Hard Times Blog

When new juvenile justice reform laws are passed, such as the slew of them in 2020 and 2021, they often bring with them a sense of hope... The reality is that even after a bill is signed into law, significant work — and even more questions — lie ahead...
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It goes without saying: 2020 was a year of change and challenges. Many of those changes materialized in criminal justice reforms. That is especially true here in California. Several bills were passed in the state Legislature in 2020 affecting the ways in which defendants are prosecuted and sentenced...
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When a juvenile is charged with a felony and they are at least 16-years-old, the DA can file a request to transfer the case to adult court. After a hearing the court can transfer the case and the minor will be treated as an adult. Now, there is an incredible loop hole to fix the...
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man standing on road
Arrested for a DUI? What California’s Ignition Interlock Device Law Means for You You’ve been arrested for a DUI. You feel like your entire life has been turned upside down. How will you tell your family? What about your employer? How will you get to work? While you could be in for a bit of...
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You’ve been charged with a crime you didn’t commit. You can’t wait to clear your name. It’s a ‘My Cousin Vinny’ scenario and it’s a classic movie for a reason. Having a surprise witness clear your name and ultimately hearing ‘not guilty’ in court as declared by 12 of your peers is every innocent person’s...
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Juvenile Delinquency
Approximately 90%. That’s the percentage of juvenile detainees who reported being exposed to at least one traumatic event, called adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). These experiences include abuse, neglect, mental illness, addiction, growing up in a neighborhood marked by poverty, and more. The more trauma they’ve experienced, the higher their risk. Some estimates show that up...
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Someone you love has been accused of a crime. You feel blindsided. They can always count on you but here you are completely unprepared! It makes you feel absolutely helpless. You are not alone. Even children are no stranger to the criminal justice system these days. A recent Rutgers University study revealed that 1 in...
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You’ve been arrested. What if your friends and family find out? You’re worried about being seen as a criminal. You already feel judged. And you’re right because the “Presumption of Innocence” is more of an idea than a reality, according to a Dubin Research and Consulting survey that found 77% of 1,261 jury-eligible citizens believe...
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As a criminal defense attorney, I know that when someone steps into my office it is usually one of the worst moments of their lives. They are confused, vulnerable, and afraid of the worst-case scenario. They have often been unexpectedly arrested or charged and now find themselves trapped in a legal process that can have...
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