What Is A Tahl Waiver? Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyReduction of ChargesSentencingWobblers
December 3, 2020

What Is A Tahl Waiver?

When accused of criminal charges, every American has important constitutional rights that must be protected. However, circumstances may dictate that a criminal defendant waives some or all these valuable rights.…
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About DUI Education - AB 541 Criminal law attorneyDiversionDUI DefenseRecovery
December 1, 2020

About DUI Education – AB 541

California has many court-ordered DUI programs, which are designed to help DUI offenders receive assistance for their substance abuse and learn more about the dangers of driving while intoxicated. AB…
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Overview Of The Expungement Process Criminal law attorneyExpungementRecord ClearingReduction of Charges
November 27, 2020

Overview Of The Expungement Process

The attorneys at the Dolan Law Offices are experienced criminal defense lawyers who specialize in helping Californians expunge their criminal records and move forward with their lives positively and productively.…
Dolan Law Offices
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What Is The Difference Between Expungement And Sealing Records? Criminal law attorneyExpungementRecord ClearingSealing Arrest Records
November 25, 2020

What Is The Difference Between Expungement And Sealing Records?

Many people equate expunging a criminal record with sealing a criminal record. Often, clients ask about these processes and believe that both are necessary to achieve their needs and goals.…
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Probable Cause And DUIs Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDUI Defense
November 23, 2020

Probable Cause And DUIs

The United States Constitution requires that law enforcement officers have a requisite level of justification before initiating a traffic stop or arresting anyone. In drunk driving cases, there are two…
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How Does California Define Resisting Arrest? Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDomestic ViolencePolice Misconduct
November 19, 2020

How Does California Define Resisting Arrest?

California Penal Code § 148 PC defines the crime of resisting arrest. This statute also applies to obstructing a police officer from carrying out any of his or her duties…
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The Benefits Of Early Attorney Intervention Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDomestic ViolenceDrug-related chargesDUI DefenseFelonyJuvenile crimesmisdemeanorReduction of ChargesWobblers
November 17, 2020

The Benefits Of Early Attorney Intervention

Any criminal charge, especially those in the context of domestic violence, has serious consequences. A good criminal defense attorney retained as soon as possible after a criminal charge is filed,…
Dolan Law Offices
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How Is Attempted Murder Defined In California? Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneySelf-Defenseviolent crimes
November 13, 2020

How Is Attempted Murder Defined In California?

California Penal Code § 187(a) PC defines homicide or murder as “the unlawful killing of a human being, or a fetus, with malice aforethought.” Attempting to commit a crime is…
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What Is Harmful And Offensive Touching For Purposes Of Domestic Battery? Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDomestic ViolenceWobblers
November 11, 2020

What Is Harmful And Offensive Touching For Purposes Of Domestic Battery?

The most common offense related to allegations of domestic violence, especially when charged as a misdemeanor, is a domestic battery under California Penal Code § 243(e)(1). Battery involves the willful…
Dolan Law Offices
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How Are DUIs Prosecuted? Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDUI DefenseWobblers
November 9, 2020

How Are DUIs Prosecuted?

A charge of “Driving Under the Influence” means a California motorist was driving with alcohol or other substances in his or her system. Once a motorist is arrested for drunk driving…
Dolan Law Offices
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Willful Acts And Domestic Violence Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDomestic Violence
November 5, 2020

Willful Acts And Domestic Violence

Domestic violence” is abuse or violence committed against an adult or a minor who is a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, former cohabitant, or person with whom the offender has had…
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DUI And Diversion Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDUI Defense
November 3, 2020

DUI And Diversion

Not every motorist who drives while intoxicated is careless and selfish for placing the safety of others in serious peril. Some drivers may have an addiction to alcohol or drugs…
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About Prop 36 Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDiversionDrug-related chargespretrial diversionProposition 36
October 30, 2020

About Prop 36

The Twentieth Anniversary of the passing of Proposition 36 is upcoming. Approximately twenty years ago, almost sixty-one percent of California voters approved Prop 36, otherwise known as the “Substance Abuse…
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When Is A Hit-And-Run A Felony? Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyviolent crimesWobblers
October 28, 2020

When Is A Hit-And-Run A Felony?

