Can You Expunge a Criminal Record in California?

Can You Expunge a Criminal Record in California?

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criminal record can haunt you for the rest of your life. Even a minor offense can make it difficult for you to land your dream job, build a successful relationship, obtain business licenses, and even be approved for loans. The problem is that many people find out that you have a record and automatically assume that you’re in trouble. Many people fail to look any deeper into the situation. Arranging to have your criminal record expunged is one of the ways you can regain control of your life.

Understanding the Difference Between and Expunged Criminal Record and a Case Dismissal

It is important to know that there is a huge difference between having a criminal record expunged as opposed to a case dismissal in California.

What is a Dismissal in California?

Having your case dismissed is the...

Domestic Battery Laws in California

Domestic Battery Laws in California

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omestic violence and battery have always been worrying, but the pandemic has made the situation much worse. All over the world, domestic abuse shelters report an increase in the number of calls they receive from individuals who are scared for their lives. One domestic abuse shelter in China reported that the number of cases they handle has doubled since the pandemic started. As tension, lock downs, and economic stress continues to worsen, domestic battery cases will likely continue to surge.

California’s Stance on Domestic Battery

According to California’s Penal Code 243e1 PC, domestic battery occurs when a partner assaults their domestic partner...

California’s Attitude Toward Vandalism

California’s Attitude Toward Vandalism

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andalism is often an act of passion. Most of us are angry or hurt. We want to strike back at the person we believe treated us badly. We might choose to do this by smashing their mailbox, spray painting a crude message on the side of their house, or slashing their tires. Normally, we feel better about the vandalism… until the police knock on our door.

The problem with vandalism is that the victim almost always has a pretty good idea of who was responsible. If they’ve recently argued with, broken up with, or aggravated someone they usually tell the police about the incident. The personal nature of the crime means that you’re likely to get caught.

What California Considers Vandalism

You might think that smashing someone’s mailbox is an act of just revenge. The state disagrees...

Falling Asleep Behind the Wheel in California

Falling Asleep Behind the Wheel in California

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e’ve all done it, gotten behind the wheel and driven when we were tired. Most of the time rolling down the window, cranking up the radio, and indulging in a massive amount of caffeine is enough to get us safely where we need to be. The problem is that some people don’t make it to their destination. Some people fall asleep while they’re behind the wheel and find themselves in serious legal trouble.

The Dangers of Falling Asleep While Driving

People constantly warn us about driving while intoxicated. We know it’s dangerous and know that it’s a serious traffic offense. People rarely discuss the fact that driving while fatigued is equally dangerous. In most cases driving is monotonous. It’s so easy to let your eyes close for a second...

Unwritten Camping Rules to Remember

unwritten camping rules

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amping is wonderful. Camping provides you with the means to connect to the earth and nature while also bonding with family and friends. The best thing about camping is all the great memories you collect during each camping trip. The next time you’re about to hit the woods for an epic camping trip, keep these unwritten camping rules in mind.

Leave Your Site Better than you Found It

It doesn’t matter if you’re a slob at home when you’re camping, you need to turn into a neat freak. Commit yourself to keeping each place you pitch your camp cleaner than when you found it. Not only does this ensure that the next set of campers who come along will also have a nice place to set up camp, but it also proves that you are environmentally aware.
Keeping the campsites cleaner than how you fou...

Pepper Spray: California’s Laws and Ownership Regulations

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If you consider pepper spray the perfect self-defense tool, you’re not alone. The world is full of people who feel safer when they have a small container of pepper spray in their pockets. The spray is affordable, easy to find, and legal. Or is it?

Who Can and Can’t Use Pepper Spray in California?

Most people don’t realize that California prohibits several people from using pepper spray. The people who aren’t allowed to purchase or use pepper spray includes:

  • Anyone who has been convicted of either a felony or any type of assault case
  • Anyone who has a known drug abuse problem
  • Minors

Sixteen-year-olds are the one exception to the “minors can’t use pepper spray” rule. A sixteen is allowed to both purchase and carry pepper spray but only when they’re in the presence of a legal guardian.

Cal...

Ponzi Schemes and California Law

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Ponzi schemes aren’t legal in California. The state considers these financial cons a type of financial fraud. California’s judicial system is currently set up in such a way that it helps protect whistleblowers and consumers from getting caught up in the legal drama that always surrounds Ponzi schemes.

Understanding the Difference Between Ponzi Schemes and Pyramid Schemes

Many people mistakenly assume that Ponzi schemes and pyramid schemes are the same things. While there are quite a few similarities, there are also a few key differences.
Ponzi schemes are usually handled by a single person. That individual convinces investors to take part in something, usually a promised investment, that never comes to fruition...

A Dog Bite Could Have Legal Ramifications

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ogs are wonderful animals. They provide unconditional love, companionship, and can even be our protectors. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of people turning their dog into an emotional support animal, which allows them to bring the animal into establishments where dogs aren’t otherwise allowed.

While the emotional support dogs help their owners navigate daily challenges, many people who rely on emotional support dogs don’t realize that if their pet bites someone, the owner could find themselves in legal trouble.

California isn’t very tolerant when it comes to dog bites. The state has something called “strict liability laws.” These laws are written in such a way that pet owners, even though with emotional support dogs, are responsible for their dog’s b...