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Criminal Charges

Getting Arrested In California Without A Warrant
  • By: Donald J. Matson, Esq.

Can You Get Arrested For A Criminal Offense In California Without An Arrest Warrant? An arrest is a seizure; thus, police must have a warrant or some other justified reason to make an arrest. Both the local and state police must respect your right according to the U.S. constitution and abide by California law in making an arrest for a Criminal offense in California. The police can arrest if they have a warrant signed by the magistrate judge. This legal document is only obtainable if the police present enough evidence that you committed the crime. The warrant will be invalid if the police intentionally present false information. In California, the police can arrest you with or without a warrant. If there is an arrest without a warrant, it is most likely for…Read More

California Felony & Misdemeanor Charges
  • By: Donald J. Matson, Esq.

What Makes Misdemeanor Crimes & Felonies Different In California? Like most other American states, California treats a felony crime as significantly more severe in nature than a misdemeanor offense. The penalties associated with a felony charge if prosecutors are successful are typically tougher and last much longer. The most important difference to recognize between a misdemeanor and felony charges is the severity of all associated penalties, as well as the length of incarceration. This is what you should know. Felonies Defined Felony charges generally carry a penalty of more than one year in state prison. It’s normally a violent crime that involves deliberately causing critical bodily injury to someone else. Or, felony charges may be assessed when someone obtains large sums of money illegally. These are a few examples of common felony…Read More

4 Most Common Myths Of Crime TV Shows
  • By: Donald J. Matson, Esq.

What Are The Most Common Myths Of Crime TV Shows? Criminal justice and fictional crime shows are among the most popular series on television. While enjoyable and interesting, these shows aren’t necessarily wholly truthful in their portrayals of how the U.S. criminal justice system works when someone is accused of and tried for a crime. Here’s what you should know about the most common myths of crime TV shows and how a criminal defense lawyer can assist you if you or a loved one have been charged with a criminal offense. The Investigation Moves Quickly Criminal investigators on television have less than one hour to solve a case, so the show’s authors must keep the plotline moving at a reasonable clip. As a result, a few stages of the criminal process condensed.…Read More

What Is The Self-Defense Defense In An Assault Case?
  • By: Donald J. Matson, Esq.

The human body has an instinctual fight or flight response that can occur when a person is in a dangerous or highly stressful situation. In cases where a person feels they are in a life-or-death matter, the desire to survive no matter what is a primitive impulse that can result in behavior abnormal for that person. For example, a non-violent person may use lethal force to protect themselves in a fight. Self defense laws exist for this reason. If you’ve been charged with assault, battery, or another violent crime, you may be able to use a self-defense defense strategy. Here’s what you should know. Do I Have The Right To Defend Myself? Because humans have a natural fight response when faced with danger, people may have the right to defend themselves when…Read More

Assault And Battery 101
  • By: Donald J. Matson, Esq.

California Assault & Battery: What You Need To Know Understanding assault and battery is sometimes difficult. Often, the crimes are charged together. Therefore, many people consider them to be a single crime. The truth is, you can be charged with assault and battery separately. However, battery typically isn’t charged without assault even though the reverse is not always true. Criminal Charges can often be complex but here’s what you need to understand about assault and battery and how you can protect your rights after being charged with this crime. What Is Assault? Assault is defined as the threat of bodily harm, even if no actual bodily harm occurs. However, the threat must be great enough that it’s considered reasonable for the victim to fear for his life or safety. What Is Battery? Battery…Read More

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