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graphic containing papers, books, and scales with text overlaid to illustrate the topic of CACI in California

What Happens If Your Name Is Added to the CACI in California?

Receiving a notice that your name may be added to California’s Child Abuse Central Index, or CACI, can be frightening. You may have never been convicted of a crime. You may have had prosecutors decline to file charges. Still, an administrative finding can create serious concerns about your work, licensing, family, and future. Being listed […]

Child Support Arrearage in California: What You Need to Know

Key Takeaways: Child support arrearage means court-ordered child support that has not been paid when due. This can include missed payments, partial payments, and interest that has built up over time. A parent with unpaid child support in California can face serious enforcement consequences, including income withholding, license suspension, liens, and contempt proceedings. You may […]
Emergency Protective Orders: Should They Be Served in Public?

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 […]
Man drinking without knowledge of a San Diego DUI checkpoint

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 […]

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 […]

Criminal Justice Lawyers & California Criminal Justice Reform

As criminal justice systems across the nation continue to address mass incarceration, police brutality, and racial profiling, many people are left wondering what this means for them. In California, criminal justice reform is a hot topic, and many different voices have been clamoring for change for years. The cost of our broken system is staggering […]

Assault vs. Battery in California: Key Differences

Key Takeaways: Knowing the difference between assault vs. battery in California can give you a better understanding of your case.  According to the California Penal Code, assault and battery differ in the threat or attempt to use force and actually doing so. Assault and battery charges can be felonies or misdemeanors depending on the circumstances. […]