Catalina Courthouse is Open for Operations

The Catalina Courthouse (City of Avalon, Los Angeles County) is open and hearing cases again after a months-long COVID closure.  

Before the shutdown, the tiny courthouse had been open on alternating Fridays.  Due to the backlog of pressing matters, though, the court will temporarily operate on a weekly basis as the staff works to catch up.  

It's been a slow summer for tourism on the island as bars were closed, cruises were cancelled and the ferries reduced services.  Crowds are finally starting to return as the weather heats up and the tuna make their way into warmer waters.  

The surging crowds have brought a surge in misdemeanor arrests and citations over the past couple weeks.  After a quiet summer, the Sheriff reports a recent spike in reports of domestic violence, "drunk in public", possession of controlled substances, disturbing the peace, driving under the influence (DUI) and assault / battery.  

The City Council of Avalon also recently approved a $100 fine for failure to wear a mask over the mouth and nose in places where individuals are likely to be in close contact with others.  

If you've been arrested or cited while visiting Catalina Island, a private attorney (like myself) can make all of your court appearances so that you don't have to.  In most cases, you are not required to personally attend each court hearing if you are represented by private counsel.  Fighting a misdemeanor charge usually necessitates several appearances and the cost of traveling back and forth to and from the island can be prohibitive for most people.  Don't make a series of trips if you don't have to.  Let an experienced professional collect the evidence, argue with the prosecutor and negotiate a fair deal on your behalf.  

Our office defends more cases on Catalina Island every year than any other private law firm.  We know the players and we know how the game is played in Avalon.  We have extensive experience defending against all types of charges that commonly arise on the island, from alcohol-related offenses to violent matters and even fishing violations.  

If you or a loved one was cited or arrested while visiting Catalina Island, call us for a free attorney consultation.  (714) 449-3335.  Ask for John.  

Thanks for reading.  

Can Fish & Game Wardens Search Me Without a Warrant?

I get a lot of questions about Fish & Game wardens.  If you've ever dealt with officers from the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, you probably know that these guys can be nosy.  They like to board boats and search coolers.  Maybe they've knocked on your door and asked to examine the carcass or antlers of a deer you recently shot.  Sometimes, these compliance checks feel a little intrusive and intimidating.  Today's post is specifically about the special rules that apply in "administrative searches" conducted by Fish & Game wardens. 

First, though, I should acknowledge that the California Department of Fish & Game recently changed their official name to the "Department of Fish & Wildlife".  The change reflects the fact that their agency is responsible for enforcing regulations regarding a variety of wildlife, including animals that are classified as "non-game" species.  "Fish & Wildlife" just makes more sense.  Some of us are still stuck in the habit of using the old name, though.  I understand that the agency is called the "DFW", but old habits are hard to break. 

The 4th Amendment to the US Constitution assures the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.  It does not define the word, "unreasonable", though.  Courts have ruled that the reasonableness of a search depends on the specific circumstances.  To determine whether or not a search is unduly intrusive, judges balance the interests of the government on one hand, against the individual's interest in privacy on the other.  That includes taking into consideration the place searched and the individual's expectation of privacy in that place.

For example, individuals have a high expectation of privacy in their own homes.  Consequently, police cannot (usually) barge into a private house and demand to search the place unless they have a warrant, signed by a judge.  People have a lower expectation of privacy in their cars, though.  Since cars are already subject to heavy state regulations, courts are more likely to approve of warrantless vehicle searches, because the state vs. privacy balance often tips in favor of the police. 

When someone voluntarily engages in any activity that is highly regulated by the state (like driving a car, fishing or hunting), they also voluntarily agree to comply with all the relevant laws and regulations.  Courts have consistently found that fishers and hunters have a lower expectation of privacy because they choose to participate in a sport that comes with a lot of rules.  At the same time, the state has a high interest in performing inspections of anyone who fishes or hunts.  Of course, all this means that DFW wardens generally have wide latitude to conduct "administrative searches" of anyone who fishes or hunts in the state. 

If there was still any question, section 1006 of the California Fish & Game Code explicitly states that the department may inspect "All boats, markets, stores and other buildings, except dwellings, and all receptacles, except the clothing actually worn by a person at the time of inspection, where birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, or amphibia may be stored, placed, or held for sale or storage," as well as, "All boxes and packages containing birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, or amphibia which are held for transportation by any common carrier."  Section 2012 of the code also specifically says that any hunting or fishing gear must be presented for inspection upon demand of any DFW warden.

Those laws give Fish & Game wardens virtually unlimited power to search or inspect anything used to hunt, fish, or to store meat.  The only exceptions are "dwellings" and the clothing actually worn by the subject at the time of the search.  Wardens can knock on your door and demand to search your truck and any outbuildings on your property (detached garages, sheds, barns, etc.).  They can demand to inspect your rifles and anything else that they're curious about, but you do not have to let them into your house.   

Even though wardens may generally conduct administrative searches without any warrant or probable cause, courts have also ruled that searches must be conducted in a "reasonable" manner.  Again, that word isn't clearly defined, but judges have thrown out cases when wardens used excessive force, for example.  

If you or a loved one has questions about dealing with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, call us for a free attorney consultation.  (714) 449-3335.  Ask for John.  

Thanks for reading.  

Arrested in Catalina: What to Do Now

Cops on Catalina don't mess around.  If you're reading this, you probably learned that the hard way.

Every summer, hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to Catalina to enjoy everything the island has to offer.  For many, that includes alcohol.  For some, that also includes a night at the Avalon Sheriff's Station.  If you were cited or arrested while visiting Catalina Island, this blog is for you.

Our office defends more cases on Catalina every year than any other private attorney or law firm.  Only the Public Defender handles more Catalina cases than us.

Catalina court is it's own world, too.  Most visiting attorneys are shocked by how "differently" things are done there.  Among other peculiarities, the building is only open on alternating Fridays.  If you show up on a Thursday, the doors will be locked.  Plus, no case files are kept on site -- they're stored in Long Beach.  That means the judge probably can't accommodate you if you show up unexpectedly when your case is not scheduled to be heard on the day's calendar.  Adding a case onto the court's calendar (to recall a warrant or to request an extension, etc.) can be an ordeal in itself.

The court staff, including judge, prosecutor, recorder and clerk fly out by helicopter from San Pedro for each appearance.  The bailiff, defense attorneys and most of the defendants travel by boat from Long Beach.  Any sort of inclement weather on either side of the channel can completely foul up everything.  Sometimes, the helicopters are flying but the boats aren't running, so the court staff shows up but none of the defendants appear.  Sometimes the opposite happens and the judge calls in over the phone.  Either way, it doesn't take much to gum up the works.

Despite what the deputy or game warden told you, your case will not be heard in Long Beach.  All misdemeanors and infractions arising in and around Catalina are prosecuted on the island.  Felonies are filed in Long Beach, though.  The most commonly charged crimes on the island are probably drunk in public, DUI, various fishing violations, possession / under the influence of a controlled substance, assault / battery, domestic violence, fighting and shoplifting.  As I've previously written on this blog, you can be arrested for DUI on a golf cart.

