Blog

New Year’s Eve DUI Arrest in Los Angeles: What Happens After Bookings, Breath Tests, and the DMV Hearing?
Dec 29, 2025
The transition from a celebratory New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles to the flashing red and blue lights of a patrol car is a jarring, life-altering experience. One moment you are ringing in the new year with friends in West Hollywood or Century City; the next, you are being asked to step out of your vehicle and perform field sobriety tests on the side of a busy boulevard. In Los Angeles, the period between Christmas...
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Is “Pressing Charges” a Real Thing in California? Understanding the Reality of the Criminal Justice System
Dec 9, 2025
If you have ever watched a police procedural or a legal drama, you have seen the scene: a victim stands in a police station, looks the officer in the eye, and says, “I want to press charges.” Conversely, you may have seen a defendant breathe a sigh of relief because a victim decided they didn't want to press charges, assuming the case would simply vanish. In the real world, specifically within the California criminal justice...
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What Happens If My Spouse Refuses to Testify Against Me in a California Domestic Violence Case?
Nov 26, 2025
Domestic violence cases in California are complicated, emotional, and often misunderstood. One of the most common questions people ask is whether their spouse can refuse to testify against them. Many believe the case will simply disappear if the spouse does not want to participate. Unfortunately, the reality is much more complex. California law gives prosecutors broad authority to move forward even without a spouse’s cooperation, especially in cases involving alleged violence inside the home. If...
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California Hit-and-Run Laws: What’s Behind the Surge (And What Drivers Need to Know)
Nov 17, 2025
Across California, fatal hit-and-run crashes are on the rise. Recent news coverage from FOX26 and FOX2Now highlighted a nationwide study conducted by The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, which analyzed fatal hit-and-run data across the United States. The findings have drawn national attention and for good reason. The findings suggest that while legislative reform and enforcement efforts are crucial, understanding driver psychology plays an equally important role. Fear, confusion, and impulsive reactions often drive individuals...
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Can a California Court Make Pet Visitation Orders If a DVRO Petition Is Denied?
Nov 7, 2025
When domestic violence allegations surface in California, the safety of everyone involved becomes a priority, including family pets. Many people are surprised to learn that California law explicitly recognizes pets as part of domestic violence protection. But what happens if a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) petition is denied? Can the court still make pet-related orders, including visitation or custody arrangements? Here’s what California families and individuals need to know, especially if a denied DVRO...
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California Launches New Pilot Program Allowing Prosecutors to Seek Gun Violence Restraining Orders
Oct 31, 2025
California continues to expand its efforts to prevent gun violence. Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed What Is Assembly Bill 1344? Assembly Bill 1344 (AB 1344) was introduced by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin and sponsored by Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. The bill creates a pilot program in several California counties, including Ventura, Santa Clara, Alameda, and El Dorado, granting district attorneys the authority to seek GVROs directly. Under current California law, only law enforcement...
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Can You Expunge a Felony Conviction in California Without Going to Court Again?
Oct 10, 2025
A felony conviction in California can impact nearly every aspect of your life. From finding a job to applying for housing or professional licensing, your record often follows you long after your sentence ends. The good news is that California law allows many people with felony convictions to seek But one common question we hear at The short answer is: Understanding What Expungement Means in California Expungement is a legal process under...
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Is It a Hit and Run If You Panicked and Left But Reported the Accident Later?
Sep 23, 2025
If you were involved in a crash and left the scene because you panicked, you may now be wondering: Understanding how the law works and what options you have is critical if you are facing this stressful situation. What Counts as a Hit and Run in California? Under Key points include: Stopping at the scene Exchanging information Assisting injured parties Even if you later report the accident, leaving the scene first can still...
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Restraining Orders in Los Angeles: Why Courtroom Balance Shapes Outcomes
Sep 10, 2025
Restraining orders A recent profile of Judge Melanie Ochoa in the Daily Journal brought this reality into focus. The judge’s approach to preparation and balance highlights why judicial temperament is so important in cases where emotions often run high. Recognizing our firm’s prominence in the restraining order court, the Daily Journal reached out to our office for comment. In that feature, senior partner Dawn Dunbar’s reflections on efficiency and patience underscored why these values are...
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Can a First-Time DUI in Los Angeles Still Lead to Jail Time?
Sep 3, 2025
If you’re facing a Understanding the risks and knowing how to protect your rights is essential if you want to minimize the fallout of a DUI arrest in Los Angeles. Why Los Angeles Sees So Many DUI Arrests Los Angeles is one of the busiest cities in the country, and its traffic is notorious. Unfortunately, DUIs are also common here, especially during certain times of year: Holiday weekends such as Memorial Day and Labor...
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