What Happens if You’re Accused of Stalking in California
Stalking accusations are taken very seriously in California. Every single person connected to the state’s judicial system understands that stalking often escalates into more serious crimes, which is why they will quickly launch an investigation when someone accuses you of stalking them.
Whether you actually are stalking them or it’s an accusation that has been made in an attempt to get you into legal trouble, it’s in your best interest to start preparing yourself for what the future could hold if the police find enough evidence to justify filing stalking charges against you.
Stalking is dealt with in California’s Penal Code 646.9 PC. Reading through the law is the best way to fully understand what the state does and doesn’t consider stalking. The law reads:
“Any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or willfully and maliciously harasses another person and who makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear for his or her safety, or the safety of his or her immediate family is guilty of the crime of stalking…”
While stalking is taken very seriously by the entire California legal system, it is also one of the state’s wobbler offenses, meaning that you could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. Things like your criminal history, if any threats were made, how long the stalking took place, how intense the stalking incidents were are taken into consideration when a judge decides if you should be charged with misdemeanor or felony stalking.
If you are charged with misdemeanor stalking in California, you shouldn’t assume that you’ll get off lightly. If convicted, the judge could sentence you to a full year in a county jail and/or fine you $1,000. It’s also possible that you’ll be required to take some education courses such as anger management and substance abuse recovery.
The sentence for felony stalking in California is a three-year span in one of California’s state prisons and a fine that could be as much as $10,000.
It’s important to note that stalking is one of California’s Three Strikes crimes, meaning that the third time you’re convicted of felony stalking will result in a minimum sentence of 25 years in a state prison.
The Lasting Consequences of a DUI | California Laws
It’s likely that you already know that the first time you’re convicted of a DUI in California, you will lose your driving privileges for a period of time, be required to pay some hefty fines and have to take some substance abuse classes.
What you may not have considered is the long-term impact that a single DUI will have on your life.
The first thing you need to consider is how your employability will change following your DUI. The biggest challenge comes right after you’ve been sentenced and have your driving privileges revoked. How are you going to get to work? How will you get home? If you’re unable to make the commute to your current job because you are no longer able to drive, will your employer give you a leave of absence and allow you to return to work once your driving privileges are reinstated, or are you going to have to look for another job?
The DUI conviction could also impact your ability to get another job. Some employers specifically ask if you have a criminal conviction on your record when you apply. Whether you have to disclose your DUI depends on how the question is worded. If they are only asking about felony charges, you can avoid mentioning the conviction. However, if they ask about any criminal offenses, including misdemeanors, it’s in your best interest to mention the DUI. This protects you if the potential employer runs a background check that turns up the DUI conviction. At least they won’t think you’re dishonest.
Be prepared for the DUI to play a painful role in your budgeting for a long time to come. Not only will you have to deal with the court fines connected to the conviction, but it’s also going to have a seriously negative impact on your car insurance. Many insurance companies will drop you after you’ve been convicted of a DUI. Even if your insurance company does decide to keep you on as a customer, you should be prepared for your premiums to skyrocket and for them to stay high for a very long time.
The first time you’re convicted of a DUI in California, you’re potential sentence could include a six-month suspension of your driver’s license, a $390-1000 fine, DUI school, and up to six months in a county jail.
How Parking Tickets Impact your Driving in California
Very few drivers in California haven’t received at least one traffic ticket. In most cases, the driver sputters a little bit, pays the fine, and moves on with their life. However, some California drivers have racked up lots of parking tickets.
There are two reasons drivers fail to pay for their tickets. First, they simply don’t have the money needed to cover the fine. The second, and more common reason is that they don’t think parking violations are a big deal and simply ignore them.
If you fall into the second category of drivers, there are a few things you should know about outstanding parking tickets in California. California’s government depends on the revenue they collect from tickets. They are determined that you should pay the fines connected to the tickets. The first step the government does is increase the amount of money you must pay. The older the outstanding parking ticket is, the heavier the fine is.
If the fine remains unpaid, the court doesn’t beg you to pay the ticket. Instead, the suspend your drivers license. Once this happens, the only way you’ll regain your driving privileges is by paying the tickets as well as any fees connected to reinstating your driver’s license. Before you consider driving with a suspended California driver’s license, consider that doing so is a misdemeanor. If you’re caught, you’ll be arrested. If you get into an accident, the insurance company will likely use the fact that you weren’t supposed to be legally driving as an excuse not to pay out on the claim.
Fentanyl Crisis In California | What You Should Know
It seems like every few years, one drug falls out of favor, and another takes it’s place. In the past, serious concerns have been raised about LSD, heroin, cocaine, meth, and more. The current drug of concern is fentanyl.
Technically speaking, fentanyl is a legal drug. It’s a synthetic opioid that’s used to treat pain. When used properly, it improves the quality of life for those who struggle with chronic pain. The problem is that fentanyl has become a street drug. The illegal use of fentanyl has led to a steady increase in overdose deaths during the past decade. There is even a current case that’s gaining a great deal of national media attention in which a wife is accused of using fentanyl to murder her spouse.