Another unusual thing about the Catalina Courthouse is their general hostility toward alcohol-related offenses.  Every court in every county has its own priorities (as determined by the elected District Attorney for his own political reasons).  Some courts are lenient with firearms but harsh on domestic violence, for instance.  The Catalina court is exceedingly harsh on offenses like "drunk in public".  In most parts of California, a 647(f) arrest means a night in jail and a stern warning.  In Catalina, the DA's standard offer for a 1st-time drunk in public charge includes probation, community service, AA meetings, and fines.  Jail is even on the table for repeat offenders and exceptional cases.

About half of the defendants in Catalina court are there for some fishing-related offense.  Fishing inside a protected area is a big one, along with a million other ticky tacky minor infractions -- some of which carry disproportionate fines.  The minimum fine for an abalone violation, for instance, is over $60,000.

The good news in all this is that, for most misdemeanor cases in California, you do not need to personally appear in court.  A private attorney like myself can appear in your place for most hearings.  I can save you the time and expense of traveling all the way back to Catalina for a series of routine appearances.

If you or a loved one has been cited or arrested while visiting Catalina, call our office for a free attorney consultation.  Ask for John.  (714) 449-3335.

Catalina Island Lawyer

Arrested in Catalina -- What to Expect

If you found this blog, you're probably one of the hundreds of tourists every year who "have too much fun" while visiting Catalina Island.  Hopefully, I can answer some of your questions and give you a better idea of what to expect.

The most commonly-charged offenses on the island include drunk in public, DUI, domestic violence, possession of drugs, assault / battery and fishing violations.

Alcohol-Related Violations

Alcohol-related offenses are treated especially harshly in Avalon.  Local police and prosecutors have really made a concerted effort to maintain their "family friendly" reputation, and they've decided that this includes bringing down the hammer on alcohol offenders.

In most California courts, an arrest for being "drunk in public" means a night in jail and a stern warning.  In Catalina, though, you're looking at probation, CalTrans labor or some other community service, fines, mandatory alcohol counseling or AA meetings, and whatever onerous terms they can think to impose.

And remember, golf carts are considered "vehicles" under California law.  If you drink alcohol or consume drugs before operating an electric cart, you can be arrested for DUI.  These types of cases are common on the island.

Fishing Violations

Fishing laws are also a minefield for visitors.  Catalina Island is surrounded by a checkerboard of "marine life protected areas".  These sanctuaries are not marked and wardens do not issue warnings.  If you drift across the imaginary line into one of the protected areas, agents from the Dept of Fish & Wildlife will issue citations.  They will board your boat and search your cooler for contraband species and undersized fish.  You will be criminally prosecuted for every ticky tacky offense that they uncover, regardless of whether or not you knew that you were breaking the rules.
Possession of unidentifiable fish fillets are a big violation that snares a lot well-meaning anglers.  If you clean your fish at sea, remember to leave a 1" square of skin attached so that wardens can identify the species.

Possession of abalone can also be a major headache for divers around Catalina.  The minimum fine for possession of a single abalone is $10,000.  Once all the mandatory fees and court costs are included, the minimum fine jumps to over $60,000 for a first offense.  That's the MINIMUM.  Luckily, we have some tricks for negotiating these cases down to less than the minimum in most cases.

Logistics

The tiny courthouse on Catalina Island is open every other Friday, weather permitting.  Most of the week, the building is dark and empty.  They do not store any files on site.  If you appear in court on a date when they were not expecting you, they will not be able to help you.

To schedule a court appearance, you (or your attorney) must appear at the courthouse in Long Beach and coordinate with the clerks and prosecutors there to add your case onto the Catalina calendar for a date that is convenient for all parties.  Failure to follow all the appropriate steps will result in a wasted trip.

To make matters even more frustrating, cases on Catalina are often delayed or filed sometime after the date listed on your citation.  When that happens, you might spend the time and money to travel all the way back to Catalina, only to find out that your case has been rescheduled for next month.  Your case will not simply be dismissed.

If you've been cited or arrested while visiting Catalina Island, a private attorney (such as myself) can attend your court hearings without you being personally present in most cases.  There's no sense in traveling all the way back to the island for a series of routine appearances.  Let me save you the time, expense and hassle by appearing for you.  I can receive copies of police reports, negotiate with the DA and work to secure the best outcome possible for your case.

If you or a loved one was cited or arrested on Catalina Island, call us for a free attorney consultation.  (714) 449-3335.  Ask for John.

Thanks for reading.

Catalina Island Lawyer

Drunk In Public on Catalina Island -- What to Expect

In the 9 years that I've been serving clients in the Catalina Courthouse, I have watched the island turn into a hot spot for Drunk in Public enforcement.

Not long ago, local sheriffs would regularly escort drunken tourists back to their hotels.  If an inebriated visitor couldn't remember where he was staying, or if he didn't have accommodations for the night, deputies would even him help book a room.  It took effort to get arrested for PC 647(f) in Avalon.

In the rare case where someone was actually cited and booked for being dangerously drunk, the prosecutor was generous with a plea offer when the case got to court.  A typical deal used to include reducing the misdemeanor charge to an infraction, paying a small fine, and promising not to do it again.

Times have changed, though.  A new crop of deputy sheriffs and prosecutors on the island have recently adopted a zero-tolerance, no-holds-barred approach to disorderly conduct in Avalon.  Today, the Catalina Court imposes some of the harshest penalties in the state for alcohol-related offenses.  Standard offers now include probation, hefty fines, mandatory attendance at AA meetings and significant amounts of community service or hard labor (not to mention, a misdemeanor conviction on your criminal record).  This doesn't mean that the DA always gets what they want, but you and your attorney should be prepared for a fight.

Lawyers from outside of the area may be shocked when they appear in court on the island for the first time.  In most courthouses, "drunk in public" is considered a very petty crime.  Prosecutors in downtown LA, for instance, have bigger fish to fry.  They cannot afford to dedicate significant resources to throw the book at some tourist who got caught staggering back to his hotel.  Catalina takes these cases seriously, though.  You should, too.

Section 647 of the California Penal Code governs a variety of bad behaviors that collectively fall under the umbrella of "disorderly conduct".  Subsection (f) specifically prohibits public drunkenness.  PC 647(f) is a misdemeanor, meaning that the maximum penalty includes 6 months in jail and a base fine of $1,000.00.  After all the mandatory fees and court costs are tallied, the total maximum fine is about $5,000.00.

To be convicted of PC 647(f), the prosecutor must prove 3 elements:

1. That the defendant was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, AND
2. That the defendant was in a public place, AND
3. That the defendant was unable to care for his own safety or the safety of others, OR that the defendant interfered with a sidewalk or public walkway

Each of these elements is subject to some argument and interpretation.  How drunk does someone have to be before he is considered "under the influence"?  What if the person had been "dosed" or was involuntarily impaired?  What counts as a "public place"? etc.  These cases can be more complicated than they appear.  

Of course, the defense in your case will depend on the specific facts and circumstances surrounding your arrest.  Why were deputies summoned in the first place?  Did some witness(es) complain about your behavior?  Was the arrest recorded in any way (audio or video)?  Did the arresting officers conduct any sort of chemical test (e.g. a breathalyzer, etc.)?  Were you cooperative or belligerent?  Do you have a history of alcohol-related arrests?  Do the "interests of justice" dictate that you be harshly punished or that you deserve some lenience?  