In California, any individual who fails to comply with California Vehicle Code § 20002 VC after an accident occurs may be charged with a criminal offense. California drivers are required…
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What Are Additional "Conditions of Probation" For A DUI? Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDUI DefenseProbationSentencing
October 26, 2020

What Are Additional “Conditions of Probation” For A DUI?

Many DUI offenders are granted probation, which allows defendants to avoid incarceration. California imposes certain conditions whenever a defendant is sentenced to DUI probation. Some of these restrictions are dependent on…
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What Is The Effect Of Realignment On Theft Offenses? Criminal law attorneyProposition 47Reduction of ChargesSentencingTheftTheftWobblers
October 22, 2020

What Is The Effect Of Realignment On Theft Offenses?

Proposition 47 created new misdemeanors and reclassified several felony theft offenses as misdemeanors. Proposition 47 also reclassified drug possession offenses under Health and Safety Code sections 11350, 11357(a) , and…
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What Is The Effect Of Realignment? Criminal law attorneyProposition 47Reduction of Charges
October 20, 2020

What Is The Overall Effect Of Realignment?

Realignment is the result of a federal three-judge panel ordering the state in 2009 to reduce the prison population from close to 190 percent to 137.5 percent of design capacity.…
Dolan Law Offices
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Factors That Affect A DUI Sentence Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDUI Defense
October 16, 2020

Factors That Affect A DUI Sentence

Drivers in California who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be charged under California Vehicle Code § 23152(a) VC (driving while under the influence of alcohol), violating California…
Dolan Law Offices
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What is a Post-Conviction Petition? Collateral SanctionsCriminal law attorneyExpungementRecord ClearingReduction of ChargesSealing Arrest Records
October 14, 2020

What is a Post-Conviction Petition?

Those individuals convicted of a crime in California have significant options in the form of a petition for post-conviction relief. Among other valuable forms of relief, a post-conviction petition may…
Dolan Law Offices
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Distinguishing Child Abuse And Child Endangerment Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDomestic ViolenceSex offense charges
October 12, 2020

Distinguishing Child Abuse And Child Endangerment

People often use the terms “child endangerment” and “child abuse” interchangeably. However, they mean and describe different situations. California criminalizes both types of conduct in separate statutes, California Penal Code…
Dolan Law Offices
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Can Three-Strikes Defendants Get Parole? AssaultCriminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyGang-related crimesSentencingviolent crimesWobblers
October 8, 2020

Can Three-Strikes Defendants Get Parole?

Under California’s “three strikes” law in California Penal Code § 667, defendants may receive a prison sentence of 25 years to life if convicted of three violent or serious felonies.…
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How California Punishes Misdemeanors Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDomestic Violencemisdemeanor
October 6, 2020

How California Punishes Misdemeanors

California considers misdemeanors to be crimes for which the maximum sentence is no more than one year in county jail. A misdemeanor is more serious than an infraction but less serious than a felony. Examples…
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Drug Possession And Diversion – PC 1000California Penal Code § 1000controlled substanceCriminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDiversionDrug-related chargespretrial diversion
October 2, 2020

Drug Possession And Diversion

In California, Penal Code § 1000 permits certain nonviolent misdemeanor drug offenses to be diverted from the official records of the California criminal justice system. If a defendant fails a…
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When Is An Ignition Interlock Device Mandatory? Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDUI Defense
September 30, 2020

When Is An Ignition Interlock Device Mandatory?

