Apr

Expungement and Sealing of Felony Records: A Path to Clearing Your Name

A criminal history can hinder your ability to pursue the job of your dreams, rent a decent apartment, and retain custody rights. If you have been found guilty of a felony, the conviction will stay on your record for the rest of your life. You may be discouraged but unaware of how...

07

Apr

How Do the Police Determine if Someone is Impaired?

In a recent year, California had 95,957 DUI arrests, signifying the prevalence of drunk driving across the state. California, along with every state (except Utah), illegalizes the operation of a motor vehicle if a motorist has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0. 08% or great...

07

Apr

Defending Against a Felony Charge: Key Strategies

If you have been accused of a felony, building a strong defense will give you the best chance of avoiding prison. Even though the prosecution is tasked with proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, you must provide evidence negating your liability. Given the complexities of ...

07

Apr

Does California Have Different Types of Felonies?

In California, a felony is a criminal offense punishable by at least one year in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. State law defines over 1,400 types of felonies, though the California Penal Code does not classify felonies by level as other states do. Rather, the state classi...

07

Apr

How Do Child Custody Arrangements Change?

If you reside in California and there has been a substantial change in your living or work situation, or if your child's needs have changed, you may want to modify the terms of your current custody order. A modification request may be made for several reasons, but if you an...

07

Apr

What Happens if I Get a Second Offense DUI?

Drinking and driving is a serious concern in our society, with 13,524 people losing their lives due to alcohol impairment in recent years. The state of California criminalizes operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0. 08% or greater, with commercial ...

07

Apr

Statutory Rape Laws in California

Statutory rape is nonforcible sexual intercourse with a minor, with both persons consenting to the sexual activity. With the state's age of consent being 18 years of age, it is considered statutory rape for an adult to have sex with anyone underage that is not his or her sp...

07

Apr

Are There Caps on Damages in Personal Injury Cases?

Each state has different caps on the amount of money plaintiffs can recover in a lawsuit. In California, while there is no limit on damages in personal injury cases, there is a cap on how much money you can recover in a medical malpractice claim. According to Assembly Bill No. 35...

07

Apr

What is the Maximum Fine for a Felony?

A felony is a serious crime, punishable by more than one year in prison and hefty fines. If you have been charged with a criminal offense in California, you can expect to pay up to $10,000 in fines. Even after serving time and paying your fine, a felony conviction will stay on yo...

07

Apr

How Do I Handle Medical Bills Related to My Injury?

In the aftermath of an accident, it can be hard to know what issues to address first. Between medical expenses, lost wages, and home modifications, accident-related costs may be enough to make your head spin. Thankfully, at Bamieh & De Smeth, PLLC, our Santa Barbara personal ...

07

Apr

What is Probable Cause?

We hear the term “probable cause” frequently, but do you know what it means? Probable cause is a level of certainty that law enforcement must have before arresting someone. Probable cause requires that the police have sufficient evidence to demonstrate that a crime wa...

07

Apr

Steps to Take in the Adoption Process

Bringing another child into your home can be a rewarding experience. While the experience can be gratifying, many prospective parents feel that they are under intense scrutiny by adoption agencies. While understandable, it is important to know that adoption agencies are looking o...

Blog Page 2

Expungement and Sealing of Felony Records: A Path to Clearing Your Name

How Do the Police Determine if Someone is Impaired?

Defending Against a Felony Charge: Key Strategies

Does California Have Different Types of Felonies?

How Do Child Custody Arrangements Change?

What Happens if I Get a Second Offense DUI?

Statutory Rape Laws in California

Are There Caps on Damages in Personal Injury Cases?

What is the Maximum Fine for a Felony?

How Do I Handle Medical Bills Related to My Injury?

What is Probable Cause?

Steps to Take in the Adoption Process

Protecting Your Rights, Securing Your Future