Author Archives: thetorranceattorney

A few years ago California allowed Judges to grant Diversion over the objections of the prosecution on most misdemeanor offenses, this was commonly referred to as Judicial Diversion.  Unfortunately the statute that allowed for this expired.  In 2021 the law has brought … Continue reading →

Anyone who wants one can get a copy of their official criminal history from the State of California. This criminal record is the same record that law enforcement uses and many private and governmental employers. To get a copy of … Continue reading →

In some cases community service may be an option to help resolve a criminal case.  The idea behind this type of disposition is that you perform volunteer work for a charity or non-profit and you are given credit for this … Continue reading →

Catalina Island is part of the Channel Island Chain off the coast of California.  The Island is the most populated of all the islands and boasts a heavy tourist season in the summer months.  Most folks arrive on the island … Continue reading →

California law allows for the discovery of acts of misconduct on the part of police officers in a criminal prosecution.  In order to get information about misconduct from an officer’s personnel file the attorney must file what is called a … Continue reading →

In a Domestic Violence Criminal Case the Court will issue a protective order to keep the peace while the case is pending.  That order can be either a level 1 or a level 2 order.  The level 1 is a … Continue reading →

California law allows a criminal defendant to challenge his or her arrest and any subsequent searches on the ground they were in violation of the person’s 4th Amendment Constitutional rights.  In order to invoke fourth amendment protection the individual must … Continue reading →

  Here is the scenario:  A person is arrested, they are released either on bail or with an O.R. citation and given a future Court date to appear and answer to the charges.  However, the person fails to appear and … Continue reading →

If you were involved in a hit and run there are many things you need to know.  First, the crime of leaving the scene after an accident is defined in California Vehicle Code 20001.  The offense is committed when you … Continue reading →

The answer is yes, in many cases.  Domestic Violence charges are some of the toughest cases to defend because prosecutors are very aggressive in pursuing the allegations.  Most District Attorneys understand that these cases are capable of becoming more serious … Continue reading →