Q Can a misdemeanor be settled by civil compromise? A In a number of criminal cases involving fairly minor conduct, the law allows the accused to resolve his or her case by redressing the damages to the injured party by obtaining an agreement from that party to avoid...
Q Would it be better for my case if I hired a real attorney? A Since most of my practice is court-appointed criminal defense, I occasionally hear this question. I feel like a public defender. Since San Mateo County doesn’t have a formal public defender’s office, I am...
Q Explain the jury service process and if called upon, how can we avoid it? A I just finished a jury trial last week. The trial was notable for the number of prospective jurors who requested to be excused for hardships. Jury service is the only obligation of...
Q The December 2012 rape of the college student on a bus in New Delhi spurred Indian lawmakers to institute harsher punishments for rape. Could you comment on the criminal defense of rape and sexual offenders here in the United States? A From a criminal defense...
Q What were the criminal justice propositions on the ballot in the last elections and what did they signify? A On November 6, 2012, California voters rejected a proposition to end the death penalty, but passed propositions to increase penalties for human trafficking...
