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Hit-and-Run DUI (California): Penalties, Charges, and Laws

Author: Mariya Melkonyan | Published: November 13, 2023 | Category: DUI, California

Hit-and-run DUI charges are some of the most complex in California because they involve two separate offenses. So much so that penalties can range from small fines to life in prison, depending on the severity of the incident and other aggravating factors. Here, you’ll learn all you need to know about hit-and-run DUI (California) cases,…

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What Happens at a Restraining Order Hearing in California?

Author: Mariya Melkonyan | Published: November 8, 2023 | Category: California

Under California’s Code of Civil Procedure, restraining orders protect people against harassment, abuse, stalking, or violent threats. To obtain a restraining order, the person filing it must have firm evidence and testimonies to prove the need for legal protection from the court system. Here, we’ll go over what happens at a restraining order hearing in…

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4 Steps to Expunge Your Criminal Records under California Penal Code 1203.4

Author: Mariya Melkonyan | Published: October 3, 2023 | Category: California

Californians living with a criminal record face over 5,000 legal restrictions. Worse yet, 3,650 of those limitations are permanent. Consequently, 4 in 5 former convicts face barriers to accessing jobs, housing, education, financial services, adopting or fostering children, and more. California Penal Code 1203.4 allows eligible individuals to expunge their records, removing barriers to stable housing and…

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California SB 731 Explained: How to Seal Your Criminal Records

Author: Mariya Melkonyan | Published: September 5, 2023 | Category: California

80% of people with a past conviction experience barriers to job opportunities, housing, education, financial services, adopting or fostering children, and more. In fact, Californians living with a criminal record face over 5,000 legal restrictions — many of which are employment-related, and 73% are permanent. California SB 731 is a transformative bill designed to automatically…

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California Child Abuse Charges, Consequences & Defense Strategies

Author: Mariya Melkonyan | Published: July 5, 2023 | Category: California

If convicted, your sentence could range from a hefty fine for a misdemeanor to six years in state prison for a felony. But you could even get 25-years-to-life if you have prior convictions. To make matters worse, the California child abuse laws are incredibly complex and hard to navigate. That’s why we decided to put…

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Understanding Degrees of Homicide: California Laws, Punishments, and Defenses

Author: Mariya Melkonyan | Published: May 22, 2023 | Category: California

Degrees of Homicide in California Homicide is the act of taking another person’s life. It’s one of the most serious crimes under California law. In this article, we’ll delve into all three degrees of homicide under California law, the punishments for each, and possible defenses that an expert defense attorney can use. Most people think…

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California Laws on Felony Plea Bargaining and What You Need To Know

Author: Mariya Melkonyan | Published: May 11, 2023 | Category: California

California Laws on Felony Plea Bargaining and What You Need To Know A felony plea bargain is an agreement that allows you to plead guilty in exchange for a less severe charge or a lighter sentence. When facing criminal charges in California, you can either take a plea bargain or go to trial. Before making…

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    During your free initial consultation, your attorney will discuss the facts of your case, getting a clear overview of your situation. Your attorney will then explain the process, letting you know what will be expected of you and the support and services they will offer.

    Your attorney will then guide you on how to proceed and begin collecting potential witness details to support your case and evidence for preservation, proper representation, and preparation. Finally, we will explain our fees, take you through our retainer form, and answer any queries you have.

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    There is no one-size-fits-all cost for an attorney to defend your criminal case. The fee depends on the charges against you and the details of your specific case. As a rule, open misdemeanor cases tend to be charged at a lower fee than open felony cases. Post-conviction legal services, such as expungement of criminal records, are usually even less expensive.

    The final fee depends on the complexity of your case. During your consultation, the attorney will discuss the fees with you. The more details you can give about your case, the more accurate expectations your attorney can set. Contact Mariya today for a no-obligation case review.