Proven Defense for White-Collar Crimes The concept of white-collar crime dates back to 1939, when Edwin Sutherland – the president of the American Sociological Society – raised concern over law enforcement’s preoccupation with low status, “street crimes” and the relative inattention given to offenses perpetrated by people in occupations of higher status. Martha Stewart and … Read more

Having a criminal conviction on your record can have an adverse effect on your life for years to come, even after you have served your jail sentence, paid the requisite fines and successfully completed probation. A criminal conviction can not only affect your ability to pursue higher education, it can also restrict your civil rights, … Read more

Petition for a Writ of Habeas Corpus A Writ of Habeas Corpus is a formal legal document which orders a detained person to be brought before the court to decide the legality of their incarceration. In these cases, you are able to challenge the legal basis for your detention, the duration of your imprisonment, and … Read more

How to Terminate Your Probation Early If you have exhibited good conduct and reform, a California court may terminate your probation early. Upon termination, you will be discharged of the obligations and restrictions imposed by the terms of your probation. In order to be a good candidate for probation termination, you will need to convincingly … Read more

Changes in California Sex Offender Registration Beginning in 2021, California will replace lifetime sex offender registration with a tiered registration system. Depending on the conviction for which a person was required to register, registrants will be placed into one of three different tiers. Each requires a different length of registration (“Minimum Registration Period” or MRP) … Read more

Can I Change My Probation Terms in California? In California, judges may impose probation sentences in lieu of incarceration. When following the terms of probation, you may be required obey certain conditions, which include remaining within the jurisdiction, reporting to a probation officer, refrain from possessing a firearm, and consuming or possessing alcohol. Under California … Read more

Immigrants Can Withdraw Guilty Pleas California law has provided a crucial right for immigrants facing criminal charges. While most people understand that immigrants can be deported upon conviction, they may not know that after pleading guilty, they will be deported. In California, PC 1016.5 allows immigrants facing this situation to ask the court to withdraw … Read more

How to Apply for a Governor’s Pardon A governor’s pardon recognizes your efforts to return to the status of a law-abiding, productive citizen. It restores some rights of citizenship that were forfeited as a result of conviction. This is the last step in clearing one’s criminal record. While it does not seal or erase your … Read more

How to Apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation In California, a Certificate of Rehabilitation (COR) is a court order declaring that a person convicted of a crime has been fully rehabilitated. This is the second step in clearing a record for people who were convicted of felonies, but have had the case dismissed or expunged. … Read more