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Hard Times Blog

26
Jan

Smash-and-Grabs Make Headlines & Potential Proposition 47 Updates: What You Need to Know About Petty Theft Laws & Shoplifting

January 26, 2022, , , , , ,
...If you or a loved one has been accused of theft, it is worth knowing how prosecutions of theft (and the more serious charge of robbery) are being viewed in an era of smash-and-grab crime, thus leading to a question of whether there needs to be a specific smash and grab California law...
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12
Jan

A Criminal Charge Doesn’t Make You a Criminal Part II: How to Help You (or Your Loved One) Through Even the Most Serious of Felonies 

January 12, 2022, , , ,
2022 is here — and in its wake — there is a nearly two-year record of skyrocketing depression AND crime rates (a 30%+ increase in homicides, a 42% uptick of domestic violence calls for assistance involving a firearm, and a steep increase in other serious and violent crimes.) Criminality is a SYMPTOM...
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05
Jan

Victims of Crimes Have Legally Protected Rights — Why You Might Need the Support of an Attorney if You’ve Been Harmed By a Crime

January 5, 2022, ,
Often when we think of legal rights, it’s those of a defendant who has been accused of a crime that come to mind. However, every victim in California has clearly defined rights... The law entitles a victim to everything from financial compensation to the right to be reasonably protected from the accused...
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15
Dec

Increased Holiday Crimes & Crime Shifts in 2021: What You Need to Know if You or a Loved One Have Been Charged

December 15, 2021, , , , ,
...1 in 3 Americans has dealt with depression since the early months of the pandemic... a 2015 Oxford University Study [found] that those diagnosed with depression were three times more likely than the general public to commit violent crimes... Add to those statistics the increased pressure, drinking, and heightened emotions of the holidays, and it’s...
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24
Nov

‘Tis The Season for Increased DUIs: From Holiday Checkpoints to Prevention & Defenses

November 24, 2021, , , , ,
...In addition to celebrations, the holidays are the season of DUIs. In fact, during the holidays, drinking jumps 100% percent according to a study held in recent years. Naturally, this correlates heavily with drunk driving-related arrests and fatalities...
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03
Nov

AB 333: Gang Enhancement Charge Reforms Redefine Crimes, Definitions and Prosecution Process

November 3, 2021, , , , ,
Beyond a reasonable doubt. That standard of proof is foundational to a fair trial and conviction in our criminal justice system. Unfortunately, determining a defendant’s gang involvement has often not required that same high standard of proof... Fortunately, AB 333 addresses this disparity by making some important changes...
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20
Oct

SB 81: Increased Guidance and Requirement for Court Dismissal of Certain Enhancements

October 20, 2021, , , , ,
150. That is the number of sentence enhancements you could theoretically face when charged with a crime... Fortunately, Senate Bill 81 addresses the issue of excessive use of enhancements... As a direct result, your case might just have a much better outcome than it would have in the very recent past...
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13
Oct

Senate Bill 73: New Opportunities for Probation and Drug Treatment for a Wider Range of Non-Violent Drug Crimes

October 13, 2021, , , , ,
If you or a loved one were arrested and are facing charges for a drug-related crime, it can be an emotional and nerve-wracking time. Especially if you’ve read that there is no chance for probation and a minimum jail/prison sentence attached if you are found guilty... Fortunately, a new bill has been passed that allows...
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29
Sep

What California’s New Court-Initiated Misdemeanor Diversion Program Means for You

September 29, 2021, , , ,
Whether you or someone you love has been arrested, it can be hard not knowing what will happen next — especially if it’s for the first time. Fortunately [the new Misdemeanor Diversion Program] has changed that answer in a way that may very positively benefit the opportunity for a second chance.
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