Why Not Just Use the Public Defender? Why Hire a Private Attorney?

Public defenders are often called public pretenders.  Some of our clients do not believe public defenders are attorneys.  These perceptions are undeserved for the most part.  Some of the best attorneys are public defenders.  However, hiring private counsel instead of using the public defender has distinct advantages.  Click on the attached article to read about why hiring private counsel can be the smartest decision one makes in dealing with a criminal case – http://www.greghillassociates.com/lawyer-attorney-2227742.html.

If Police Are Searching for Your Friend, Can You Be Arrested?

Our office is often asked by clients if their arrest is legal when police come to a house or business, looking for one person, but then arrest our client.  The client suggests in their question that police are limited to who they are allowed to arrest by who they seek?  Obviously, police would be able to stop a robbery or murder in progress if this crime presented itself, right?  Click on the following article to learn more about this frequent situation – http://www.greghillassociates.com/lawyer-attorney-1804399.html.

Can Breaching an Apartment Rental Contract Be a Criminal Offense?

There is a natural impulse to label every wrong sustained a crime.  However, some wrongs, such as being rear-ended in a traffic accident, or slipping at a super market on a wet floor, are civil claims and not crimes.  A breach of contract would seem to be civil in nature, right?  Read the article that follows to see that the answer is “not always” – http://www.greghillassociates.com/lawyer-attorney-1813283.html.

Can Police Collect My DNA Without My Approval?

George Orwell’s book, 1984, made us all recognize the enormous power a government can misuse if armed with certain information.  The genetic code of an individual, shown in one’s DNA, is unique and shows those strengths and weaknesses a person has.  The information can also show which people are predisposed to certain diseases.  It is uniquely private and personal information.  Can a government collect this DNA, under the guise of law enforcement, without one’s approval or consent?  Read the attached link to find out. http://www.greghillassociates.com/lawyer-attorney-1813288.html

What is Misdemeanor Resisting Arrest (Penal Code § 148(a)(1))?

It is not uncommon for our clients to upset a police officer in the course of being arrested.  Our client may have refused to provide his or her birthdate, or refused to sit down on a curb when ordered to do so by police.  Or perhaps our client simply argued a little too much with the police.  The client is then facing a misdemeanor resisting arrest charge.  What is need to prove this charge?  What is the punishment?  What are the defenses?  Click on the attached link to find out.  http://www.greghillassociates.com/lawyer-attorney-2036190.html.

What Should Someone Wear and Bring to Court?

Many clients ask us what they ought to wear and bring to court.  We welcome this question, as one’s manner of dressing and what they hold is noticed by the judge and prosecutor.  If one wears tattered jeans, a tight t-shirt and sandals, there is a certain impression given.  In contrast, respect for the judicial system is shown if a man wears a suit and tie and a woman wears business attire.  Likewise, bringing a small notebook is smart and bringing a large backpack or purse is not.  For more information on this issue, click on the attached article – http://www.greghillassociates.com/lawyer-attorney-2143805.html

What Advantage is There to Pleading to a Wet Reckless Rather Than a DUI?

So your attorney told you that you may be eligible for a plea bargain to a wet reckless?  What good is this?  What is Vehicle Code § 23103, reckless driving?  Will my insurance company treat me different than if I plea to DUI?  Will a plea to 23103 “count” as a DUI later, if I get a DUI five years from now?  Click on the attached link to read answers to these questions: http://www.greghillassociates.com/lawyer-attorney-1862066.html

What are the Defenses to Evading Police?

Have you arrested for evading arrest?  What happened?  Did you know police were attempting to pull you over?  What must the prosecution show to prove one evaded police?  Is this is felony?  Are there any defenses?  What is the punishment?  Click on the following article to read answers to these important questions. http://www.greghillassociates.com/lawyer-attorney-1922389.html

What is Driving on a Suspended License or Without a Valid License?

It is quite common for our clients on probation to be cited for driving on a suspended license, often due to a DUI.  Sometimes, they simply do not have a license at all.  What is the punishment for each of these crimes?  Are there any defenses?  What must the prosecution prove to obtain a conviction?  Click on the attached particle to find out – http://www.greghillassociates.com/lawyer-attorney-2000395.html.

What is Mayhem (Penal Code § 203) and Aggravated Mayhem (Penal Code § 205)?

Are you or do you know someone charged with mayhem or aggravated mayhem?  What happened?  What were the injuries?  Did the “victim” go a hospital?  What are the defenses to this charge?  What must the prosecution show to prove this charge?  What is the punishment for someone convicted of this?  Click on the link here to learn more about these two crimes – http://www.greghillassociates.com/lawyer-attorney-2023194.html.