subject an individual to criminal penalties. However, since the enactment of the Compassionate Use Act, the California Supreme Court has held that the possession of marijuana is no more criminal—so long as its conditions are satisfied—than the possession and acquisition of any prescription drug with a physician’s recommendation. …
Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana has been a controversial topic in California, and across the country, for quite some time. The subject of legalizing marijuana has led to discussions about decriminalization, regulation, and taxation. California voters have indicated that they strongly support the existence of medical marijuana dispensaries and would like the federal government to stop targeting these …