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6 Unusual Laws In California

California. If you have never been there, you probably have thought about it at one time or another. Thanks to the Beach Boys, the Golden State has become that iconic place where the sun shines forever and it is virtually summer all year-’round. Naturally, for residents of the state, California Dreaming takes on a different light when you look at some of the unusual laws that still exist there today.

They will not only cause you to scratch your head, but some will make you wonder if those dreams at the state level were the result of nightmares or too many late-night meetings hammering out rules to abide by. In this article, we will take a look at several of these strange laws.

Frisbee Throwing Not Allowed

Well, up until 2012, which is not so long ago when you think about it, Los Angeles County had a crazy law in the books. Beachgoers there were not permitted to throw frisbees or footballs at any of the local beaches until they had permission from the lifeguard on duty. It had nothing to do with whether or not the lifeguard was a fan of playing catch or watching sunbathers do so.

The reason for the “do not throw” law was that it was determined that throwing items at people was considered dangerous. That included sports equipment. The kicker? Anyone found guilty of enjoying themselves on the beach with a casual game of catch was subject to a $1,000 fine. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed and the stupid law got erased from the record and Frisbees once again rule the skies.

You Can’t Cool Off On The Sidewalk With Ice Cream

In Carmel, it gets pretty hot. So, it stands to reason that there is the possibility that you may want to enjoy some ice cream while strolling down one of the main streets in the city. However, that happens to be against the law. The idea is that eating ice cream on a scorching hot day in downtown Carmel can create a mess.

The community isn’t interested in projecting an image that you can eat whatever you want and litter. As if dripping ice cream is litter, but anyway, that was the law. Well, until Dirty Harry came to town. That’s right, none other than Clint Eastwood repealed that dumb law during his term as Mayor of Carmel. You could say that taking that law out of the picture made a lot of people’s day.

Only Real Ranches Are Allowed To Boot Up

Here’s a strange one from Blythe. If you have any cowboy boots in your wardrobe and are considering wearing them on a trip into town, there is something you need before you can do that and avoid getting a fine. You require ownership of two cows. That’s right, not one, but two. But why cows, and what is the connection to your Western fashion accessory?

Apparently, cowboy boots are viewed as the appropriate footwear for a real cowboy. This means that if you are just wearing the boots to be part of some silly fashion trend, or happen to be one of those wanna-be cowboys, you are breaking the law. It doesn’t make sense to us, either but don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Bah Humbug

Residents in San Diego typically go all out decorating their homes and yards for the holiday season. However, lawmakers in that city have put a time limit in place where they will allow you time to take all of your hard work down and box it up in storage. The deadline to have all Christmas decorations out of sight is February 2 – Groundhog Day.

That may seem reasonable to most, but there is always someone in the neighborhood who just leaves their tree lights up just because of the work it took to put them up and the hassle of taking them down. We get that. Sometimes it’s nice to see festive lights wrapped around a house in August. But not in San Diego. Try to get around this law and you could get slapped with a maximum $250 file.

This Is A Really Crappy Law

San Francisco is quite the place. It is home to the Golden Gate Bridge, the 49ers, and a lot of other iconic features. One thing you probably won’t see there are large piles of manure. That is because there is a law that prohibits the dumping of manure anywhere within the city limits. Oh, but it gets better. The law is also very specific as to how much manure is considered too much manure.

Piles that measure six feet high or more will earn you a fine. We’re guessing that piles that are just under that limit are okay, but that doesn’t seem right, either. Either way, if you have a truckload you are planning on dumping somewhere, it is obvious that San Francisco is not your destination.

The Bright Idea For A Guarantee

Finally, in an undisclosed community in the Golden State, sunshine is guaranteed. This comes from the promise to provide every tax-paying landowner access to air, water, and light. What this means is that building developers are not permitted to build structures where they may block the sunshine from other nearby structures.

This is controlled through building codes that dictate the height of buildings, property setbacks, and other details that are quite restrictive when you think about it. But if you have a home with a stunning view and someone building in front of your property and obstructs part of or all of that view, it makes sense. In California, it is also a law.

