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Emergency Protective Orders: Should They Be Served in Public?

In cases of domestic violence, child abuse, and abduction, emergency protective orders (EPO) serve as critical tools in addressing immediate threats. However, a recent incident at the 4S Commons Town Center has ignited a debate on whether to serve them in public spaces. San Diego Police Sergeant Anthony Elliott was tragically shot in the head […]

How To Get a Restraining Order: Protection from Civil Harassment

Unrelenting civil harassment can leave individuals feeling vulnerable, anxious, and threatened. Without a sense of security, no place feels safe. That includes your job, your home, or any public space. Lack of freedom directly affects emotional well-being, and that is unacceptable. To protect yourself against unwanted attention from strangers, get a restraining order. This legal […]

San Diego DUI Checkpoints: Your Rights and What to Expect

Encountering a San Diego DUI checkpoint can be an anxiety-inducing experience. In those unexpected moments when flashing lights and uniformed officers signal you to halt, it’s crucial to understand your rights. While California Vehicle Code 2814.2 mandates drivers to stop at properly marked checkpoints, police cannot search your vehicle without a warrant. Today, I’ll explain […]
Police officers waiting outside with a warrant for your arrest

What To Do When There’s a Warrant for Your Arrest

Facing the distressing situation of having a warrant for your arrest in California can be overwhelming. As a criminal defense attorney, I, Michael C. MacNeil, understand the importance of grasping the implications and taking immediate action to navigate this challenging circumstance. This quick read aims to provide clear and informative guidance to address this issue […]

How To Find a Good Criminal Defense Attorney

Finding a competent criminal defense attorney is crucial when facing legal challenges. I, Michael C. MacNeil, understand the difficulties clients encounter during this process as a seasoned defense attorney and former prosecutor. Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming. Therefore, acquiring a knowledgeable attorney is paramount. In this post, I aim to provide my professional expertise […]

Understanding the Impact of SB 731 on Criminal Record Relief

As a legal expert, I understand the profound impact that Senate Bill 731 has on criminal record relief for millions of Californians. SB 731 helps address barriers ex-offenders commonly face when seeking employment, housing, and education. The bill aims to seal conviction and arrest records for eligible individuals who successfully avoid committing additional felonies for […]

Understanding Criminal Record Expungement in California

For many individuals with a criminal past, the burden of a conviction feels like a heavy weight that’s difficult to shake off. It significantly hinders the pursuit of employment, housing, and education opportunities. The harsh reality is that the damaging effects of a felony can follow the person long after serving their time. In the […]

Bail in California: What is a PC 1275 Hold?

As a legal professional who has witnessed countless criminal cases unfold, I understand how overwhelming and intricate navigating the justice system can be. One particularly stressful aspect is the PC 1275 Hold. In this blog post, I’ll shed light on this penal code, which directly impacts the burden of proof in criminal cases and potential […]

AB 960: Expanding California Compassionate Release

As an experienced criminal justice professional from San Diego, I am passionate about advocating for more humane and empathetic incarceration methods. Recently California passed AB 960, which offers a compassionate release for inmates who suffer from infirmities or are facing the inevitabilities of old age. This article will discuss the specifics of this revolutionary bill, […]

Understanding The Safer Streets for All Act & Racial Profiling in California

Over the last few years, conversations around law enforcement and public safety have frequently centered on discriminatory profiling. As a prime example in California, the criminalization of loitering with intent to commit prostitution has disproportionately impacted communities of color, the LGBTQ, and transgender individuals. This unjustified practice has been used primarily as an instrument for […]

Cost of Divorce in California

The divorce process can be stressful and expensive. In California, the amount you spend on your separation depends upon which procedure you select and how long it drags out in court. To ensure a favorable outcome, proper financial preparation beforehand is essential. So to help you do that, I put together an overview of the […]

How the Youth Bill of Rights Impacts California’s Juvenile Justice System

As of September 2022, teenagers across California have recently been granted some additional protection under the law with the signing of The Youth Bill of Rights by Governor Gavin Newsome. This bill was a long-time goal for many juvenile justice advocacy groups that outlines human rights incarcerated youth inside county juvenile facilities can now rely […]