Mitigating circumstances refers to factors or conditions that may reduce the severity of a criminal act. In California law, these circumstances can play a crucial role in the sentencing phase of a criminal trial, potentially leading to a lesser sentence than what...
The path to becoming a U.S. citizen is filled with hopes of great opportunities, but it can also be nerve-wracking. One major hurdle is the naturalization interview and test. While most people pass on their first try, some may not. Are you worried about failing the...
Police officers utilize traffic stops not only for traffic offenses, but all sorts of criminal activities. Traffic stops allow officers to assess the situation, interview drivers and passengers, and to potentially obtain evidence of criminal conduct. Nonetheless,...
If you get pulled over by the police, it’s most likely that the officer is going to come to your window and ask for your license and registration. They may also ask for your proof of insurance. This doesn’t mean you’ve necessarily done anything wrong – other than...
Most of the time, the prosecutor can’t bring a murder charge against a defendant unless there was an element of intent involved in the crime. California law calls this “malice aforethought.” However, like many areas of the law, there are exceptions, and a Watson...
Drivers in California may face drunk driving charges after involvement in collisions or traffic stops. Both those who show diminished driving ability and those who fail chemical tests may end up facing driving under the influence (DUI) charges. Frequently, those...
The police are there to protect the public from crime and enforce the law. For the most part, this is precisely what they do. There may come a time when you have to interact with police officers. This can be a daunting experience, particularly if you haven’t done it...
A provisional unlawful presence waiver is a legal tool that allows certain individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States to apply for a waiver of the unlawful presence bar before they depart the U.S. for consular processing of their immigrant visa...
The journey toward citizenship within the United States can be daunting. A green card, which grants lawful permanent residency, is often the goal for many immigrants. Achieving this milestone requires attention to detail and adherence to the legal process — not every...
Securing a green card takes a considerable effort. So, once you’ve finally got yours, you might be wondering if it is yours for life or if the immigration authorities could take it away from you for any reason. Most people do not lose their green cards, but it is...