Final Thoughts

Laws are meant to control certain things and provide us protection in many different ways. However, sometimes a law that made sense at the time either gets outdated or becomes silly in the future. Because some of the laws created get buried deeper and deeper in the books as newer laws are added, many of the now silly ones remain until someone points them out. That’s what we have done with just a short sample of the nutty laws in California.

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About the Author:

Marina Turea works as content manager at Digital Authority Partners, a San Diego-based digital marketing and website development agency.

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Murder Charges: Common Defenses & Potential Punishments

Murder charges are serious, as murder is one of the most difficult crimes an individual can commit. However, not all individuals accused of murder are guilty. If the charges against you are false, the first thing you have to do is hire San Diego’s leading criminal defense lawyers to represent your innocence in court. However, you should also know what punishments you’re facing and what kind of a defense strategy your lawyers are planning.

What are the common defenses for murder charges?

The defense strategy for proving your innocence is highly personalized and depends on the circumstances of your case and your specific accusations. There are no two identical defenses for each murder case, as a reputable lawyer will carefully envision their strategy based on your particular case.

This is why hiring the best lawyer you can is vital. They need to have the knowledge, the experience, and the dedication to establish a correct line of defense. That being said, there are some general defense strategies often witnessed in the courtroom. Knowing what they are can help you better prepare for your case and trial.

Self-defense or justifiable killing

This is one of the most frequent defense strategies – killing another individual while performing the act of defending yourself against their intent to harm you. However, such justification can be difficult to prove without clearly showing that the defendant used reasonable force while attempting to defend themselves from the assault.

There are also other types of justifiable homicides, such as exercising the duty of a police officer that results in the death of another individual. Such acts also extend to other types of public officers allowed to carry firearms.

Diminished capacity or insanity

There are some strategies for defense that challenge the defendant’s mental capacity to purposely form the intent to take another person’s life. In this case, the defense attorney challenges their client’s capability to carry out rational decisions at the time of the killing. The two main types of diminished capacity defense strategy are:

• Mental disorder: If the defendant suffers from a mental disorder, they can receive lessened charges due to their inability to form an intent of murder. This requires written proof of the disorder and such a defense can result in the verdict of “not guilty by reason of insanity”.
• Impairment: Impairment refers to the accused person’s impaired mental capacity at the time of the killing, either due to a head trauma, mental illness, or intoxication. Depending on the surrounding circumstances, such a defense strategy can result in acquittal and lessened charges.

Heat of passion

If a defendant lashes out at another person in an outburst of passion, they can face charges of involuntary manslaughter instead of first or second degree murder. This kind of defense strategy usually leads to a lessened sentence.

What are the potential punishments for murder?

There are two main types of murder charges – first-degree murder and second-degree murder. The potential punishments for these types of murder charges vary:

• Punishments for first-degree murder: A conviction for a murder in the first degree carries a sentence of as many as 25 years in prison. If the murder constitutes a hate crime, the punishment can extend to a life in prison without the possibility for a parole.
• Punishments for second-degree murder: The punishment for a murder in the second degree can be up to 15 years in prison with the potential for a life sentence in case the:
  • Individual has past criminal history
  • If the killing is the result of discharging a firearm from a vehicle
  • If the individual killed was a member of the law enforcement

Who in San Diego can prepare a strong criminal defense for my case?

Facing false murder charge is extremely difficult and it can make your whole life change over night. It’s paramount to do all you can to improve your chances of a successful defense. This includes learning more about the three types of murder charges, knowing the facts about the different types of manslaughter, and exploring the potential defenses and punishments for manslaughter.

However, there’s something even more important than this – hiring adequate legal representation. Vik Monder has ample experience helping individuals accused of murder get their voice across. He and the Monder Criminal Lawyer Group will do all in their power to secure a favorable sentence. We offer fully free initial consultations and we accept different payments. Find our offices near Horton Plaza Park and schedule an appointment today!

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3 Main Types of Murder Charges

Murder charges, especially false ones, are extremely difficult to deal with and can wreak emotional and psychological terror on an innocent individual. That is why you should always turn to an experienced criminal defense lawyer in San Diego, CA and immediately hire legal assistance. This way, you’re drastically improving your chances of a favorable outcome. However, that’s only the first step, and you should learn more about the charges you’re facing.