An ignition interlock device is an apparatus like a breathalyzer, only smaller, installed on the steering column of a DUI defendant’s car. On January 1st, 2019, a new law went into effect in…
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Self-Defense And The Duty To Retreat Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyFelonySelf-Defenseviolent crimesWobblers
September 28, 2020

Self-Defense And The Duty To Retreat

Like every jurisdiction in the United States, California law allows individuals to use force in self-defense. Of course, this privileged use of force is limited. Self-defense serves as a legal defense…
Dolan Law Offices
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Is It A Crime For A Person To Be Under The Influence Of A Controlled Substance Or Narcotic? controlled substanceCriminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDrug-related charges
September 24, 2020

Is It A Crime For A Person To Be Under The Influence Of A Controlled Substance Or Narcotic?

Preventing addiction to controlled substances is of utmost concern to California legislators. California Health and Safety Code § 11554 HS states in its entirety: The rehabilitation of persons addicted to…
Dolan Law Offices
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What Will An Expungement Not Do? Criminal law attorneyExpungement
September 22, 2020

What Will An Expungement Not Do?

California Penal Code § 1203.4 PC allows individuals formerly convicted of crimes to reverse or expunge the negative consequences of their convictions. An expungement begins with a petition brought by a defendant at…
Dolan Law Offices
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What Is California’s Per Se DUI Rule? Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDUI Defense
September 18, 2020

What Is California’s Per Se DUI Rule?

California’s Per Se DUI rule is significant because it makes it a crime for an individual to have a certain blood alcohol content (BAC) in his or her body regardless…
Dolan Law Offices
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Federal And State Law Contain Lifetime Firearms Bans For Domestic Violence Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDomestic Violence
September 16, 2020

Federal And State Law Contain Lifetime Firearms Bans For Domestic Violence

Convictions in California for crimes related to domestic violence carry extreme and severe consequences for rights related to possessing firearms and even maintaining citizenship for immigrants. A domestic violence conviction…
Dolan Law Offices
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What Is The Legal Definition Of A Criminal Threat? Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDomestic ViolenceSelf-Defenseviolent crimesWobblers
September 14, 2020

What Is The Legal Definition Of A Criminal Threat?

California Penal Code § 422 PC defines a “criminal threat” for purposes of California criminal law. § 422 makes it a crime to threaten another person with immediate harm with the…
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In California, individuals presently serving in the military, as well as veterans, who suffer from PTSD, trauma, or other mental health problems may be eligible for military diversion instead of jail time when accused of a misdemeanor crime. How is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) defined for purposes of a military pre-trial diversion program in California? Military diversion is one of three forms of pretrial diversion authorized by California law. Defendants do not have to plead guilty or no contest to obtain diversion. Instead, the court will postpone the criminal prosecution of the charges while the defendant participates in an education and treatment program. The military diversion program is usually only available to first-time offenders. Defendants with any prior convictions for the same offense are typically referred to Veteran’s Court, which provides greater structure and supervision than military diversion. Common misdemeanor offenses include possession of drugs, DUI, and misdemeanor assault and battery. PC § 1001.80 applies to cases alleging the commission of a misdemeanor offense if both of the following apply to the defendant: (1) The defendant was, or currently is, a member of the United States military. (2) The defendant may be suffering from sexual trauma, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, or mental health problems resulting from his or her military service. Note that the disorder must have resulted from the defendant’s military service. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition experienced by some individuals who have experienced trauma such as combat or sexual assault. While some people recover from these types of experiences, others develop PTSD. Some may only experience “acute stress disorder,” that lasts two to three weeks. Symptoms of PTSD that last for more than a month and that seriously affect the ability to function should be addressed as soon as possible. Symptoms of PTSD typically begin within 3 months of a traumatic incident but may arise even years later. To be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress order, an adult must have all the following symptoms for at least one month: 1. At least one “re-experiencing” symptom (flashbacks, nightmares, and frightening thoughts) 2. At least one “avoidance” symptom (staying away from places, events, or objects that are reminders of the traumatic event, and avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic experience. 3. At least two “arousal and reactivity” symptoms (being easily startled, feeling tense, having difficulty sleeping, and having angry outbursts) 4. At least two cognition and mood symptoms (trouble remembering important elements of the traumatic event, negative thoughts about self or the world, distorted feelings, such as guilt or blame, and loss of interest in activities. Upon successful completion of the treatment and education program, the court will dismiss the charges against the defendant. If the defendant fails to complete the program, the criminal proceedings will resume. California also offers a similar mental health diversion program that allows participants to get their charges dismissed and criminal records sealed. In the last decade, the State of California has moved toward reducing its jail and prison populations through pre-trial diversion programs. One program helps individuals who commit crimes that are low-level misdemeanor drug crimes avoid jail time. Mental health diversion and military diversion programs are also available. Instead of only focusing on punishment, these programs focus on helping individuals receive treatment for substance abuse, mental health problems, and military-related disorders. California pretrial diversion programs allow eligible defendants to avoid jail time by completing treatment and education courses. If you are experiencing mental health issues that have caused you to be charged with a crime, the resolution of your matter through the California PC 1001.36 diversion program may be available as an option. John Patrick Dolan is a California State Bar Certified Specialist in Criminal Law, the highest achievement awarded by the State Bar of California to attorneys in the field of criminal law. Call today at (760) 775-3739 or find out more online here. Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDiversionpretrial diversion
September 10, 2020

