Author Archives: karen

Criminal Charges Vs. Civil Charges

Criminal charges vs civil charges

One of the things that makes the American legal system confusing is that we have both criminal charges and civil charges. Criminal charges are a straightforward part of the legal process. If you break the law, you’re arrested and criminal charges are filed against you. You have the option of pleading guilty to these charges. […]

Understanding Assault with a Deadly Weapon

assault with a deadly weapon

Assault with a deadly weapon is basically what it sounds like. It means you are accused of assaulting someone and at the time you had something that could have been considered a deadly weapon. Like most legal issues, assault with a deadly weapon isn’t as simple as we would like it to be. What is […]

When Does a Prank Go too Far?

are pranks illegal

Most of us have been involved in pranks, both as the person pulling the prank on another and as someone who has been pranked. In most cases, the pranks are fun and no one is emotionally or physically hurt, but there is always an exception. The best indicator that a prank has gone too far […]

Understanding Slander in California

Slander in california

Most Americans know that the First Amendment grants the right to free speech. The problem that many of us encounter is we don’t fully grasp the differences between free speech and slander. What is Free Speech? Many of us interpret the First Amendment to mean that we’re free to say whatever we want, to whomever […]

Public Intoxication Laws in California

public intoxication laws

Everyone knows that if you get behind the wheel and drive your car after you’ve had too much to drink that you’ll be arrested and have to deal with some serious legal consequences. What you might not know is that alcohol can get you into trouble even if you don’t plan on driving. If you’re […]