What is the legal definition of murder?

Murder is a subtype of homicide that the law recognizes under a set of specific circumstances and elements. In order for the crime of homicide to constitute a murder, the act itself has to be:

• Intentional, because accidental killings are not murders, except in the face of a felony murder.
• Unlawful, because there are lawful killings performed by police officers.
• Performed with malice afterthought or premeditation. This describes a specific state of mind that evinces an:
  • Intent to cause grievous of very serious bodily harm
  • Intent to kill
  • Reckless indifference towards the value of a human life
  • Intent to perform a very dangerous felony that results in unlawful death of another human being.

What are the three types of murder charges?

However, the legal definition of murder is general and describes what constitutes a murder in the state of California. More precisely, there are three main categories of murder, each with its own underlying characteristics. Learning more about the different types of murder charges could help you prepare for your case better and ensure a positive outcome:

First degree murder

First-degree murder is a premeditated and deliberate killing of another individual. If the person accused of committing a murder planned the act beforehand, such as using poison to end another person’s life, the usual charges will be for murder in the first degree. Some of the common instances of first-degree murders are:

• Poisoning
• Torture
• Purposeful stabbing
• Shooting
• Strangulation
• Attempted or completed act of terrorism
• Any type of deliberate or willful killing

Second degree murder

The legal definition of a second-degree murder is committing the act of murder without planning it beforehand. Also, murder in the second degree involves taking action that easily resulted in the death of another human being. Some of the common occurrences of second-degree murder are:

• Playing Russian roulette that ends up taking another person’s life
• Discharging a firearm into a crowd
• Various acts that intended to cause severe injury but which ended in a person’s death

Felony murder

This refers to a killing that transpires when committing another type of crime. It doesn’t matter if there existed an intent to kill or not. Such murders typically occur during offenses, for example:

• Driving under the influence and hitting an individual with your vehicle
• Committing a robbery that results in death of another person

Who is the leading criminal defense lawyer in San Diego who can help me with my case?

False murder accusations can turn your whole life around for the worse, which is why you should do all you can to enhance your defense. Besides knowing more about the main types of murder charges, you should also be familiar with the most common defense strategies in murder cases, learn more about the three types of manslaughter charges and what the potential punishments for manslaughter are.

However, most importantly, you have to hire the best criminal defense attorney in San Diego – Vik Monder. Vik and his Monder Criminal Lawyer Group have successfully handled murder cases before, and we have the knowledge and the experience to help you at this troubling time. We accept different payment methods, and we offer a completely free initial consultation. You can find our offices near the Balboa Theatre. Reach out to us today and schedule an appointment.

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Offenses Connected to Burglary: What Are They?

Unfortunately, being unjustly charged with burglary could only be the beginning of your legal troubles. It is not uncommon for individuals wrongly accused of committing a burglary to face additional charges for other offenses often related to burglary. This is why you should always have an expert burglary lawyer from San Diego at your side who will help you get your voice across and prove your innocence. But you should also do your part.

What are burglary-connected offenses?

In this situation, doing your part means getting familiar with the most common offenses related to burglary so that you know what it is the court can attempt to charge you with. This will not only help you prepare for the potential additional charges, but also allow you to have a better initial consultation with your lawyer. Here are the five most frequent burglary-related offenses:

Possession of tools for burglary

Under Penal Code 466 PC in California, it is illegal to be in possession of adequate tools with a clear intent of using them to commit a burglary. In fact, the Penal Code 466 PC also recognizes altering or making a key without another individual’s consent a crime. Some examples of common burglary tools include:

• Pliers
• Screwdriver
• Slim jims
• Crowbars

Forgery

Under California Penal Code 470 PC, the crime of forgery refers to a knowing act of creation or alteration of written documentation with an intent to defraud a party. Most cases in California categorize forgery as a wobbler offense, but you can still be found guilty of PC 459 if you go to a store or a bank with an intent to commit the act of forgery by creating or cashing in a check that you forged.