How Is PTSD Defined For Military Diversion?

In California, individuals presently serving in the military, as well as veterans, who suffer from PTSD, trauma, or other mental health problems may be eligible for military diversion instead of…
Dolan Law Offices
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Forms Of Post-Conviction Relief For Immigrants Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyRecord ClearingReduction of Charges
September 8, 2020

Forms Of Post-Conviction Relief For Immigrants

For individuals living or working in California who are not U.S. citizens, a conviction under California criminal law may cause deportation or other generally undesired immigration consequences. However, after a conviction, all…
Dolan Law Offices
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Domestic Violence And Moral Turpitude Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDomestic Violence
September 4, 2020

Domestic Violence And Moral Turpitude

Because domestic violence may be considered a crime of moral turpitude in California, collateral consequences may exist. These collateral effects may prevent individuals from obtaining a professional certification or license, as well as…
Dolan Law Offices
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What Is A Writ Of Habeas Corpus? Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyRecord Clearing
September 2, 2020

What Is A Writ Of Habeas Corpus?

A common legal phrase that seems to arise in every scholastic history book is the Latin term “habeas corpus.” However, not many people other than criminal lawyers even know what…
Dolan Law Offices
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Consequences Of A DUI For A Commercial Driver Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDUI Defense
August 31, 2020

Consequences Of A DUI For A Commercial Driver

In California, motorists who drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs may be charged under both California Vehicle Code § 23152(a) VC (driving while under the influence of alcohol), violating…
Dolan Law Offices
0
What Is An Imminent Danger For Asserting Self-Defense? Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDomestic ViolenceSelf-Defenseviolent crimes
August 27, 2020

What Is An Imminent Danger For Asserting Self-Defense?

Simply put, most people are law-abiding citizens who do try to avoid trouble. In turn, society typically discourages violent or forceful behavior against others and criminalizes this type of conduct.…
Dolan Law Offices
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Will Pre-Trial Diversion Cause My Charges To Be Dropped? Diversionpretrial diversion
August 25, 2020

Will Pre-Trial Diversion Cause My Charges To Be Dropped?

There are alternative forms of recovery available to those accused of a crime in California. It is important to determine their applicability to your criminal matter. John Patrick Dolan has…
Dolan Law Offices
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The Dolan Law Firm: We Defend And Help Those Accused Of Drug Crimes Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDrug-related chargespossession
August 21, 2020

The Dolan Law Firm: We Defend And Help Those Accused Of Drug Crimes

The attorneys of the Dolan Law Offices defend those members of our community accused of committing drug crimes. The attorneys of the Dolan Law Offices also help those who are…
Dolan Law Offices
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The Consequences Of Refusing A DUI Test Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDUI Defense
August 19, 2020

