It is fairly easy to correctly conclude that there is an elevated risk of encountering a drunk driver during the holiday season. People are having parties where the alcohol flows freely. Others may be drinking more to cope with the stress of dealing with family. While it is easy to understand why people tend to drink during the holidays, it is much harder to understand why the drunk driver who just hit you thought they could drive in their condition. Everyone knows that it is illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol - or marijuana, or opioid pain medication, or any other intoxicant, legal or otherwise. Yet, the statistics year after year suggest that quite a few people do it anyway, putting everyone around them in danger and causing an unusual number of car accidents. If you were recently injured by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. A Palo Alto, CA, car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the funds you are owed.
Over the last ten years or so, it has become far more common for women to get arrested for domestic violence when the police are called to a dispute. While this is a very good thing for genuine male survivors of intimate partner violence, there is a distinct problem. Many of the women who are accused of domestic assault against a male partner were defending themselves. While there are women who perpetuate violence against men, women are far more likely to be the victim of domestic violence than the offender. When the police arrive, they have no real way of knowing what transpired before they got there. Unless the entire incident was captured on a security camera - which abusers rarely allow in their homes - the police have to guess who was the dominant aggressor. If you have been accused of domestic violence, it is important to contact a Fremont, CA, criminal defense lawyer.
Making mistakes is a normal part of growing up. Most teenagers’ mistakes result in nothing worse or more permanent than an in-school suspension or failing a test. An unlucky few, however, will get arrested for their mistakes. Being charged with a crime can be stressful for anyone of any age. Juveniles may experience a different type of stress. Their future may be riding on the results of the case. Being adjudicated delinquent, even for a minor offense, can prevent a teenager from getting into the college they want to attend. It may even become a barrier for young people who were planning to enlist in the military. If your minor child is facing juvenile criminal charges, the best thing you can do to help them is to immediately contact a qualified criminal defense attorney with experience in juvenile courts. Many juveniles are eligible for some type of diversion program that can prevent their record from following them.
Most people get an adrenaline rush when they are involved in a car accident, even if the accident seems minor. Adrenaline is sometimes called the “fight or flight” chemical. While it can be helpful in certain types of emergencies, it can also make it hard to think clearly. Remembering what steps you need to take immediately after a car accident can be difficult, but it is very important that you do take the right steps. You may wish to refer to this guide while you are navigating the aftermath of an accident. Knowing what to do right away after a car accident can help you in a number of ways, especially if you will need to pursue compensation for medical costs or other losses. It is best to call an attorney as soon as you can do so safely.
Some of the most important things you can do right away after an auto accident include:
Distracted driving has become a major concern on the roads of California and throughout the U.S. With the increasing use of smartphones, drivers are more distracted than ever before. In fact, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. If you have been injured in an accident that you believe was caused by a distracted driver, you can work with an attorney to determine your options for receiving compensation that will address the harm you have suffered.
In recent years, distracted driving has been on the rise due to advancements in technology and other issues that command people’s attention. Smartphones have become an indispensable part of our lives, but they also pose a significant threat when used behind the wheel.
Identity theft is a criminal offense that involves the unauthorized use of someone's personal information for fraudulent purposes. In California, the laws regarding identity theft are stringent, and people who obtain, possess, or use other people’s personal information illegally can face severe penalties. It is important to understand when a person can be charged with identity theft in California and what types of penalties they may face if they are convicted of this crime. When defending against identity theft or fraud charges, it is important to work with an attorney who has experience representing clients in these types of cases.
Identity theft occurs when someone uses another person's personal or financial information without their consent, typically for financial gain or to commit fraudulent activities. The stolen information can include:
A protective order, also known as a restraining order or an order of protection, is a legal document issued by the court to protect people from abuse or harassment. These orders are typically filed in cases involving allegations of domestic violence, stalking, harassment, or other forms of violence or abuse. A protective order can place significant restrictions on a person. They may be accused of violating the terms of the order when engaging in daily activities such as contacting their family members or returning to their home. Violations of protective orders can result in serious criminal charges. In these situations, an experienced attorney can provide guidance on how to defend against these accusations and avoid penalties.
Burglary is a serious crime in the state of California. This offense, which is also known as “breaking and entering,” involves unlawfully entering someone's property with the intent to commit theft or any other felony. If you are charged and convicted of burglary, you may face severe penalties, including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Understanding these penalties is crucial if you are currently facing burglary charges, and by working with an experienced attorney, you can determine your best options for defense.
In California, there are two types of burglary: first-degree burglary and second-degree burglary. The penalties for burglary will depend on factors such as the location of the alleged offense and a person’s criminal history.
Bicycle accidents can result in serious injuries, some even fatal, leaving victims and their families struggling with physical, emotional, and financial hardships. When involved in a bicycle accident, the process of seeking compensation for damages and holding the responsible party accountable can be complex and challenging. One of the most critical elements in building a solid case is gathering evidence.
Collecting and preserving evidence is vital in bicycle accident cases. Evidence may include witness statements, accident scene photos, video footage, and medical records. Timely preservation of evidence can be crucial in proving liability. In a legal case, the strength of your evidence can significantly impact the outcome. The evidence you gather should be relevant, credible, and persuasive and an attorney can help you do this.
The emergence of electric scooters has transformed the urban landscape in California, becoming a popular mode of transportation for many commuters and tourists. However, as their popularity grows, so does the concern over e-scooter accidents and the complexities of determining liability in such cases.
E-scooter accidents often involve shared responsibility between multiple parties. The rider, pedestrians, other motorists, and even e-scooter companies may all play a role in contributing to an accident. Determining each party's level of responsibility is crucial in establishing liability.
Negligence is a central concept in personal injury cases, including e-scooter accidents. The injured party must present evidence that the at-fault party owed a duty of care and breached that duty, causing the accident due to their negligence. An at-fault example would be if a rider fails to follow traffic rules resulting in a collision with a pedestrian. They might then be deemed negligent.