Robbery

Penal Code 211 PC refers to robbery as the act of taking property from another individual in their immediate presence and with the accompanying factor of inflicting fear or force upon them. An individual will likely be charged for burglary and robbery in case they:

• Enter a structure that belongs to another person.
• Inflict fear, intimidation, or force upon another person within the premises.
• You intend to obtain their property.

Trespassing

Trespassing refers to the act of entering another individual’s property without their explicit consent to do so. Trespassing is most commonly a misdemeanor, and it can also be an infraction under special circumstances.

Burglary of a vault or safe with explosives

Burglary of a vault or a safe with explosives is defined under Penal Code 464 PC as the act of using torches, acetylene, or explosives, including other similar devices, to open a vault, a safe, or other secure place. Generally, burglary with explosives is a more serious offense than standard burglary. It is always a felony, and punishments vary from three to seven years in prison.

Who is San Diego’s most reputable burglary lawyer?

Learning more about the common burglary-related offenses can help you prevent the court from pinning additional offenses to the burglary you’re trying to prove your innocence for. However, you should not stop here, and you should also know what different types of burglary exist and what the most common penalties for burglary are. Finally, you should try to find the answers to the most common burglary questions individuals ask.

However, all this can mean little if you don’t ensure adequate legal representation. Luckily, you can always turnt to Vik Monder and his Monder Criminal Lawyer Group. Vik is an experienced and educated burglary lawyer who has helped numerous individuals successfully prove their innocence. With his assistance, you’ll soon enjoy the Mingei International Museum with a clear head again. We offer free-of-charge consultations. Call us today!

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What Are the Common Questions About Burglary Offenses?

Burglary is the crime of illegally entering a structure or a locked vehicle with a clear intent to commit theft or a felony offense. However, individuals who are wrongly accused of committing burglary have a lot more questions they would like answered to find out as much about the crime they’re accused of as possible. The best way to do so is to hire a San Diego’s top burglary lawyer. However, you should also be familiar with the common questions beforehand.

What are the frequently asked questions about burglary?

When you’re unjustly accused of committing either first-degree or second-degree burglary, the first thing you want to do is try to find out as much as possible about the offense you’re charged with. You should begin by looking at the most commonly asked questions about burglary and the answers to those questions. Here’s what people mostly want to know:

What is the difference between first-degree and second-degree burglary?

First, let’s clarify the different names for both first-degree and second-degree burglary. Burglary in the first degree is often referred to as “residential burglary”, while burglary in the second degree is frequently referred to as “commercial burglary”.

Being familiar with the different names for the two types of burglary, it can be easier to deduce what they entail. First-degree burglary is a burglary of a residential property, while second-degree burglary is a burglary of any non-residential property.

What constitutes a “residence”?

Knowing what constitutes a “residence” in the state of California is important in order to properly differentiate between a first-degree burglary and a second-degree burglary. By law, a “residence” can refer to any of the following properties:

• Inhabited house
• Room of an inhabited house
• Inhabited boat
• Inhabited floating house
• Inhabited trailer coach
• Inhabited portion of a different type of building
• Inhabited motel or hotel room

Here, “inhabited” means that an individual is using a certain structure as their dwelling, and it doesn’t mean that the individual has to be present in their dwelling during the act of burglary.

What is the difference between shoplifting and burglary?

Under Penal Code 459.5, shoplifting has three vital characteristics:

• Entering a certain commercial establishment
• Entering said establishment during standard business hours
• Entering the establishment with an intent to steal property in total worth of up to $950

Is burglary identical to “breaking and entering”?

No, “breaking and entering” is not identical to a burglary. Under California law for burglaries, an individual is not required to break and enter a property to be found guilty of committing burglary. You can be guilty of a burglary after using an unlocked window or door to enter the premises of a property. On the other hand, “breaking and entering” does entail forced entry.

Who is San Diego’s foremost burglary lawyer?

When preparing a strong legal defense for your burglary claim, there are several things you should do. First, learn what different types of burglary there are, and what kind of burglary penalties you can be sentenced to in case of an unfavorable outcome. Finally, find out what the most common burglary-related offenses are and whether the court can try to pin an additional charge on your case. However, there’s no substitute for a reputable lawyer.

