Misdemeanor Remedy
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
Naresh Rajan
Court Appointed Lawyer
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.
Escaping Jury Service
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 pr
Defending Sexual Crimes
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 t
Criminal Justice Propositions
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 reject
Keep It In Your Pocket!
Over the years, I have represented numerous clients accused of indecent exposure. The essence of the crime is exposing one’s private parts in a public place
The Stigma Of The Sex Offender
Imagine that, because you were convicted of a crime, you couldn’t go to your child’s high school graduation. If you lived with children or within 2,000 feet
The Mechanics of Prosecution
Q Help! I've been wrongfully arrested. Can I get my case dismissed? A From time to time I talk to defendants in criminal cases who are adamant that their cases
Jail Etiquette
Each county in California has a jail or correctional facility to house people accused in criminal cases. In serious cases, bail is often too high. Some defendan
Hit and Run!
Q Oops! I just got into a car accident. What should I do? AThere are a couple of things the law requires you to do. If nobody is injured, each driver must excha
Don’t Shoplift!
Have you ever noticed the dark globes sunk into the ceiling of a department store? Despite the lack of obvious guards, you can be sure someone is watching your
DUI Details
In our July 2010 issue we carried an overview of DUI laws. This column details a plan of action should you be arrested. If pulled over for Driving Under the Inf