Our office defends more cases on Catalina Island every year than any other private attorney in the State of California.  We have extensive experience in fighting against Drunk in Public charges, as well as all other misdemeanors that arise in and around Avalon.  In most cases, we can appear in court on your behalf so that you don't need to worry about traveling all the way back to Catalina for a series of court appearances. 

If you or a loved one have been cited or arrested while visiting Catalina, call us for a free attorney consultation.  (714) 449-3335.  Ask for John.  

  

Catalina Island Lawyer

Can I Get a DUI on a Golf Cart in California?

Section 23152 of the California Vehicle Code prohibits anyone from operating a "vehicle" while impaired by drugs and / or alcohol.  Under the law, "vehicle" is not limited to "gas-powered vehicle" or "automobile" -- the law just says "vehicle".  Courts have determined that this includes any motorized vehicle, including golf carts.

Section 23152 of the Vehicle Code applies everywhere within the state of California, even on private property and off of public roads.  You can be arrested for DUI in a dune buggy in the middle of the desert, or in a golf cart on a private golf course.

There's an important distinction when it comes to bicycles, though.  Bicycles are not "vehicles" for the purposes of VC 23152.  Instead, pedal-driven (non-motorized) bicycles are governed by VC 21200.5.  That code section says that it is illegal to ride a bicycle while "impaired" by drugs and / or alcohol.  The 0.08% BAC limit does not apply on bicycles.  Rather than proving your specific blood-alcohol concentration, the DA must prove that you were dangerously drunk or impaired by drugs.  If you are arrested on suspicion of cycling under the influence, you may demand a breath or blood test, but you are not required to provide one.  VC 21200.5 only applies on public roads -- it is not illegal to get inebriated and ride a bike on private property in California.  A conviction for "Cycling Under the Influence" carries much lower penalties than a DUI in a motor vehicle.

Mopeds and electric bicycles get even more confusing.  Whether they're powered by gas or electric motors, motorized bicycles are both bicycles and motor vehicles.  Which rule applies then?  That depends on whether or not the motor is engaged.  If the cyclist is riding under pedal power, then the bicycle is not considered a "motor vehicle" at the moment.  A rider may legally pedal a moped or an electric bicycle on a public street while his BAC is greater than 0.08%, as long as he can do so safely.  When the motor is engaged, though, mopeds and electric bicycles suddenly become "vehicles" and the 0.08% limit applies.

There are many possible defenses to charges related to driving or cycling under the influence, especially when unconventional "vehicles" are involved.  If you or a loved one has been arrested for some DUI-related offense in California, call us for a free attorney consultation.  (714) 449-3335.  Ask for John.

Thanks for reading.

Fullerton DUI Attorney

Catalina Island Special Appearance Attorney

Our office handles more criminal cases on Catalina Island than any other private firm.  If you're scheduled to appear in the Avalon courthouse, save yourself the time and hassle of the trip and allow us to make a special appearance.

Our appearance fee is usually less than the cost of the trip, especially if you factor in the value of your time.  An appearance on Catalina Island takes most of the day.  The Catalina Express leaves from Long Beach at 6:00 AM.  If your case goes smoothly and you can catch the 11:45 boat back, you'll arrive back on the mainland around 1:00 PM.  If the court staff is delayed by inclement weather, cases are often heard in the afternoon, or not at all.  There is nothing quick or simple about a "quick and simple appearance" on the island.

We have extensive experience in defending against the most common charges that arise on Catalina, including fishing violations (undersized lobster, fishing in a protected area, commercial fishing without the necessary permits and endorsements, etc.) and other misdemeanors (drunk in public, golf cart DUI, possession of drugs and domestic violence).

If you need an appearance covered on Catalina Island, or if you have questions about what to expect, call us for a free consultation.  (714) 449 3335.  Ask for John.

Thanks for reading.

Catalina Island Lawyer

Drunk in Public on Catalina Island

According to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, deputies arrested several individuals on suspicion of being drunk in public this month.  In my experience, this is probably the most commonly charged offense on the island, other than minor fishing violations.

To convict you for being drunk in public under PC 647(f), the prosecutor must prove that you were so drunk that you could not reasonably care for your own safety, or that you posed a danger to people around you.  To determine whether or not you were "dangerously" drunk, the court will consider the totality of the circumstances -- the condition in which you were found, how / why you attracted attention from the police, objective and subjective observations of the arresting officers, your own statements, statements from other witnesses, audio / video recordings of the incident, etc.

There is no magic number that clearly distinguishes "fun drunk" from "criminally drunk".  The decision of whether or not to make an arrest is generally left to the officer's discretion.  You have a right to take a breath test if you are arrested for being drunk in public, but police are not required to administer one unless you demand it.  If you decide to demand a breath test, that number will be used against you in court.

If you are arrested for being drunk in public in Avalon, deputies will take you to the tiny jail on Sumner street, attached to the local courthouse.  You will be held for several hours and released in the morning.  Being polite and cooperative during this process will definitely speed up your release.  Deputies will also make a note of your attitude in the reports that they prepare.  If your arrest report shows that you were cooperative, that fact will go a long way when your attorney attempts to negotiate a reduced charge or a dismissal in court.

When you are released from custody, the deputies will give you a "notice to appear" in court at some future date.  Regardless of what the deputies told you, your case cannot simply be resolved through the mail or at the Long Beach courthouse.  All misdemeanors arising on Catalina Island are heard at the Catalina courthouse.

If you retain a local attorney, you do not need to travel back to the island for your court date -- your attorney can go for you.  Your lawyer will gather copies of the police reports and any other evidence (photos, videos, etc.), enter a "not guilty" plea, and schedule a series of future court dates to come back and discuss the case with prosecutors.

If the prosecutor recognizes that the evidence in your case is weak, you have a clean criminal record and you were cooperative during your arrest, they might make an offer that's too good to refuse.  A "good offer" might include a reduced charge or a complete dismissal.  If the evidence is strong, or if you have a history of alcohol-related offenses, or if your police report indicates that you were uncooperative, the DA's offers get less generous.  "Drunk in Public" is a misdemeanor, so penalties may include probation, fines, community service, CalTrans labor, mandatory AA meetings, or even jail time.  

Unfortunately, the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office has decided to take an aggressive stand in prosecuting "drunk in public" cases on Catalina.  Lawyers who visit Avalon from out of the area are often shocked by the harsh offers they receive on the island.  In other courthouses, 647(f) cases are routinely reduced to infractions or settled for minimal penalties.  In Avalon, though, standard offers from the DA often include dozens of AA meetings, high fines, 1-3 years of probation, 10-30 days of CalTrans service, or worse.

Our office has extensive experience defending against all types of cases that arise on Catalina Island, including drunk in public.  We offer competitive rates and affordable payments, and we never charge clients for our travel expenses.

If you or a loved one has been cited or arrested while visiting Catalina, call us for a free attorney consultation. (714) 449-3335. Ask for John.

Thanks for reading.

Catalina Island Lawyer

I Lost in Restraining Order Court. Can I Get Another Hearing?