That is why you should contact Vik Monder and his Monder Criminal Lawyer Group – the leading burglary law firm in San Diego and all its communities. Vik boasts years of professional experience helping innocent individuals accused of burglary get their voice across. With his help, you’ll soon be able to enjoy the Botanical Building without a single worry on your mind. We offer free consultation and accept various payment methods. Give us a call today!

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Burglary Penalties & How to Fight Them

Knowing what the possible consequences for a burglary crime are and how you can fight them to prove your innocence is essential for ensuring your voice is heard in the courtroom. Penalties for first-degree burglary can be quite severe. That is why it’s important to secure adequate legal protection by hiring an experienced burglary attorney in San Diego to help with your legal defense against such charges. However, first learn more about what they are.

What are the possible penalties for burglary in California?

The first thing after getting familiar with what burglary charges are is to find out more about the potential penalties you could be facing. First-degree burglary can carry significant penalties, while second-degree burglary charges are more lenient. Let’s see what the possible charges for these two types of burglary are:

Penalties for first-degree burglary

In California, burglary in the first degree is always a felony. The consequences can include a prison sentence in a state prison for a maximum of 6 years. Also, other possible sentences include two and six years in prison, as well a formal probation and a fine of as much as $10,000.

Penalties for second-degree burglary

Burglary in the second degree is a wobbler offense under California law. A wobbler offense is an offense that can be charged in two different ways:

• Felony: This involves a possible jail sentence for the duration of 16 months and two or three years, a maximum fine of $10,000, and potential felony probation.
• Misdemeanor: If the second-degree burglary is tried as a misdemeanor, it carries a maximum potential jail sentence of one year, a fine of $1,000, and summary probation.

How can I fight burglary penalty charges?

As serious as some of the possible charges for both second and first-degree burglary are, it’s important to also know that you can fight them. There are many legal defense mechanisms expert burglary attorneys can implement to prove your innocence of the proposed crime. Here are the 4 most common strategies defense lawyers implement:

Lack of intent

Intent is vital for a successful PC 459 case. Lacking intent to commit a crime of felony or theft upon entering a property means you cannot be found guilty of burglary.

Claim of right / mistake of fact

Mistake of fact is a PC 459 legal defense that is closely related to your lack of intent to commit a serious offense. Under the mistake of fact precedent, you cannot be found guilty if:

• You entered a person’s home to take back a possession that once belonged to you.
• You firmly believe that you had permission for taking the item back.

Factual innocence

Proving that it wasn’t you who committed the burglary is one of the best defenses you can have. Individuals can get arrested for a cimr they did not commit This happens for numerous reasons:

• Mistaken identity
• Misleading evidence
• False accusations

Police misconduct

Finally, overeagerness to solve the case can lead the police to violate your rights. Proving misconduct allows you to file a Pitchess motion against said police officer, which can lead to establishing a pattern of similar misconduct and incite a dismissal of your case. Frequent examples of misconduct are:

• Fabricating and planting evidence
• Asking the witnesses leading questions
• Violating the Fourth Amendment
• Coercing confession

Who is the leading burglary attorney in San Diego & the area?

Knowing what the possible burglary penalties in California are and how you can fight them is a vital step in preparing your defense. However, it’s not the only one. You should also learn what the different types of burglary are, see what other people are asking about burglary, and learn more about the frequent burglary-connected offenses. This will help you gain in-depth knowledge about burglary and help you prepare. Finally, find a reputable lawyer.

There is really only one option for all those living in San Diego and the area – Vik Monder and his Monder Criminal Lawyer Group. Vik is a professional attorney who’s spent years helping people claim their innocence in both first and second-degree burglary cases. He is here to ensure you’re quickly able to enjoy the Cabrillo National Monument without a single worry on your mind. Schedule a free consultation today. Give us a call!

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What Is Burglary & What Are the Different Types?