Using fentanyl without the use of a prescription is illegal, but the legal consequences of using fentanyl are in the process of becoming more severe.
The House of Representatives recently passed legislation that’s specifically geared towards individuals who abuse fentanyl. It is an issue that has helped unite both Democrat and Republican politicians.
One of the main purposes behind the new legislation is to have fentanyl listed as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. If the legislation becomes law, it means that the prison sentences for fentanyl related crimes will become significantly more severe. While the bill still has to gain both Congressional and Presidential approval before it becomes law, it does appear that the White House is in favor of the bill.
At this point, if you’re caught with a small amount of fentanyl and don’t have a prescription, you will likely be charged with a misdemeanor. If the quantity is larger, you’ll face felony charges. The biggest decision maker between a misdemeanor and felony is the amount of fentanyl you are in possession of and if you have it for personal use or if evidence suggest that you’re involved with the sale or trafficking of fentanyl.
It is not unusual for someone who is in possession of a large amount of fentanyl to be convicted of a drug crime and be sentenced to up to ten years in prison. If you’re accused of trafficking fentanyl, you will face federal charges and could be sentenced to spend the rest of your life in prison and/or fined $1 million and $50 million.
Tips for Finding a Safe Rental Property
While there are many perks connected to living in California, the ability to easily find rental properties isn’t one of them. While it’s possible that there are some areas in California where safe and affordable rental properties are available, those locations are very rare. Difficulty finding rental properties is an issue that plaques nearly all of California’s large cities.
No matter how desperate you are to find a rental property where you can live, you must remember that your safety is very important. You do not want to put yourself in a position where you are always worried that something is about to happen. Here are a few tips that will help you find a safe rental property in California.
Check Out the Neighborhood Crime Stats
These days, it’s easy to learn not only what the crime rate in a particular neighborhood is, but to also find out what the most common types of crime are in the area. There are several sites that will provide a great deal of information about the crime rates in an area, allowing you to gain the information you need in just a few minutes.
Learn What Safety Precautions the Property Owner Has Taken
One of the first things you should do when you’re looking at a property is learning what type of safety precautions the owner has taken. Find out what types of locks are installed on the doors. Are there security cameras at the entrances? If the property is a multi-family dwelling are the other residents long term tenants, or are the other units used for short term rentals, such as Airbnb’s? Can the windows be locked? Are there bars over the windows? Are you allowed to make changes that would improve your sense of security.
Carefully Examine the Property for Potential Hazards and Safety Concerns
Most people only think about crime rates when considering the safety of a potential rental. While crime rate is important, it’s also important to really consider what type of hazards are found on the property. Are there maintenance or clutter issues that could lead to trip and fall accidents? Is there something noisy nearby that could cause you to lose precious sleep? Do the stairs have banisters? Is the home in decent enough repair that you don’t have to worry about thing falling apart? Are the appliances in good working order.
Don’t let the scarcity of rental properties in California distract you from considering the pros and cons of every rental property you look at. Considering the potential safety hazards only takes a few minutes and could spare you a great deal of stress and worry once you’re locked into a contract.
Guaranteed High-Quality Bail Bond Services in Lynwood
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We understand how stressful life can become when you or a loved one is charged with a crime. One thing that shouldn’t weigh on you is organizing a swift release from jail. Absolute Bail Bonds in Long Beach is with you through the entire process, from filling out all necessary paperwork to paying your fees. Bonds can be easily repaid via cash, check, or credit card.
We offer convenient payment plans with flexible terms to ensure that you’re able to get the freedom you’re entitled to.
Absolute Bail Bonds fully supports you with your criminal bail bond needs. Our agents can take care of any required paperwork and answer any questions you may have. We offer a variety of bond types so you can get the solution that best suits your unique needs.
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The conditions of your release may vary, but it’s important to keep in mind that many court-sanctioned release scenarios include mandates. These are things like travel restrictions, treatment for drugs or alcohol, additional collateral for those with a history of bail jumping, and conditional release pending criminal proceedings.
You never know when you’ll need assistance from a bail bondsman for yourself or someone else. Absolute Bail Bonds is here for you 24/7. Call us now for a free bail bond consultation! 1-800-793-2245
Absolute Bail Bonds “We Never Sleep”
At Absolute Bail Bonds we make paying for a bail bond easy for our clients. We offer payment plans, 0% interest bail bonds, and personalized payment plans for qualified clients. We will never surprise you with hidden fees like our competitors because we believe in working with honesty and integrity.
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You don’t have to worry when your friend or family member has been arrested. You can count on Absolute Bail Bonds in Los Angeles our bail agents are ready to assist you. Night or day, anywhere in California, we can help you bail out your loved one. Our skilled bail agents will always be available to offer their assistance.
What we do is help people in your situation post bail so they do not have to await their hearing in jail. Our process is simple:
1. Let us know who you need to bail out, their birthday if you know it, and where they are being held. Absolute Bail Bonds will contact that location and gather the rest of the information we need.