You generally get one bite of the apple in restraining order court. This is why I'm always stressing the importance of showing up to court prepared for your hearing. Part of effectively preparing for your day before the judge includes speaking with a qualified, local attorney as early as possible. Your attorney understands the rules of evidence, how to issue subpoenas, how to properly examine witnesses, and how to effectively present a case in court. You wouldn't operate on yourself; don't try to represent yourself in court.

If, despite your best efforts, you haven't had an opportunity to thoroughly prepare before your court hearing, there's some good news -- you are entitled to at least one free continuance. Maybe you haven't been able to save up the money to retain a qualified lawyer. Maybe you're still trying to locate and interview prospective witnesses. If you need more time for any reason, all you have to do is show up and ask the judge nicely for 2-4 more weeks to get your ducks into a row. The court will give you as much time as you reasonably need to prepare your defense.

That being said, there are a handful of good reasons to request a new hearing if a restraining order is granted against you. First, though, you need to understand a few things that are NOT good reasons to request a new hearing:

I Wasn't Ready 

The court does NOT want to hear that you were simply unprepared. As mentioned above, you were entitled to a continuance before the hearing if you weren't ready to go forward. If you wanted more time, you only had to ask for it. If you announced that you were ready to litigate, though, it's too late to request a postponement now. That ship has sailed.

I'm Not a Lawyer

It is also NOT effective to argue that your hearing was unfair because you aren't a lawyer and you didn't understand the rules. If you choose to represent yourself in court, you will be held to the same standards as a professionally trained and licensed attorney. You will not receive any special considerations or preferential treatment if you appear without a lawyer.

The Petitioner Lied and the Judge Believed It

Finally, you CANNOT argue that the restraining order should be overturned because you disagree with the judge's ruling. Again, the point of the hearing was to present relevant facts and evidence -- that was your chance. If you showed up in court without any evidence and unprepared to explain / deny / excuse the petitioner's evidence, reread the previous paragraphs.

After hearing the evidence, the judge had discretion to determine whether or not harassment has occurred. If the judge heard the facts and weighed the evidence fairly, in accordance with the law, then the issues are settled. The court will not reconsider any new arguments, except...

Motion to Reconsider a Restraining Order

The Respondent MAY ask the court for a new hearing if there are some "new or different facts, circumstances or law" since the first hearing. If the situation has changed since you last appeared in court, you may appear before a judge and explain why the restraining order against you is no longer necessary or warranted.

In a motion to reconsider a restraining order, the judge does not want to hear a better version of the arguments you've already made. Instead, the court wants to hear something new that wasn't available at the last hearing.

Here's the kicker, though: a motion to reconsider a restraining order must be filed within 10 days after the respondent is served with the original order. This is why motions to reconsider are difficult -- you're required to prove some "change in circumstances", but you only have 10 days to do so. Since circumstances are unlikely to change that drastically in 10 days, motions to reconsider restraining orders can be an uphill battle.

If you or a loved one has questions about restraining orders in Southern California, call us for a free attorney consultation.  (714) 449-3335.  Ask for John.

Thanks for reading.

Orange County Restraining Order Lawyer.

How to Recall an Arrest Warrant in Catalina Court

Catalina Island is a tourist destination located about 20 miles off the coast of Southern California. The town of Avalon and its surrounding waters are home to world class diving, fishing, hiking, boating, drinking and getting arrested.

If you've been cited or arrested for a misdemeanor while visiting Catalina Island, you're in for a treat. The local sheriffs will arbitrarily assign a future court date for you to return and appear before a judge. More often than not, that date will be rescheduled. The DA may or may not notify you of the change. If you fail to appear on the proper date, a warrant will be issued for your arrest.

Local police also like to falsely advise people that their criminal cases can be addressed in Long Beach. Most of the time, they cannot. Felony cases are heard on the mainland, but misdemeanors and infractions from Catalina must be heard at the courthouse on the island.

The Catalina court is only open on alternating Fridays. The rest of the time, the building is dark and vacant. You cannot simply appear on an unscheduled date and ask to be heard by the judge.

If you appear at the Catalina courthouse on a date when the court is open but your case is not scheduled to be heard, you will be told to come back another time. The tiny courthouse in Avalon does not store its own files. All records are maintained back in Long Beach. Case files are flown out to Catalina by helicopter on their appointed hearing dates. If you appear on a date when DA left your paperwork back on the mainland, prepare to make another trip.

If you have an outstanding warrant from Catalina, your case must be added onto the court's calendar to be heard at a later date. To be added to the calendar in Catalina, you must speak to the court clerk in Long Beach (because that's where the case files are stored). Once the Long Beach clerk adds your case to the Catalina court's calendar, then you may plan to appear on the appointed date back in Catalina.

Or, you can have an experienced, local attorney handle the entire process for you. Our firm regularly appears in the Catalina court. We defend more cases in Avalon than any other private law firm in the state. Since we appear in Catalina so frequently, we do not charge our clients for travel time or expenses. In most misdemeanor cases, we can appear without you being personally present. We can save you the time, hassle and expense of returning to the island for multiple court appearances. Our office has extensive experience defending against all types of criminal offenses that are commonly filed on the island, including fishing violations, drunk in public, domestic violence, fighting and drug possession.

If you or a loved one has questions about appearing in court on Catalina Island, call us for a free attorney consultation. (714) 449-3335. Ask for John.

Thanks for reading.

Catalina Lawyer

Is it Worth My Time to Fight a Restraining Order?

I believe I've posted about this question before, but I still hear it a few times every week. Callers tell me that an ex-girlfriend or a former co-worker has filed a restraining order petition against them. They don't see the petitioner anymore and they have no reason or desire to have further contact with that person. As they see it, a restraining order really wouldn't affect their life in any way -- it wouldn't prohibit them from doing anything that they really want to do. Why take the time and effort to fight it?

There are plenty of good reasons to oppose a restraining order, even if you agree to the petitioner's basic demands (e.g. stay away, have no contact, do not follow or stalk, etc.), and even if you have no interest in doing those things anyway. Having a restraining order issued against you will affect your life in ways that might not be obvious. These court orders are public records. Subjects of restraining orders forfeit various rights that the rest of us enjoy. Being the subject of a restraining order may also lead to some other nightmare scenarios that I've seen, and that I'll describe below.

Even if you're not interested in the restraining order, your employer might be. As mentioned, restraining orders are public records. They're available for anyone to see, with or without your permission. They are easily discovered by a simple background check. Most courts even put this information online now. Being the subject of a restraining order can make you ineligible to hold certain jobs or professional licenses. Good luck getting a security clearance or a Global Entry pass with an active restraining order against you.

Anyone who is the subject of a restraining order is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. If there's a restraining order against you, you may not even have access to firearms that someone else in your home owns. If you already own guns, you will be ordered to surrender them to local police, or else sell them to a licensed dealer immediately. You may not simply give them or "sell" them to a friend or family member for safekeeping. If your job requires you to carry a weapon in the course of your duties, you might be looking for a new job. Again, good luck finding work with a restraining order on your record.