Facing any legal charges is stressful, and burglary is no expectation, especially if it’s first-degree burglary you’re charged with. However, proving your innocence and taking advantage of extenuating circumstances can be really effective. This is especially true if you take the time to hire San Diego’s most reputable burglary attorneys. Ensuring professional legal representation is paramount in these cases, but so is learning more about the offense itself.

What is burglary?

First things first – you should start by acquiring more information about what constitutes burglary in California and the legal definition of burglary is. The basis is this – burglary refers to a person entering a building without any permission with a clear intent to commit criminal action.

The legal precedent is the following – an individual is guilty of burglary as soon as they enter a certain structure without permission. There is no need for the burglary to be successful for it to be treated as such.

However, you can only be found guilty if the prosecutor manages to establish you had a clear intent to commit a felony or theft upon entering the structure. You cannot be found guilty without proving such intent.

The three elements of burglary

In order for the prosecution to ascertain your guilt concerning burglary, they have to be able to provide ample evidence on all of the three following elements that constitute burglary:

Illegal entry

The first element of burglary is illegally entering a structure without explicit permission. This entails that the building is either a public property that was not currently open, or a private property.

Illegal entry also involves entering a closed-off space within a public building, such as employee break rooms. Also, illegal entry does not require the entire body of the defendant to be inside the building – the crime can occur by reaching out as well.

Use of force

Sometimes, illegally entering a building involves use of force. However, although this term would imply forced entry, it can also involve any unlawful entry with minimal or no damage to the structure. For example, even opening an unlocked window classifies as a use of force.

Intent

Finally, the third element of a burglary is the intent to commit a crime upon illegally entering a structure. This usually involves stealing an item or items, but burglary can also involve committing felony offenses upon entering a structure.

What are the different types of burglary?

The Penal Code 459 PC defines burglary as illegal entry into a locked vehicle and residential or commercial property with a clear intent to commit a felony offense, petty theft, or grand theft. However, there are two different types of burglary as recognized by the California statute.

First-degree burglary vs second-degree burglary

First-degree burglary involves an individual entering a residence, or a residential structure, while a second-degree burglary involves an individual illegally entering a building that is not a residence.

The common terms for these two types of burglaries are residential burglary and commercial burglary. For easier distinction between a first and second-degree burglary, here are some examples of residences:

• Motel or a hotel room
• Trailer coach
• Floating home
• Boat
• House

Who is San Diego’s most experienced burglary attorney?

Learning what constitutes burglary and what the three essential elements are is vital for preparing for your case. However, there’s still more you should know. First, learn more about the potential penalties for burglary and find out the answers to the most common questions individuals have about burglary. Then, see what other burglary-connected offenses are to know whether you might have committed any. Finally – hire an experienced lawyer.

And there’s only one lawyer you should consider hiring in San Diego and the entire region – Vik Monder of Monder Criminal Lawyer Group. Vik is an expert burglary defense attorney with years of experience helping people prove their innocence. With Vik and his team at your side, it’s only a matter of time before you can take a walk through Balboa Park completely relaxed. We offer free consultations. Reach out to us today!

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7 Questions to Ask Your Domestic Violence Attorney

When you find yourself in an unfavorable situation of facing unjust charges for domestic violence, it’s important to act quickly and hire an experienced domestic violence attorney in San Diego. Only a professional is able to adequately guide you through this process and help you prove your innocence. However, in order to make sure your case is handled properly, you have to be certain that you’re hiring the best possible professional for the task at hand.

What should I ask my domestic violence attorney?

You should definitely hire legal representation to help you fight back against unjust domestic violence charges. However, you should pay attention to the professional you choose and make sure you’re hiring the most qualified lawyer for your case. If you’re unsure how to handle the selection process, here are some questions you should ask your potential attorney to weed out the poor ones.

Do you have experience with cases like these?

This is, perhaps, the most important question you can ask your potential lawyer. Prior experience handling identical or similar cases is a good indicator of their overall proficiency with this type of legal intervention.

The more similar cases they handle, the better they will know the vital aspects of the proceedings and the more appropriate action they will take in order to ensure the best possible outcome for your charges.

What is your success rate?

This is an obvious question, but still one you should never forget to ask. It is clear, straightforward, and it will give you a good idea on how successful they are with defending their clients. Also, you should combine their answers with their online reviews in order to get the best possible idea of their ability to defend you.

