On April 30, 2026, the California Supreme Court issued its unanimous opinion in In re Kowalczyk, S277910, resolving foundational questions about pretrial bail that have divided California courts since In…
California’s evolving approach to criminal justice has created a powerful, and still underutilized, pathway for defendants whose alleged conduct is inseparable from underlying mental health conditions. For professionals and individuals…
In California, a criminal case rarely ends at sentencing for licensed healthcare professionals such as physicians and nurses. Instead, it often triggers a parallel regulatory and administrative process that can…
If you were arrested in California but never convicted, that arrest can still show up on background checks — costing you jobs, housing, and other prospects. California Penal Code §…
For many people convicted of a felony in California, the end of probation should not be the end of the story. California law allows certain felony convictions to be reduced…
After an arraignment where an accused enters a plea of not guilty, the next critical phase of a felony case is the preliminary hearing. This hearing determines whether the prosecution…
Arraignment and bail are often the first critical moments in a criminal case. These early hearings can determine whether a person goes home or remains in custody, whether the case…
As state prosecutors continue to heavily investigate criminal violations involving fraud, embezzlement, and related financial schemes in California, the government is equipped with a powerful tool under Penal Code §…
The threat of criminal charges can feel overwhelming. The good news is that, in California, you may have options beyond conviction, fines, and potential jail time. California offers several diversion…
If you or someone you know has been accused of a crime, particularly for a first-time or low-level offense, it is crucial to be aware that California offers various pathways…