Now that marijuana is legal for recreational use in the Golden State, you may assume you are safe to drive after you smoke. However, driving under the influence of cannabis can be dangerous and result in criminal charges.
2 common misconceptions about Miranda rights
If you are facing a criminal charge in California and the law enforcement officer who arrested you failed to read you your Miranda rights, you may have begun celebrating, thinking this means you will not receive a conviction relating to your charge. Regrettably, however, real-life court proceedings do not always happen the way they do on TV, and many people do not fully understand what Miranda rights mean and how they work.
The importance of hiring an attorney who gives you credibility
There are many reasons to hire an attorney rather than representing yourself or going with a public defender. With regard to public defenders, they juggle a high volume of cases and may not have the time to give your case the attention it deserves. They might also not be as knowledgeable as you would like about your specific charge. As for representing yourself, the average defendant lacks legal skills and the knowledge of deadlines. Even if you have legal savvy, you might be too close to the case to determine fruitful approaches.
Why you should consider a bench trial instead of a jury trial
When facing charges for a criminal offense in the Van Nuys area, you might not realize the importance of the decisions you have to make. One decision involves having a jury trial or a bench trial. Though the law entitles you to a fair trial by a jury of your peers, it might be in your best interest to say no and ask for a bench trial.
3 downsides of going to trial with your case
Many people facing criminal charges mistakenly assume that a prosecutor will not have any interest in taking the case to trial. Unfortunately, this is often not the case, and even small cases are often brought to trial rather than dismissed or offered plea bargains. If you want to get your life back on track, it is sometimes advantageous to avoid a trial, and consulting with a legal representative may be the best way to do so.
Understanding the difference between detention and an arrest
If you are facing criminal charges, the situation likely began with an interaction with law enforcement. Perhaps they started with a few questions or perhaps you immediately found yourself in handcuffs. If there was any ambiguity, it might be unclear whether you were arrested or simply in detention. It is worth noting that while the former may remain on public record, the latter is an informal interaction.
How marijuana DUI works in California
Despite the legalization of marijuana use in California, the law still prohibits driving while impaired by marijuana use. California's Vehicle Code includes marijuana among the substances that can cause impairment and make it illegal to drive.
How police officers may lie to suspects
When police officers arrest a suspect and begin questioning, their goal is to get a confession. While any statements must be voluntary, the law allows police officers to use a variety of tactics to elicit them.
Why a big price tag does not guarantee the best defense
Everybody makes mistakes, and if yours resulted in criminal charges, you might be wondering what to do next. Whether this is your first charge or fifth and whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony, you should invest in the best representation available for your defense.
