Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Apr 30, 2025 |
Typically, “Romeo and Juliet” laws provide legal protection for consensual sexual activities between teenagers close in age. However, in California, the concept of a Romeo and Juliet law does not exist. This means that any sexual intercourse involving an individual under 18 years old is considere...
Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Apr 24, 2025 |
California enacted Senate Bill 1414 (SB 1414) in September 2024, which reclassifies the act of soliciting or buying sex from a minor under the age of 16 from a misdemeanor to a felony, marking a pivotal shift in the state's approach to protecting vulnerable youth from exploitation.
California SB...
Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Apr 18, 2025 |
Under California law, professional licensing boards have the authority to take disciplinary action against licensees who have been convicted of crimes, including domestic violence. As such, domestic violence convictions in California can have severe repercussions on both your personal and profess...
Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Apr 12, 2025 |
Driving under the influence (DUI) laws are not limited to alcohol or illegal substances; they extend to any drug that impairs your ability to operate a vehicle safely, including prescription medications. So yes, in California, you can get a DUI even if you only have legal prescription drugs in yo...
Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Apr 06, 2025 |
Military veterans facing misdemeanor DUI charges in California have a unique opportunity to avoid the traditional criminal justice system through the Military DUI Diversion Program. This initiative, established under California Penal Code 1001.80 PC, offers a pathway to rehabilitation rather than...
Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Mar 20, 2025 |
Sex crimes are serious offenses that can have life-altering consequences for those accused. While most sex crimes in California are prosecuted under state law, certain circumstances can elevate these offenses to the federal level, significantly increasing the stakes and potential penalties.
El...
Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Mar 10, 2025 |
In California, law enforcement often employs a powerful investigative tool known as a “pretext call” when investigating sexual crimes. This tactic, authorized under Penal Code Section 633, can significantly impact the outcome of a case.
What is a Pretext Call?
A pretext call is a recorded t...
Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Feb 20, 2025 |
California Penal Code 311.1 addresses the serious crime of possession of child pornography. Under this law, it is illegal to knowingly possess, produce, distribute, or transport material depicting a minor engaged in sexual conduct.
What is PC 311.1?
PC 311.1 makes it illegal to:
This law cover...
Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Feb 10, 2025 |
California takes a strong stance against domestic violence, particularly when it involves vulnerable individuals. Penal Code 368(b) specifically addresses domestic violence against disabled persons, recognizing the unique challenges and heightened risks faced by this population.
What is PC 368(b...
Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Jan 20, 2025 |
Under California's Sex Offender Registration Act, Penal Code 290 (PC 290), an individual convicted of certain sex crimes must register with local law enforcement agencies. Failing to do so is a serious offense that carries significant consequences.
What is PC 290?
California statute, PC 290, cr...
Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Jan 10, 2025 |
In California, domestic violence cases can proceed even if the accuser refuses to testify. This situation often surprises defendants, as it's a common misconception that charges are automatically dropped when the alleged victim doesn't cooperate. However, the reality is more complex.
State Press...
Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Dec 20, 2024 |
If you have been accused of being a habitual sex offender in California, the consequences are dire. The Habitual Sex Offender law (Penal Code 667.71) represents one of the most punitive and complex legal mechanisms in the criminal justice system, capable of transforming an individual's life with ...
Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Dec 10, 2024 |
California Penal Code 667.61 is one of the state's most severe sentencing laws. Commonly known as the “One Strike” law, this statute significantly impacts individuals accused of certain sex crimes, potentially leading to life sentences even for first-time offenders.
If you are accused of a crim...
Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Nov 19, 2024 |
In California, lewd activities are illegal to perform in public. It is also a crime to solicit lewd conduct in public. However, it is fundamentally illegal to engage in sexual activity in public. In fact, it is only illegal if you know – or should reasonably know – that there is another person pr...
Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Nov 11, 2024 |
California has specific laws in place to regulate the production, distribution, and exhibition of pornography within its state borders. Individuals who fail to follow these laws can face serious criminal charges and fines.
If you or someone you know has been charged with an online pornography ch...
Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Oct 21, 2024 |
In California, Penal Code 647(b) makes both the act of prostitution and the solicitation of prostitution illegal in the state. If you or someone you know has been accused of charges under this statute, they will be facing serious legal and personal consequences that can alter the entire course of...
Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Oct 14, 2024 |
California Penal Code 288.5 addresses one of the most serious sex crimes in the state: continuous sexual abuse of a child. This statute was enacted to combat prolonged sexual abuse of minors by individuals with regular access to them.
Key Elements of the Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child Crim...
Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Aug 29, 2024 |
California Penal Code Section 261 addresses nonconsensual sexual intercourse between individuals who are dating or have a social relationship, commonly referred to as “date rape.” This law is crucial to protecting individuals from sexual assault in situations where consent cannot be legally given...
Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Aug 23, 2024 |
California legislators have tried to protect minors from sexual exploitation by implementing California Penal Code Section 261.5, which makes it illegal to have sexual intercourse with an individual under the age of 18. If you are accused of statutory rape, you need a strong defense. Contact Siga...
Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Aug 07, 2024 |
DUI-with-BAC-Less-than-8-percent
Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Jul 31, 2024 |
Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Jul 24, 2024 |
Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Jul 19, 2024 |
DUI-as-a-Commercial-Vehicle-Operator
Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Jun 20, 2024 |
https://www.la-criminal-defense.com/DUI-vs-Wet-Reckless
Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Jun 12, 2024 |
First-DUI-vs-Second-DUI-in-California