Having a restraining order issued against you may also make you vulnerable to false accusations or "accidental violations". If the petitioner spots you (or someone who looks like you) in a restaurant or a public place, she is likely to call the police. Even if you haven't "knowingly and willfully" violated the order, you can expect an unpleasant and embarrassing encounter with investigators. I've handled too many cases where my client accidentally butt-dialed an ex-girlfriend, allegedly violating an active restraining order. If your email gets hacked and your account starts sending spam messages to everyone in your address book, you could end up back in court trying to explain yourself.

Take restraining orders seriously, and make the necessary preparations to ensure the best outcome possible for your case. Of course, the best way to effectively prepare for your day in court is to retain a qualified, local expert. If you or a loved one has questions about restraining orders, call us for a free attorney consultation.  (714) 449-3335. Ask for John.

Thanks for reading.

Orange County Restraining Order Lawyer

Can You Be Arrested for DUI if Your Blood Alcohol Level is Below 0.08%?

Many drivers are surprised to learn that they can be arrested for DUI in California even if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is below the legal limit of 0.08%.

In California, "DUI" is actually several distinct crimes: 1) driving while unsafely impaired by alcohol, 2) driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or greater, 3) driving under the influence of drugs, and 4) driving under the combined influence of alcohol and some drug(s).  A driver might be charged with a single count or with multiple counts, depending on the circumstances.  

Police often encounter drivers who appear to be impaired by some substance, even when their blood alcohol level is low.  The driver might be a "lightweight" who is especially sensitive to alcohol, or he might be intoxicated by some drug(s), or by some combination of alcohol and drugs.  If police have probable cause to believe that the driver is impaired by any substance or combination of substances to such a degree that he cannot operate a vehicle safely, he will be arrested on suspicion of DUI and taken to the police station for a blood test.  

Depending on the results of that blood test and the totality of the circumstances, the DA will decide whether or not to file criminal charges against the driver.  If prosecutors believe they can prove that the driver was dangerously impaired by alcohol, they will charge the driver with violating VC 23152(a), regardless of his BAC.  If his BAC is above 0.08%, they may additionally charge the driver with violating VC 23152(b).  

If a blood test shows that a driver is impaired by drugs, he may be charged with violating VC 23152(f).  This includes legally prescribed drugs, illegal drugs, sleep aids and marijuana -- any substance(s) that may impair a driver's ability to operate a vehicle with the skill and care of a normal, sober person.  These cases are complicated because it's often hard to prove a driver's precise degree of "impairment", especially when the driver has extensive experience and a very high tolerance for some prescription medication that he has taken for years.  Our firm has even represented individuals who were accused of driving under the influence of chemotherapy drugs.

To further complicate matters, the DA can charge a driver with violating VC 23152(g) if they believe that he is impaired by the combined influence of alcohol AND drugs.  

There are many possible defenses to DUI charges, but only a qualified professional can fairly evaluate your case.  If you or a loved one has questions about DUI in California, call us for a free attorney consultation. (714) 449-3335. Ask for John.  

Thanks for reading.  

Fullerton DUI Lawyer

How to Prepare for an Appearance in Criminal Court

If you have a court date approaching, I know that the anxiety can be overwhelming.  Hiring a qualified, local attorney can help reduce the stress associated with appearing in court.  Your lawyer can explain the process so that you know what to expect.  He or she can stand by your side so that you understand your options and to ensure that you're not railroaded into any bad deals.

Your first court appearance is call the "arraignment".  No evidence or argument is presented at the arraignment.  This is not the day for your trial.  The arraignment is a formality, where your attorney will receive copies of the complaint (the document that explains the charges), and the initial discovery (police reports).  In most cases, you are not entitled to receive copies of the police report until the arraignment.  This is your attorney's first opportunity to read the details of the accusations against you.

At the arraignment, you may either plead "guilty" and resolve your case on the spot, or you may plead "not guilty".  If you plead "not guilty", then further court appearances will be scheduled.  These subsequent appearances are called "pretrial hearings".  At pretrial hearings, your attorney will meet with the DA to discuss the evidence and will attempt to negotiate a fair deal to dispose of your case (after your attorney has had a chance to thoroughly read the police reports).

You should make damn sure that you show up on time when you appear for the arraignment.  Every courtroom has its own specific procedures for conducting arraignments.  Most courtrooms start the morning with an "advisement of rights".  This is what it sounds like.  They will explain the various legal and constitutional rights that apply during the criminal process.  Some courtrooms lock the doors during the presentation to ensure that everyone hears this important information.  If you show up one minute late, you will be locked out, a warrant will be issued for your arrest, and you'll have to come back another day.  Give yourself plenty of time to park and to go through the security screening.

Dress appropriately when you appear in court.  This should go without saying, but I'm amazed at the clothing I see in court every day.  Your arraignment is the most important thing you'll do today -- dress accordingly.  Wear long pants (not shredded jeans or yoga pants) and closed-toe shoes.  Put on a collared shirt.  There is no such thing as overdressing for court.  Act like you're taking your case seriously.  Courts have dress codes.  If your attire is not appropriate, you may be kicked out and told to come back another day.  Simply dressing appropriately is the easiest part of "preparing" for your arraignment.

To recap, here's how you can prepare for your first appearance in criminal court:

• Retain a qualified, local attorney
• Show up on time
• Dress appropriately

If you or a loved one has a court date approaching in Orange County, call our office for a free attorney consultation.  (714) 449-3335.  Ask for John. 

Thanks for reading.

Fullerton Criminal Attorney 

Lobster Season = DFG Enforcement Season

California's recreational spiny lobster season officially began on October 1 this year.

Traditionally, the majority of legal lobsters are caught during the first few weeks of the season. The water is still warm enough to free dive for bugs, the days are still long and the weather is still pleasant enough to draw anglers.

This is the time of year when I start getting calls from divers and fishermen who've run afoul of California's complicated fishing laws. If you're going to hit the water in search of those delicious bugs this season, keep a few rules in mind. By learning and practicing these basic commandments, you might save yourself from a costly citation, a day in court, and a criminal record. A violation of any fishing regulation may be treated as a misdemeanor. The maximum penalty for most of these violations includes 6 months in jail, high fines, probation, loss of fishing privileges and and forfeiture of your gear. Prosecutors take these cases seriously. You should, too.

• Carry a valid California sport fishing license with salt water endorsement AND a spiny lobster report card.  These documents must be in your immediate possession while you are fishing or taking lobster.  If you are diving from a boat, you may leave the licenses on the boat.  If you are diving from shore, you must leave the licenses within 500 yard from your point of entry.

• Fill out your lobster report card BEFORE you begin fishing.  If you are approached by wardens from the California Dept of Fish & Wildlife (formerly, Fish & Game), they will inspect your report card.  If the date and location has not already been filled in, you will be cited.

• Use an approved lobster gauge and measure carefully.  A legal lobster must measure at least 3.25" from the eye socket to the rear of the carapace, along a line parallel to the center of the body shell. A proper lobster gauge should be made of a rigid material, like metal or hard plastic, and not a soft tape measure. A soft tape measure will follow the curvature of the lobster's shell and may cause undersized lobsters to falsely appear legal. Don't fudge it. Fish & Wildlife wardens will not be fooled, they will not give you "the benefit of the doubt", they will not issue warnings, and they will not do you any favors. When in doubt, throw it out.