What do you think about the outcome of my case?

It’s good to directly ask your potential attorney what you can expect from your case as it stands. WIth sufficient experience behind them they can give you an educated opinion on what kind of best-case scenario they can secure for you.

This will allow you to be prepared for everything, but also give you an ability of what they hope to achieve. You don’t want to hire a lawyer who aims low regarding your future.

Is there an alternative to going to trial?

Trial is not always the best way forward when it comes to domestic violence cases. In fact, there are often better alternatives for a false domestic violence case, such as plea bargains or diversion programs. Always ask your attorney if they see another scenario for your case that would be favorable to going to court.

What fees can I expect?

You need to know how much you can end up paying both your lawyer’s services and the court fees that go with domestic violence cases. Also, you need to ask your attorney how they charge for their services – flat or hourly. All this will give you a clear estimate of the potential costs and allow you to decide whether or not you have sufficient funds to spend on that particular lawyer.

How long will the case take?

Cases and trials are financially draining, but they will also put your emotions on the test, especially when you’re unjustly accused of domestic violence. Knowing how long you can expect your case to last will help you better prepare for what’s to come and grant you the emotional perseverance necessary to handle it all.

What method of communication do you propose?

Finally, inquire about how your lawyer likes to communicate with their clients. Depending on the answer you can see if they’re the right fit for you. Why hire an attorney who handles cases via email if you prefer to come for in-person consultations?

Who is the most prominent domestic violence attorney in San Diego?

Domestic violence charges are tough on you and your entire family, especially if they’re untrue and you have to prove your innocence. That is why you should first learn more about the details of domestic violence charges and see what you can do to prepare for your hearing. Also, learn what the advantages of hiring a professional domestic violence attorney are and why you should do so to maximize your chances of a successful outcome.

If this is too complicated, simply contact the leading domestic violence attorney in San Diego – Vik Monder of Monder Criminal Lawyer Group. He has the expertise and knowledge that will ensure proper legal counsel and adequate representation in court. This is the only way to make sure you’ll end up with a favorable solution to your problem. You can find out offices near the San Diego Air & Space Museum, so come in for a consultation. We’re here to help you!

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5 Advantages of Hiring a Domestic Violence Attorney

Domestic violence is horrible, but not every individual accused of domestic violence is actually guilty of it. If you find yourself in a situation where you have to prove your innocence against such untrue allegations, it’s vital to turn to one of San Diego’s most dedicated and qualified domestic violence lawyers and not attempt to take care of the situation all alone. Hiring an expert attorney from the start can greatly improve your chances and ensure a good outcome.

Why should I hire a domestic violence attorney?

A domestic violence lawyer will first help you better understand the legal charges you’re facing and explain the entire process that awaits carefully and in great detail. This will help you prepare for what’s to come and give you an idea of what you should do and how you should behave. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There’s more a qualified professional brings to your case. Here are more benefits of hiring an attorney.

Minimizing potential consequences

This is, by far, the biggest and the most important benefit of hiring a professional to handle your domestic violence case. The lawyer knows the ins and outs of this field and will know how to adequately put your story at the forefront of the case, helping you earn an acquittal or drastically reduced consequences.

Even if you’re a first-time alleged offender, the negative consequences can be steep and you should definitely hire an experienced lawyer.

Opportunity for more lenient EPO

The police obtains an EPO, or an Emergency Protective Order as soon as an individual is arrested because of charges for domestic violence. The EPO remains active until arraignment and can either stress peaceful contact or no contact.

Generally, the District Attorney’s office asks for a no-contact Emergency Protective Order without taking into account the wishes of the alleged victim. However, if you hire a lawyer they can negotiate your EPO by presenting evidence that speaks in your favor and grant you contact with your family.

Better circumstances for your kids

An overly harsh EPO will negatively impact your kids by preventing you from seeing them or even speaking to them until your case is finalized. Without an experienced attorney at your side, the case will last longer and you will not receive a peaceful EPO, which means you will not be able to see or speak to your kids for a prolonged time period.