2. Tell us your financial situation and will work around it to formulate a customized payment plan with low monthly rates.
3. Review and sign paperwork so you understand what you are paying and the steps you need to take to ensure the bond is accepted (ie making sure the arrested individual appears in court when ordered).
4. Our agents will send paperwork to the location your loved one is at. The paperwork will be processed there and your loved one will be released.
It’s really as simple as that but once we start discussing your situation, we’re sure you’ll have more questions so do not hesitate to ask! For a free consultation simply call 1-800-793-2245.
You Can Count on Absolute Bail Bonds
At some point, you may need to hire a bail bondsman. As much as you don’t want to admit that you think your loved one going to get arrested someday, you know it’s very likely. So, you want to be as prepared as possible.
A bail bondsman will issue a bail bond for your loved one so that he or she can be released from jail. The bail bondsman will charge a 10% premium (like a fee for their services) which is 10% of the full bail amount. You will be allowed to pay off the premium over a set period of weeks or months, whatever you and the bail bondsman agree to. You will need to make sure your loved one shows up for court.
Absolute Bail Bonds in Los Angeles can go into deeper detail when you’re ready to talk one-on-one and get the bail bond processed or if you just want a consultation, free of charge. We can be reached online or on the phone at 1-800-793-2245.
How Misdemeanor Probation Works in California
It’s not at all unusual for a California judge to sentence a person to misdemeanor probation rather than actual jail time. This doesn’t mean that you’ve gotten away with anything. It simply means that the judge considers you a low-risk criminal offender and that it makes more sense for you to remain at home instead of spending a few months in a jail cell.
Don’t assume that since you’ve been sentenced to misdemeanor probation, you’re free to do whatever you want. There are still a few rules and requirements you’ll have to follow.
Misdemeanor probation is a sentencing option for most California misdemeanors. Judges frequently use it when the case involves a juvenile or adults who are first-time offenders. The idea behind misdemeanor probation is that it’s not a punishment for a crime but a chance for you to receive some rehabilitation and learn from your mistakes so you don’t find yourself on the wrong side of the law again.
California judges have the option to sentence you to anywhere from one-five years of misdemeanor probation. While five years of probation is on the table, it’s highly unusual for anyone to receive more than three years. While each case can differ, most misdemeanor probations include the following:
- Paying court fines and any restitution connected to the case
- Possible counseling sessions
- Community service
- Drug/alcohol counseling and testing when appropriate
You will be required to periodically appear in court while you’re serving probation for routine progress reports.
While the vast majority of people are delighted to be sentenced to misdemeanor probation rather than actual jail time, every once in a while, someone will reject the judge’s offer of probation. Reasons you may choose to decline probation include the following:
You would rather spend a few months in jail than a few years on misdemeanor probation.
You want to serve some jail time and put the entire matter behind you
You’re worried you won’t be able to stick to the terms of the misdemeanor probation and will ultimately violate probation and be in even more legal trouble
The last thing you need to know about misdemeanor probation in California is that it is possible to violate the terms of your probation.
If you get in involved with a misdemeanor parole violations, the possible repercussions include the following:
- Having your probation time extended
- Being required to pay yet more fines
- Losing your ability to have your conviction expunged from your record
- Possible jail time
Suppose you have been sentenced to misdemeanor probation in California. In that case, it’s in your best interest to meet with your lawyer immediately so they can explain precisely what requirements you must adhere to during your probation time and how to successfully navigate the probation process.
Are Yard Sales Legal in California?
Yard and garage sales are an excellent way to clear your home of clutter and to generate some extra money.
The good news is that California doesn’t have any laws that restrict you from having a yard or garage sale. As far as the state is concerned, they’re perfectly legal. However, that doesn’t mean you’re free to move your stuff into your front yard and start selling it.
While the state doesn’t have any rules governing yard and garage sales in California, many local branches of government do. In addition, several California cities don’t forbid yard and garage sales but have rules you’ll have to follow when you decide to sell your unwanted items.
Some cities and townships require a permit for yard and garage sales. The good news is that these permits aren’t challenging to acquire and don’t cost much. The best way to obtain a permit for a yard or garage sale in California is to visit your city clerk’s office. You can do this in person or online.
The biggest restriction most cities/townships place on garage and yard sales is the number you can have during a given period. Pasadena is a city that has such a restriction. You’re allowed to sell your items via a yard or garage sale, but if you live in Pasadena, you can only have a maximum of four garage sales annually. One of the ways you can get around this is by connecting with a few neighbors or friends and having joint yard sales.
While the state of California doesn’t restrict your ability to have a yard or garage sale, they do have some rules about what you can sell during the event… or rather, what you’re not allowed to sell. Three specific things that are prohibited are:
- Alcohol
- Ammunition
- Firearms
Food sales are also heavily regulated.
Many cities have rules about selling certain chemicals, such as pool supplies, at yard sales. It’s also common for some items like hot tubs and large appliances aree banned by the city.