Blog: Criminal Defense

What Happens At An Arraignment? Christopher Chaney Breaks Down The Nick Reiner Court Appearance
Mar 5, 2026
Most people only hear the word arraignment when it flashes across a breaking news alert. A defendant appears in court. A plea is entered. The headline moves on. However, if you or someone you care about is facing criminal charges in Criminal defense Let’s break down what an arraignment really is, why it matters, and what typically happens next. What Is An Arraignment?: What Happens During Your First Court Date An arraignment is one...
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California AB 1263: New 2026 Gun Laws and What They Mean for Your Firearm Rights
Jan 14, 2026
As we head into 2026, California continues to lead the nation in tightening firearm regulations. While many gun owners are already familiar with the state’s strict stance on ghost guns and assault weapons, a new law called Assembly Bill 1263 (AB 1263) officially went into effect on January 1, 2026. This isn't just another minor update. At 1. The 10-Year Firearm Ban: Expanding the List of Prohibited Crimes The most significant impact of...
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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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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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Street Takeovers in Los Angeles Highlighted in PSA Warning of Deadly Consequences
Aug 19, 2025
Street takeovers have quickly become the norm in Los Angeles, with participants blocking an intersection to perform donuts and other maneuvers at high speeds. While these may seem harmless compared to other crimes, they can lead to devastating consequences, as was the case with our client, Dante Terrel Chapple-Young. While taking part in a street takeover, Mr. Chapple-Young struck and killed a bystander. He was arrested and charged with Thanks to our creative approach,...
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Can Law Enforcement Seize Your Guns? Understanding Search and Seizure Laws in CA
Jul 18, 2025
If you're a In this blog, we’ll walk you through the circumstances under which police can confiscate firearms, your constitutional protections under the Fourth Amendment, and When Can Police Seize Your Firearms in California? In California, law enforcement may seize firearms under a few specific conditions. These include: 1. Search Warrant or Arrest Warrant If police have a valid warrant that specifies your firearms (or if the weapons are discovered in plain view during...
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What Happens If You're Accused of Selling Guns Without a License in California?
Jul 3, 2025
Selling guns without a license in California is a serious offense that can lead to criminal charges, hefty fines, and even prison time. If you've been accused of this crime, it's critical to understand the charges, the laws that apply, and how a skilled California California takes unlicensed gun sales seriously, and the penalties reflect that. The law is complex, especially when it comes to private sales, inherited firearms, and online transactions. Let’s break...
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Arrested at a Los Angeles Protest? Know Your Rights and Legal Options
Jun 13, 2025
The Los Angeles protests A criminal conviction can upend your entire life. The Legal Right to Protest vs. Grounds for Arrest The First Amendment protects your right to peacefully protest in traditionally public spaces, including streets, parks, sidewalks, and outside of government buildings. The key word, however, is Looting Blocking traffic or access to private property, including government buildings Failing to disperse following an order Resisting arrest Attempting to free someone who had...
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Charged With Petty Theft in California? What Proposition 36 Could Mean For You
May 30, 2025
If you were recently arrested for In this guide, we offer a helpful overview explaining What is Petty Theft in California? Petty theft — also sometimes called retail theft — refers to property or assets Took items without paying for them Concealed merchandise and left the store without paying for them Changed the price tag of an item to pay less for it Did not have permission from the property owner to...
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