Insights from Carolyn Oliver Associates

Discovering that someone lied about their age can feel like an unfair twist in an already difficult situation, especially if it leads to allegations of statutory rape. But in California, the law doesn’t always take intent or misunderstanding into account. Statutory rape can still be charged, even if the other

First, let’s discuss what a preliminary hearing is. A preliminary hearing is a “mini trial” that comes after the arraignment and before the trial. It takes place when you are charged with a felony offense. There is no preliminary hearing for misdemeanor charges in California. Preliminary hearings are a constitutional

Elder Parole is a policy that allows for the early release of elderly inmates who have served a significant portion of their sentence and are considered to pose a low risk to public safety. In California, legislation such as Senate Bill 224, known as the Elderly Parole Program, provides a

Facing Felony Charges in California? Here’s What You Need to Know About Felony Settlement Conferences If you or someone close to you is facing felony charges in California, you may have heard the terms “felony settlement conference” or “felony readiness conference” mentioned. Here’s a breakdown of what these are and

Being charged with lewd or lascivious acts with a child under California Penal Code § 288(a) is one of the most serious criminal allegations a person can face. These charges carry severe penalties, including substantial prison time and the possibility of lifetime sex offender registration. At Carolyn L. Oliver |

Facing charges under California Penal Code § 288(c)(1) for lewd acts with a minor aged 14 or 15 is a serious situation that requires immediate legal assistance. This specific charge targets sexual conduct with older teens when there is a significant age difference between the parties. At Carolyn L. Oliver

You cannot lawfully be arrested or prosecuted after the statute of limitations has expired. This blog will focus on varying statutes of limitations for California crimes, not federal crimes. Statutes of limitations are time periods within which a prosecutor must file criminal charges. Generally speaking, the clock starts running for

The Three Strikes law in California has long been a topic of intense discussion and debate. Whether you’re directly facing charges or just trying to understand how this law impacts the justice system, having accurate and clear information is essential. This guide will walk you through the history, purpose, and

If you or someone you care about is facing a sex crime allegation in California, one of the most urgent questions is whether a conviction will lead to sex offender registration. Not every conviction triggers this requirement, but many do—and understanding how the law works is essential to protecting your

One of the most common misunderstandings we encounter as criminal defense attorneys is the idea that the person who calls the police also has the power to “press” or “drop” charges. In reality, the process is much more complex—and once law enforcement gets involved, things often move forward whether the

Facing aggravated assault charges in California is a serious matter. These charges can lead to lengthy prison terms, steep fines, and permanent damage to your personal and professional life. While simple assault is typically prosecuted as a misdemeanor, aggravated assault—commonly known as assault with a deadly weapon or assault likely

Armed robbery combines the core elements of robbery with the use of a weapon, significantly increasing the severity of penalties and the prosecution’s aggressiveness. If you or a loved one has been charged with armed robbery in California, understanding the nature of the charges and the available defense strategies is

You probably don’t need a lawyer to tell you that it’s illegal to assault someone with a deadly weapon—but if you’ve been charged with this offense, you’ll absolutely want a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side. At Carolyn L. Oliver | Criminal Defense Law Firm, we understand the serious

Being charged with domestic battery in California is a serious and often overwhelming experience, especially given the social, emotional, and legal consequences involved. Unlike other battery offenses, domestic battery specifically pertains to intimate or familial relationships and carries unique penalties under California law. At Carolyn L. Oliver | Criminal Defense

Facing DUI charges in California—especially in areas like San Diego—can be overwhelming. But not all evidence collected during a DUI investigation is automatically valid or admissible in court. Challenging the prosecution’s evidence can lead to reduced charges—or even dismissal of your case. Below, we break down five powerful legal strategies

California Senate Bill 145 (SB 145), which went into effect in September 2020, generated significant public controversy, much of it fueled by misinformation. Some viral posts and even a sitting State Senator falsely claimed the law would allow a 24-year-old to have sex with a 14-year-old and avoid a felony

Short Answer: You could. It depends on the nature of your conviction. California has some of the strictest gun laws in the United States, and even certain misdemeanor offenses can result in losing your right to own or possess firearms—sometimes for life. At Carolyn L. Oliver | Criminal Defense Law

Being charged with annoying or molesting a child under California Penal Code § 647.6 is a serious legal matter that requires immediate attention. Despite the language used in the statute, this offense does not necessarily involve physical contact—it encompasses a wide range of behaviors and can result in either misdemeanor

Being charged with assault in California can be a distressing experience, with potential consequences ranging from fines to jail time. California Penal Code § 241 defines assault and outlines the penalties for different scenarios, including enhanced punishments for assaults against specific professionals like peace officers, healthcare workers, and emergency responders.

Being charged with battery causing serious bodily injury under California Penal Code § 243(d) can significantly impact your life. Unlike simple battery charges, this more serious offense carries potential felony consequences and can lead to years of imprisonment. If you’re facing these charges in San Diego, Chula Vista, or anywhere