2010 July Archive

If you are convicted of a domestic violence crime, the court will issue a criminal protective order. This order will most likely include a no contact order, a no negative contact order, or allow a peaceful exchange of children.

A no contact order is an order preventing the defendant from making any contact with the victim whatsoever. This means the defendant must not talk, call, e-mail, or make any other type of contact with the victim.

A no negative contact order is an order preventing the defendant from making negative contact with the victim. The defendant is allowed to make contact and live with the victim, but is not allowed to annoy, harass, or alarm the victim. A violation of this order will most likely result in the court issuing a no contact order.

A peaceful exchange of children is an exception to a no contact order. The defendant will still be restrained from making any contact with the victim. However, the defendant can make contact with the victim if the defendant is there to pick up their child for child custody and visitation purposes.

The courts are increasingly serving defendants with criminal protective orders at arraignments on domestic violence charges.

If you or a loved one is facing a domestic violence charge, you may be served with a criminal protective order. It is important that you speak with an experienced domestic violence attorney to know what your rights are. At Wallin & Klarich, our Southern California domestic violence attorneys have over 30 years of experience. We will fully inform you of your rights and defend you in the court of law. Call us today at (888) 280-6839 or contact us through our website at www.wklawdomesticviolence.com. We will be there when you call.

Americans love their guns. It is a love affair deep-rooted in the history and culture of this nation. Ever since the first minuteman grabbed his musket from the family mantle, this country has honored and cemented within its constitution the right of the people to own and keep guns. But to state the obvious, guns are inherently dangerous – especially in the hands of those who shouldn’t have them (e.g. ex-felons, the mentally disturbed). Therefore, every state has implemented gun control laws to regulate who can possess a gun and when. California is no exception.

California Penal Code Section 12025 makes it illegal in this state for anyone to be carrying around a concealed gun whether it’s in your pocket or in your car. This statute also makes itself clear that it only applies those “firearms capable of being concealed on the person,” which are limited to small handguns like pistols or revolvers.

If you are convicted of this crime, you stand to face some pretty harsh punishments, which can potentially become more severe if you have any prior felony convictions or a history of drug use. A first-time offense with no priors or enhancements can land you in county jail for up to 1 year and/or a maximum fine of $1,000. However, if you incur any additional conditions or enhancements, you could be subject to a felony conviction that could result in a 3-year sentence in state prison.

If you’re curious and want to learn more, go to www.wklaw.com and read our “Carrying a Concealed Firearm” section. You will find invaluable information about that crime and what you can do when charged with this crime.

The old days of the Wild West, where everyone was a gunslinger, are over. Carrying a concealed firearm is a punishable crime and will bring with it serious penalties. If you stand charged with this crime, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who help you develop your defense strategy. Our attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have over 30 years of experience representing those accused of carrying a concealed firearm. Call us today at 888-749-0034 or visit us online at www.wklaw.com. We will be there when you call.

Colton Harris-Moore, the alleged “barefoot bandit” will appear in court on Thursday, July 22, 2010. The barefoot bandit was nicknamed for allegedly breaking into houses while barefoot. The barefoot bandit became a cult hero on Facebook after it was reported he allegedly a string of crimes including stealing airplanes without any pilot training.

At the initial appearance, Harris-Moore will be arraigned. This means that he will be advised of the charges against him, the possible penalties, and his constitutional rights. If Harris-Moore enters a plea, the judge will set a date for a preliminary hearing.

A preliminary hearing is a right afforded to those charged with a felony. In a preliminary hearing, the prosecutor will subpoena witnesses to testify in court. The prosecutor has the burden to establish that there is reasonable cause to believe a crime was committed and that the defendant committed that crime. The prosecution has the burden of proof to establish there is reasonable cause or reasonable suspicion to believe that the crime charged was committed by the defendant. If probable cause is found, the court can set a date for jury trial.

If you or a loved one is facing a criminal charge, it is likely that you will go through the same process. It is critical that you speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. At Wallin & Klarich, our Southern California criminal defense attorneys have over 30 years of experience in defending the criminally accused. We will guide you through the criminal process and make sure your rights are defended. Call us today at (888) 280-6839 or contact us through our website at www.wklaw-sandiego.com. We will be there when you call.