Here's a photo that demonstrates the proper technique for measuring a spiny lobster.  This bug is clearly undersized:

Photo credit: cdfwnews.wordpress.com

• Lobsters may be taken by hand or by hoop net only.  No traps allowed except with a commercial license.  If you snag one while bottom fishing, you must toss it back.

• Lobsters must be whole / "in measurable condition" when they are brought ashore. If you remove the tails at sea, Fish & Wildlife wardens on the docks cannot verify that the bugs are the legal length. You will be cited if you come ashore with a cooler full of lobster tails, or if wardens board your boat at sea and discover immeasurable lobsters.

• Check an up-to-date map to ensure that you're not fishing in a protected area. The ocean off Southern California is home to 50 different "Marine Protected Areas", including "Marine Reserves", "Marine Conservation Areas" and "Special Closures".  Each of these areas is governed by specific rules and regulations regarding what (if anything) may be taken or pursued within its designated boundaries. The areas are not marked by signs, so anglers are responsible for studying their maps.

If you or a loved one is cited for any fishing violation in Southern California, call the office with the experience and knowledge to ensure that you get the best result possible.  Free consultations. (714) 449-3335. 

Thanks for reading.

Catalina Attorney 

Buccaneer Days Returns to Catalina. Save My Number!

It's that time again!  Buccaneer Days, an alcohol-fueled weekend of "grub & grog" returns to Catalina Island September 29 - October 2.

This year's lineup includes 4 days of live bands, DJs, costume contests, food, booze and general good times. The fish are still biting in the waters around Catalina and spiny lobster season officially begins October 3.

There should be plenty of great opportunities to get yourself into trouble.  If you're planning to attend Buccaneer Days in Catalina this year, please be safe, be smart, and save my number now. (714) 449-3335.

Our firm handles more criminal defense cases on Catalina than any other private attorneys in California. We have experience defending against all the most commonly-charged crimes that arise in and around Catalina, including fishing violations, drunk in public, DUI (even in a golf cart) and assault / battery. If you're arrested or cited on the island, call us for a free attorney consultation. Ask for John.

Thanks for reading and have fun this weekend.

Catalina Lawyer

What We're Working on Now

It's been a busy summer at our office and I know I've been neglecting this blog for the past month. We've handled some really interesting cases and we're continuing to help our clients achieve some fantastic results. Here's a sample of what we're working on now:

-Domestic violence trial in Orange County:  I'm scheduled to start a trial in Newport Beach this week. We were set to begin on 9/26, but it's been postponed a couple times already.  It looks like we should be ready to start selecting jurors tomorrow.  I can't disclose too many details right now, but I can attest that the accusations against my client are nonsense.  Stay tuned for updates as they become available.

-Under the influence of a controlled substance in Riverside (Indio, Coachella Festival):  I LOVE defending cases that arise at the big music festivals in Southern California.  Police arrest so many people so quickly that glaring mistakes are inevitable.  They do a terrible job of collecting evidence, writing detailed reports, filing cases in a timely manner, and preparing to appear in court.  If you're arrested at Coachella, the HARD festival, or any other major EDM event in the area, you should definitely consider speaking with a qualified, local attorney before you make any decisions.

We recently represented a young man who had been picked up at Coachella five years ago.  At the time, police believed that he was under the influence of drugs, but they took him to a mental health hospital rather than jail.  He was informed that he was not under arrest and that he was only being held for observation to ensure his own safety.  His parents were advised that no court appearances would be necessary.  Six months later, the DA filed criminal charges against my client, but they never made any effort to notify him that a court date had been scheduled.  Now (five years later), he applied for a job and he learned that he had an outstanding arrest warrant.

We filed a motion to dismiss the case due to a violation of my client's constitutional right to a speedy trial. When there has been a long delay between the filing of charges and the client's first court appearance, the burden falls on the DA to explain or justify the delay.  We argued that the delay in this case was unreasonable and the judge agreed.  Case dismissed.

-Child Abuse in Los Angeles (West Covina):  My client had used (what I consider to be) reasonable force to discipline an especially-obstinate child.  The child was not injured, the evidence was weak, and the force she used against the child was not clearly "abusive" or "excessive".

My client chose to voluntarily begin parenting / anger management counseling before the case ever ended up in court.  The DA agreed to dismiss the case if my client continues to participate in the counseling that she was already attending.  I call that a "win".

-Restraining Orders:  We're continuing to achieve fantastic results with restraining order hearings. This summer, I've handled restraining order cases from San Diego to Chatsworth, and from Long Beach to San Bernardino.  My cases have involved accusations by parents against their children, children against their parents, neighbors against each other, and businesses against their employees.  These cases are all unique, and I think they're a lot of fun to handle.

I'm also defending a couple cases right now where my clients are accused of violating existing restraining orders.

If you or a loved one has a criminal matter or a restraining order case in Southern California, call our office for a free attorney consultation.  (714) 449-3335.  Ask for John.

Thanks for reading.

Fullerton Criminal Defense Attorney

What We're Working on Now

I haven't been posting as frequently as I'd like recently because we've been busy crusading for justice.

Summer is usually a slow time of year for us. Vacation schedules mean that filing deputies at the DA's office aren't processing new cases, judges are out and prospective clients have less disposable income to invest in their own defense.  We're bucking the trend this year and keeping busy with a steady stream of great cases. Here's a summary of what we're working on now:

Restraining Orders

My year-long winning streak with restraining orders finally came to an end last month, but we're starting to string together some more "W"s.

Last week, I represented a woman in Chatsworth who had been served with a restraining order petition by her knucklehead ex-boyfriend. We beat that case and she left the courthouse with a restraining order against him.

She really did a great job of helping me prepare and making sure that I had the necessary documents to demonstrate that the petitioner was abusing the legal system. We put together a response that was clear, concise and easy for the judge to understand.  The hearing went quickly and my client emerged victorious because she followed my advice and presented herself in a very professional manner.

Yesterday, I represented a man who had been served with a restraining order by his own brother. The petitioner (the guy who was seeking the order against my client) came to court prepared with hundreds of pages of documents and photos, meticulously organized in 3-ring binders with color-coordinated tabs and everything. I was impressed with his organization. Unfortunately for him, he did not understand the rules of evidence and most of his exhibits were inadmissible at the hearing. This is why hiring a professional attorney will dramatically increase your chances of success.  We beat that case and my client avoided being slapped with an unnecessary restraining order.

Criminal Defense

This morning, we successfully petitioned the Downey Court to release my client from probation early in a DUI case.  He had been convicted before I represented him and his status on probation was having a severe financial impact for him.  He was demoted from a lucrative position at work and the demotion carried a $100K decrease is his yearly salary.  We showed the judge how my client was being disproportionately burdened by remaining on probation and why an early termination served the "interests of justice". The judge understood and agreed to release my client from probation prior to his scheduled termination date. Now he can get back to work earning good money and paying taxes to support the court system.

A client in San Bernardino had recently been falsely accused of committing serious sexual offenses against an underage girl.  I worked with police investigators and prosecutors to help them understand that the allegations were false and that the girl was merely seeking attention. The District Attorney declined to prosecute my client due to a lack of evidence.  In these types of cases, it is important to drive the investigation into a dead end before it builds momentum, snowballs out of control and destroys an innocent person's life.  I'm proud that we were able to mitigate the damage in this case.