The Consequences Of Refusing A DUI Test

Anyone who is pulled over by the police just after consuming alcohol, even if the amount is minimal, faces a potentially traumatic, perhaps even life-altering, experience in the next few…
Dolan Law Offices
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Do You Have A Criminal Record? Figuring Out Your Options Criminal law attorneyExpungementReduction of ChargesSealing Arrest Records
August 17, 2020

Do You Have A Criminal Record? Figuring Out Your Options

The following record-clearing options may help anyone reduce the impact of his or her California state criminal record. Of course, clearing your criminal record requires knowing precisely what is contained…
Dolan Law Offices
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How Domestic Violence Affects A Divorce Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDomestic Violence
August 13, 2020

How Domestic Violence Affects A Divorce

Domestic violence affects marriage in many negative and toxic ways. No-fault rules that pay little regard to any evidence of domestic violence during the marriage dominate California law regarding divorce…
Dolan Law Offices
0
Factual Innocence And Sealing Arrest Records Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneySealing Arrest Records
August 11, 2020

Factual Innocence And Sealing Arrest Records

Innocent people who were wrongfully arrested may request to have their arrest records sealed and destroyed. California Penal Code § 851.8 allows for the sealing and destruction of misdemeanor and felony arrest…
Dolan Law Offices
0
Consequences Of Violating A Restraining Or Protective Order Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDomestic Violence
August 7, 2020

Consequences Of Violating A Restraining Or Protective Order

California law allows victims of domestic violence to obtain an emergency restraining order or protective order. A domestic violence restraining order may be obtained in either civil or criminal cases although…
Dolan Law Offices
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Distinguishing Reasonable Suspicion And Probable Cause For A Stop Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDUI Defense
August 5, 2020

Distinguishing Reasonable Suspicion And Probable Cause For A Stop

If a law enforcement officer is unable to explain how he or she reasonably came to believe that an individual might be committing a crime, might have committed a crime,…
Dolan Law Offices
0
Getting A Fresh Start Through Drug Diversion California Penal Code § 1000Criminal law attorneydeferred entry of judgmentDiversionDrug-related chargespretrial diversionProposition 36
August 3, 2020

Getting A Fresh Start Through Drug Diversion

Drug diversion programs give felony, non-violent substance-using offenders a fresh start. Riverside County operates four adult offender drug court programs in Riverside County (Blythe, Indio, Riverside, and Southwest). Highly structured and…
Dolan Law Offices
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Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyPolice Misconduct
July 30, 2020

About Police Misconduct That Is Excessive Force: “Police Brutality”

The conduct of the police in America has (once again) come under extreme scrutiny in the last few months, precipitated and punctuated by the unfortunate, unnecessary deaths of several African-American…
Dolan Law Offices
0
About Restraining Orders In California Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDomestic ViolenceStalking
July 28, 2020

About Restraining Orders In California

California law allows victims of domestic violence to apply for an emergency restraining order or protective order. Individuals may obtain a domestic violence restraining order in either civil or criminal cases.…
Dolan Law Offices
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Mistaken Identification And Wrongful Convictions Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyviolent crimes
July 24, 2020

Mistaken Identification And Wrongful Convictions

As one legal expert has commented, "When someone is accused of a crime he did not commit, two people are trapped on the dark side of justice, while the real…
Dolan Law Offices
0
Measuring Progress In Mental Health Diversion Cases California Penal Code § 1001.36Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyDiversionMental Health Diversion
July 22, 2020

Measuring Progress In Mental Health Diversion Cases

Mental health diversion under Penal Code 1001.36 allows certain criminal defendants to avoid jail time for most criminal offenses. Before the approval of a proposed treatment program, courts will consider…
Dolan Law Offices
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What Is A Certificate Of Rehabilitation? Criminal Defense AttorneyCriminal law attorneyRecord ClearingRecovery
July 20, 2020

What Is A Certificate Of Rehabilitation?

A Certificate of Rehabilitation (“COR”) is a useful post-conviction tool available under California law. It allows criminal defendants to clear their criminal records in California. While a Certificate of Rehabilitation…
Dolan Law Offices
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