I do not like my public defender or appointed attorney
What must a California criminal defendant show to successfully obtain substitution of appointed counsel under a Marsden motion, and how should such a motion be presented to maximize the likelihood of relief. Short Answer A Marsden motion will be granted only where the defendant makes a specific, factual showing that appointed counsel is providing constitutionally […]
California Supreme Court Limits Arbitration in Nursing Home Wrongful Death Cases
When a loved one passes away in a nursing home, families are often left with more questions than answers. Many discover, sometimes too late, that the facility is trying to force the case into private arbitration instead of allowing a lawsuit in court. A recent California Supreme Court decision places important limits on that practice […]
Clearing Your Record in California: What Expungement Really Does and Who Qualifies
A criminal conviction can follow someone long after a case is over. It can affect job applications, housing opportunities, and even immigration status. California law provides a path forward through expungement, but many people misunderstand what it actually does and who qualifies. Understanding how expungement works is critical for anyone trying to move forward after […]
Conviction Overturned After 32 Years: What Racial Bias Can Mean for a Criminal Case
A California court recently set aside a conviction and death sentence after more than three decades, ordering a new trial for Franklin Lynch. The ruling came after findings that racial bias affected key parts of the original case, including jury selection and statements made during trial. This situation highlights a critical issue in criminal law: […]
When Child Support Is Filed in California but Custody Is Decided Abroad
A recent situation involving Luka Dončić highlights a legal issue that confuses many families: child support and custody are not always decided in the same place. In this matter, a request for child support and legal fees was filed in California, even though the children live in Slovenia with their mother, Anamaria Goltes. One child […]
Ninth Circuit Confirms Federal Gun Ban for Domestic Violence Convictions Still Stands
A recent Ninth Circuit decision makes one thing clear: even after major Supreme Court rulings expanding gun rights, people convicted of domestic violence offenses are still prohibited from owning firearms under federal law. This decision matters because many believed recent Second Amendment cases might open the door to challenging long-standing firearm restrictions. The Ninth Circuit […]
What California’s SPARE Act Means for Service of Process
If you are involved in a case, do not assume service was done correctly just because paperwork says it was. And if you are bringing a case, make sure it is done right the first time.
Britney Spears DUI Arrest Raises Questions About California DUI Law and Criminal Liability
Recent reports that pop star Britney Spears was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in Southern California have renewed public discussion about how DUI cases are handled under California criminal law. While the story has received widespread media attention because of the celebrity involved, the legal issues raised are the same ones faced by thousands […]
Allegations Involving Water Polo Player Luca Cupido Highlight Civil Liability in Cases Involving Minors
Recent reporting has drawn attention to allegations involving water polo player Luca Cupido and a lawsuit that includes claims connected to racial harassment and sexual misconduct. The report also raised allegations that Cupido previously abused a minor before the filing of the racial sexual assault lawsuit. Although the story has received attention because of the […]
When Government Action Separates Families: Legal Issues That Can Affect Children With Disabilities
News stories sometimes highlight situations where government action suddenly separates families. One recent report described a deaf child who had been attending school in California and was removed from the United States with his family during an immigration enforcement action. According to public statements by the family’s attorney and state education officials, the child depended […]