We're still appearing regularly in the Catalina Courthouse.  More and more tourists are discovering Avalon and a few of them even get to see the inside of the Sheriff's holding cell. The most common incidents arising on Catalina include fishing violations, drunk in public and battery. We're also making special appearances on behalf of other attorneys who are unavailable to personally appear on the island. (Fun fact: Celebrity attorney Mark Geragos was arrested in Avalon and spent a night in jail during his honeymoon, nearly 30 years ago).

I'm currently working on a large-scale marijuana cultivation case, some DUIs, a handful of domestic violence matters, a few smaller-scale drug charges and a really interesting child abuse case. I can't discuss details until the cases are resolved, but check back for updates as they become available.

Medical Marijuana

We're continuing to work with medical marijuana dispensaries to form proper business entities and to ensure continued compliance with California's complicated regulatory structure. The laws are changing quickly and we're doing everything we can to help our clients operate in accordance with the rules.

I'm also contributing regular columns for thekindland.com, an online magazine devoted to marijuana culture. My pieces, entitled "Ask a Weed Lawyer", appear each Sunday. As the name suggests, I answer common questions about marijuana laws and I try to dispel some popular myths and misconceptions.  If you haven't done so already, follow the link and enter your email address to have daily issues delivered to your inbox completely free.

That's what we've been working on, in a nutshell.  If you or a loved one has questions about criminal defense, restraining orders or medical marijuana in Southern California, call us for a free attorney consultation.  (714) 449-3335.  Ask for John.

Thanks for reading.

Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyer

What is the Best Evidence to Present at a Restraining Order Hearing?

In the old days, restraining order hearings typically involved one person's word against another's. The petitioner would testify that her ex-boyfriend threatened her. The respondent would deny that he ever made any threats, and the judge would try to determine which party was more credible.

Today, more and more restraining orders involve electronically recorded statements. These may include text messages, emails, voice mails and messages sent over social media. The judge doesn't have to weigh a witness's credibility based on some arbitrary guess anymore; he or she can simply read the messages or listen to the voice mail recordings to determine who is lying and what was said.

A single message can make or break your case. It often does. In my experience, judges are looking for that "smoking gun" that makes their job so much easier. On any given day, the court has a lot of cases to get through. They don't have the time or the patience to conduct long, drawn-out hearings. If the petitioner comes to court prepared with a copy of a text message from the respondent that clearly conveys a threat of violence, the judge can quickly grant the restraining order and move on to the next case.

The same is true for the respondent. If you've been served with a restraining order but you have messages from the petitioner in which the petitioner admits to filing the case for an improper purpose, you should be prepared to show those messages to the judge. If the petitioner has some message from you in which you make some statement that could be construed as a threat, you should be prepared to justify, explain or deny the accusation.

If you have a very valuable message that clearly proves your case, print it out, make a couple copies, and bring it to your court hearing. The judge will not look at your phone, and your phone cannot be filed as evidence. Do not alter or edit the message in any way. Make sure that the message is legible and organized into some format so that the judge can make sense of it.

The judge is not interested in reading your entire email history since the beginning of time. He or she wants the short version of the story. If you have some valuable message, make it the centerpiece of your argument. Do not bury your best evidence in a sea of worthless nonsense. Remember, you have a very limited amount of time to present your arguments. Do not waste that time presenting useless evidence.

You should also consult with an experienced expert to determine whether or not your message is really as valuable as you believe. My regular readers are tired of hearing this, but always remember the "name of the game" in restraining order hearings: keeping it relevant and being concise. That means making sure that your arguments actually go to the issue and help prove your point. The issue at your hearing is whether or not the respondent has committed violence against the petitioner, has threatened to commit violence against the petitioner, or has engaged in a course of conduct against the petitioner that serves no lawful purpose except to annoy or harass the petitioner. The judge does not care if you're a good person, or if the opposing party is a bad person, or if you've done nice things for them in the past, or if they've done mean things to you in the past. The judge is not interested in determining who was at fault for your breakup or who drinks too much. Those arguments are a waste of your time and the judge's patience.

If you have questions about restraining orders in California, call us for a free attorney consultation.  (714) 449-3335.  Ask for John. We have extensive experience litigating all types of restraining order cases, including cases based on domestic violence, civil harassment, workplace violence and elder abuse.

Thanks for reading.

Orange County Restraining Order Lawyer

What Kinds of Knives are Legal to Carry in California?

Everybody knows that California has some of the most complicated, restrictive gun laws in the country. Our knife laws are slightly less complicated, but still pretty asinine.  I'm always amazed at how many police officers, prosecutors and judges don't understand these.  By the time you finish reading this, you'll be an expert.

Here's a quick overview of the rules regarding knives in California.

Folding vs. Fixed Blade

California law distinguishes between fixed-blade knives and folding knives. If the knife folds, it may generally be carried concealed, as long as the blade is not extended and locked into place while concealed.  If you can fold it, you can hold it.

If a blade is fixed, the knife is considered a "dirk or dagger". In fact, any non-folding weapon that is capable of inflicting injury by stabbing is considered a "dirk or dagger", even if the object itself is not technically a "knife" (a hay hook, a sharpened toothbrush, etc.).

Dirks / daggers are legal to own, possess and carry, but they may not be concealed upon your person.  A knife is not considered "concealed" if it is worn openly in a sheath suspended from a belt.  A knife is also not considered "concealed" if it is carried within the passenger area of a car.  It is perfectly legal to keep a knife hidden in your car in California, as long as it's not "on your person".

In short: you may carry a folding knife in your pocket as long as the blade is closed.  If you want to carry a fixed-blade knife or any other stabbing weapon on your person, it must be visible and worn in a sheath attached to your belt.

Size Limits on Knives

There is no statewide size restriction on knives under California law, but some cities may have more restrictive local ordinances.  The City of Los Angeles, for instance, prohibits any person from carrying a knife in plain view.  The law includes any knife with a blade of three or more inches in length, any switchblade, and any other sharp stabbing tool affixed to a handle, regardless of length.  The Los Angeles law does not prohibit the concealed possession of folding knives in public, only their display in plain view. The precise definition of "in plain view" is probably up for debate.

Check your local municipal code to determine whether or not your town imposes restrictions on knives that are more stringent than the statewide law.

Prohibited Knives

California prohibits the possession of any weapon that is disguised or not immediately recognizable as a weapon.  This includes knives that are hidden inside hairbrushes, lipstick tubes, writing pens, air gauges, belt buckles, canes, etc.

Californians may own switchblade knives in their homes, but they may not carry switchblades in public or in the passenger area of any car.  They also may not transfer them to any other person.  The same rule applies for gravity knives and butterfly knives, AKA "balisongs", AKA "batangas".

What Counts as a "Switchblade"?

Until a few years ago, there was a real debate among criminal defense attorneys, prosecutors and judges over what actually constituted a "switchblade" knife. The way the law was previously written, it seemed to prohibit public possession of common "assisted openers". Assisted openers are pocket knives with spring-loaded blades that pop fully open once the user starts the process and overcomes some initial resistance. There is no button or release lever, just a thumb stud on the front or on the side of the blade. Assisted openers are a hugely popular "everyday carry" option for many people because of their ease and convenience, especially when working with one hand (on a ladder, for instance).