Easier plea bargaining

Even if your case ends up going to court you can still expect your lawyer to help you by granting you a chance to enter a plea bargaining process. This will allow you several options – entering a diversion program, decreased fines, or a drastically reduced sentence.

Faster process

Finally, an attorney will speed up every step in the process of your domestic violence case and help you get to a favorable outcome a lot more quickly than you could without their help. This is vital because it will allow you to get back to your normal life more quickly and help you get back in touch with your loved ones a lot sooner than you would expect.

Who is San Diego’s most reputable domestic violence lawyer?

When you’re facing unsubstantiated charges for domestic violence, it’s important to approach the process in a careful and detailed manner to ensure the most favorable possible outcome. First, learn more about what domestic violence charges are and how you can properly prepare for your domestic violence hearing. Then, you should sit down and assemble a set of questions for your potential domestic violence attorney to ensure their professionalism.

Or you can choose to contact the most experienced and reputable domestic violence lawyer in San Diego – Vik Monder. He has assembled a stellar team of defense lawyers who have the knowledge and the qualifications necessary to provide adequate legal advice and representation and ensure a favorable outcome in your case. Our offices are located near the San Diego Convention Center, so come for a free consultation. Reach out to us today!

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How to Deal with Allegations of Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a real problem in many households across the United States. Domestic violence refers to physical, emotional, psychological, and/or sexual abuse against a spouse, intimate partner, child, or other family member living in the house. Law enforcement takes allegations of domestic violence very seriously, even if there are no obvious signs of physical abuse; threatening and intimidating behavior is enough to file charges. The criminal court does not support dominance in any relationship, which is why the law is inclined to favor the supposed victim.

Even if the allegations of domestic abuse are entirely false, fabricated evidence and testimonies can lead to conviction. If the defendant is man, it can be increasingly difficult to beat charges due to society norms and stereotypes. Real incidents of domestic violence are awfully devastating and disturbing for sufferers, which is why the system is shaped this way for encouraging justice. Unfortunately, many individuals are insensitive towards the cause and use it to their advantage.

Wrongly accusing a partner or spouse of domestic violence is not an uncommon occurrence. It is a tactic frequently used to get an edge in divorce and custody battles. The false victim is often successful at acquiring a larger share in property and gaining sole custody of children. Some individuals are simply vindictive and use such allegations to get back at their partner/spouse for a personal vendetta.

Charges of domestic violence can ruin the defendant’s life by imposing a permanent stigma. Conviction may lead to hefty fines, prolonged jail time, and other civil penalties you do not deserve. The criminal implications will shatter your reputation, cost you your job, disconnect you from family, and deprive you of many opportunities in life. Therefore, if you have been wrongly accused of domestic violence, here’s the right way to deal with it:

1.    Do Not Retaliate

When you learn about false allegations of domestic violence against yourself, you first instinct shall probably be to lash out at the accuser. While the reaction is understandable, it will not help your case. Any attempt to retaliate will be perceived as evidence of violent tendencies or an aggressive personality. You will have to exhibit a calm demeanor and use your right to remain silent. It is best that you distance yourself from the false victim and avoid communicating with them directly.

2.    Respect the Law

If the law prohibits you from contacting your partner/spouse and seeing your family, obey the orders. Abiding by the rules and maintaining respectful behavior will demonstrate sound character and supplement evidence of your innocence. You need to prove that you are not capable of causing any harm to people in your life.

3.    Hire an Attorney

Defying allegations of domestic violence is no easy task, which is why you should not delay the deed of hiring an attorney to represent your case. It is important that you find a local criminal defense attorney who has the skills and experience to navigate you through these treacherous circumstances and reach a favorable outcome. Your attorney will assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case, and devise defense strategies accordingly.

4.    Gather Evidence and Witnesses

You need all the evidence and witnesses you can get to support your case. Calling people among your community, friends, family, and coworkers to testify in your favor shall help. Any documented material that shows your spouse is lying, has motive to undermine you, or is mentally unstable is absolutely valuable. You may also provide solid alibis or persuasive explanations to prove that observed physical abuse was not inflicted by you.