Can You Be Charged with Statutory Rape if They Lied About Their Age?
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 person misrepresented their age. In […]
The Burden of Proof at a Preliminary Hearing in San Diego
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 safeguard to ensure that there […]
Elder Parole in California | What Is It & How Does It Work?
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 framework for inmates aged 50 […]
San Diego Criminal Court: What is a Felony Settlement Conference AKA Felony Readiness Conference?
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 why they are important. What […]
Lewd or Lascivious Acts with a Child Under 14 (Penal Code § 288(a)) in California
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 | Criminal Defense Law Firm, we […]
Lewd or Lascivious Acts with a Child Aged 14 or 15 (Penal Code § 288(c)(1)) in California
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 | Criminal Defense Law Firm, […]
What Are “Statute of Limitations?” Can You Be Arrested After the Statute of Limitations Expires?
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 statute of limitations purposes when […]
California’s Three Strikes Law, Explained: Past, Present, and Future
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 evolution of the Three Strikes […]
What Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration in California?
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 rights and future. At Carolyn […]
Who “Presses Charges” in a Criminal Case
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 reporting party wants them to […]
