You get into an argument with a neighbor. Heated words are exchanged. The next week, you get a call from the police. They are asking you about criminal threats. Is threatening someone even a real crime? In California, making a criminal threat is a crime. However, the law doesn’t punish […]
You’ve probably heard a lot about what you should do if you’re arrested. Your friends or family might have offered advice, or you might have learned things by watching television shows or movies. However, are you sure that what you know is accurate? Sadly, much of what you’ve heard is […]
You’ve likely heard the phrase “assault and battery” many times. But you might be surprised to learn that assault and battery are not the same thing. In California, there are two separate crimes with different requirements and consequences. This article defines assault and battery. It also outlines some rules and […]
You’re going about your day when you get a phone call from the San Francisco Police Department. They assure you that no charges have been filed, but say that they just want to ask you a few questions about a case. What should you do? The interview described above is […]
You’ve seen self-defense on television, in movies, and more. You’ve heard about it, but do you understand how it works? Like other states, California recognizes self-defense. However, the doctrine has important limits that affect its operation. This article explains how California defines self-defense. It also discusses the limitations on the […]