To clarify all the confusion regarding what did and didn't qualify as a "switchblade" in California, the legislature revamped section 17235 of the Penal Code by adding one sentence to the law. The addition, in italics, was intended to clarify that assisted openers ARE legal to carry in the State of California. Today, that code section reads as follows:

"A 'switchblade knife' means a knife having the appearance of a pocketknife and includes a
spring-blade knife, snap-blade knife, gravity knife, or any other similar type knife, the blade or blades of which are two or more inches in length and which can be released automatically by a flick of a button, pressure on the handle, flip of the wrist or other mechanical device, or is released by the weight of the blade or by any type of mechanism whatsoever. 'Switchblade knife' does not include a knife that opens with one hand utilizing thumb pressure applied solely to the blade of the knife or a thumb stud attached to the blade, provided that the knife has a detent or other mechanism that provides resistance that must be overcome in opening the blade, or that biases the blade back toward its closed position."

What Counts as a "Butterfly Knife"?

There's a lot of argument about what technically constitutes a "butterfly" knife (or "gravity knife", balisong, etc.).  The legal definition includes any knife with a blade over 2 inches that is capable of being released by a flick of the wrist or by the weight of the blade.  If your folding knife snaps open with a flick of the wrist, or if the blade falls open under it's own weight, then it is illegal to carry in public.


Many law-abiding people are carrying pocket knifes that can be flicked open if the user's wrist is strong and fast enough.  Old pocket knives get loose and fall open.  An aggressive police officer might argue that these are illegal knives.

If you or a loved one have questions regarding knives or other weapons in California, call our office for a free attorney consultation. (714) 449-3335. Ask for John. We have extensive experience in defending against all types of criminal and weapons-related charges. 

Thanks for reading.

Orange County Weapons Lawyer

Successful Strategies to Defeat a Restraining Order in California

If you've recently been served with a restraining order in California, your head is probably spinning. I've previously written on this blog about the process of seeking or fighting a restraining order. Those posts are available here, here and here.  If you haven't read those already, take a moment to educate yourself on the nuts & bolts of the restraining order process.  Those posts include some helpful tips that you can use to prepare for your big day in court.  If you take the time to wrap your head around that information, then you will have a huge advantage when you stand in front of the judge.

Today, I want to specifically discuss a few different strategies that I have successfully used to defend against restraining orders.  I can't tell you which of these options is best for you and your case.  Of course, every case is unique.  The most advisable strategy will necessarily depend on the facts and circumstances of your situation.

The smartest place to start is with a qualified, local attorney.  He or she can evaluate your case from a neutral, detached perspective to help determine the most advisable course of action.  An experienced professional should understand the rules of evidence and the legal procedures that will be involved in your case. As you're preparing for your court hearing, be aware that your emotions will cloud your judgement. If you're angry, frustrated, embarrassed and confused, you will have a hard time weighing your own case fairly and objectively -- the way that the judge will see it.  Your lawyer can sort through the unique facts of your situation to formulate a winning strategy.

Factual Innocence

The best legal defense in any restraining order case is "factual innocence" -- you really didn't do whatever you're accused of doing. Proving factual innocence should always be the priority of your defense team. Of course, proving a negative can be difficult or impossible.

A common way to prove factual innocence is to provide an alibi -- proof that you were somewhere else at the time that the abuse or harassment occurred. An alibi can be proven with credit card statements, witnesses, plane tickets, phone records, etc. Bring those things to court and make sure that they're in some form that can be organized and stored in the judge's files. If you have text messages, photos or other documents on your phone, print them out before appearing.

Justification

A "justification" is a legal defense in which the respondent admits that he committed the act for which he is accused, but he is able to demonstrate that his conduct was "rightful" under the circumstances. The respondent must convincingly show that, due to circumstances beyond his control, he actually did a good thing, or that he prevented some greater harm by engaging in conduct that might otherwise be illegal or that might form the grounds for the issuance of a restraining order.

The classic example of a "justification" is self-defense. Petitioner alleges that Respondent punched him in the face and broke his front teeth. Normally, punching and injuring a man would be grounds for the issuance of a restraining order. Respondent admits that he punched Petitioner, but he is able to prove that Petitioner attacked him. Respondent is further able to prove that he did nothing to provoke the attack, that he had no other options to defend himself, and that he only used the degree of force that was necessary to repel Petitioner's assault. Here, Respondent's act of punching Petitioner was "rightful" under the circumstances. The restraining order should be denied.

Excuse

An "excuse" is a legal defense that negates the "wrongness" of some conduct, but stops short of actually "justifying" that conduct. When an act is excused, we don't say that the accused individual did a good thing, only that the accused does not deserve to be punished for what he did.

An example of a legal excuse might be sleepwalking. Just like the above example, let's say that Petitioner accuses Respondent of punching him in the face and breaking his front teeth. Respondent admits that he punched Petitioner, but he maintains that he was sleepwalking and that the act was involuntary. Respondent can prove that he has a documented history of sleepwalking and other facts support his defense. Since the act of punching Petitioner was unknowing and involuntary, the restraining order should be denied.

Sleepwalking is obviously a rare and risky defense to attempt, but I used it to demonstrate one example of a legal "excuse" in practice. Other legal excuses include:

• Adequate provocation: "Yeah, I punched him, but he was trying to piss me off and he succeeded". This is the legal equivalent of arguing that "he was asking for it, therefore he constructively consented to my punch". It doesn't make the violent act OK, but it removes some of the blame that we might normally assign to the respondent. 

• Involuntary intoxication: "I accepted a drink from a stranger at a bar. I believed that the drink contained only cranberry juice. The next thing I knew, I was taking off my clothes and throwing swings at everybody in sight." If the accused can prove that he was drugged and that he became intoxicated involuntarily, then he might be less responsible for conduct that is directly attributable to that intoxication. Keep in mind that this defense does not apply if the accused knowingly consumed drugs or alcohol.  

Denial

No matter what type of restraining order you're facing, the petitioner always bears the burden of proof. A tie goes to the respondent. If the petitioner fails to prove his or her case, then the respondent wins.

In restraining orders based on allegations of civil harassment or workplace violence, the petitioner must prove his or her case "by clear and convincing evidence". This is high burden. If the evidence is unclear or unconvincing, then the respondent wins.

In restraining orders based on allegations of domestic violence, the petitioner must prove his or her case by "reasonable proof". This a lower burden than "clear and convincing evidence", but it still requires the petitioner to convince a judge that the alleged violence or harassment occurred.

When the evidence is weak or non-existent, the respondent may prevail by simply denying the allegations. As I mentioned above, you should speak with an experienced, local attorney to determine whether or not denial is an advisable strategy in your case. The rules of evidence are complicated and it may be difficult to accurately, objectively evaluate the strength of the evidence in your own case.

If you've been served with a restraining order, call us for a free attorney consultation.  (714) 449-3335. Ask for John. Thanks for reading.

Orange County Restraining Order Lawyer