Blog: Criminal Defense

Recalling A Bench Warrant In California: Can A Chronic Illness Explain Missed Court Or Probation Violations?
Jul 27, 2026
Living with a chronic illness can make ordinary responsibilities feel impossible, especially when your symptoms flare without warning. If a bench warrant has already been issued, the most urgent step is usually getting that warrant recalled, and a documented chronic illness can support that request. However, if you missed court, skipped a probation appointment, failed to complete a required program, or violated another condition because of a medical issue, California courts may still treat the...
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AI And Attorney-Client Privilege: What The Heppner Ruling Means If You Talked To ChatGPT About Your Case
Jul 16, 2026
You are worried, you cannot sleep, and at 2 a.m. you open a chatbot and start typing out everything about the criminal accusation hanging over you. Maybe you asked how to explain a bank transfer, how a jury might see your text messages, or flat out how to beat the charge. It felt private, like talking to yourself. Here is the hard truth that too few people understand: when it comes to AI and attorney-client...
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Summer Solstice in LA: The 5 Arrests That Spike Between Memorial Day and Labor Day
Jun 5, 2026
It's 9:47 PM on a Saturday in late June. The Hollywood Bowl is letting out. Sunset Boulevard is bumper to bumper. A backyard party in Sherman Oaks is starting to wobble, a shoving match is brewing at a Venice Beach bar, and somewhere on the 101 a tipsy driver is two miles from a CHP checkpoint they don't see coming. By midnight, three of those people will be in handcuffs. And the calendar barely turned...
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What Reasonable Doubt Means When Forensic Evidence Is Uncertain
Apr 27, 2026
If you or someone you love is facing serious criminal charges in Southern California, a single word in a forensic report can feel like it decides everything. As any experienced Los Angeles This question drew national attention in April 2026, when attorney If you are worried about a charge and unsure what your options are, you do not have to figure it out alone. Call Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney: What Does...
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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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