What Should I Do If My Child is Arrested?

April 17, 2024April 17, 2024 by Danielle Nygren

Written by Matthew Lanthier July 25, 2023; reviewed by Danielle Nygren April 17, 2024. Few scenarios are more terrifying than knowing your child has been arrested or charged with a crime. Plus, you may not realize that there are steps you should be taking to help your family during this trying time. Continue reading →

Can Police Search Your Car if They Smell Marijuana?

police officer writing a ticket for marijuana

February 4, 2024February 4, 2024 by Zachary Merliss

Marijuana legalization in California has created some points of confusion for citizens, especially since cannabis products remain illegal at the federal level. A majority of the confusion revolves around traffic stops. Fortunately, California law protects citizens at traffic stops, even if they are marijuana users. In this post, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions we get. Continue reading →

Can I Get My Gun Rights Back In California?

December 14, 2023January 11, 2024 by Barry Zimmerman

There are several ways that an individual can lose gun rights in California. Some of them don't even require a conviction. In this post, we go over how a person can lose their gun rights and possible ways to get them back. What are ways I could lose my gun rights in California? Continue reading →

When Can a Juvenile Be Tried as an Adult in California?

November 22, 2023April 17, 2024 by Danielle Nygren

As a criminal defense lawyer with a focus on juvenile delinquency, I get many questions about whether children can be tried as adults. The short answer is “yes”, but only when specific conditions are met. Continue reading →

Will the New California Sex Offender Law Get Me Off the Registry?

November 22, 2023January 5, 2024 by Zachary Merliss

Since the passage of SB 384, many convicted sex offenders want to know about the California sex offender laws of 2021 and how to get off the sex offender registry in California. Read on to find out how the new law will help many sex offenders registered in California get their lives back. What is the new law for sex offenders in California? Continue reading →

What You Need to Know About Having Juvenile Records Sealed

November 22, 2023April 17, 2024 by Danielle Nygren

California law allows you to have your juvenile records sealed in most cases. Once your juvenile records are sealed, the juvenile proceedings are legally deemed never to have occurred. The sealing order will include a date for expungement (destruction) of the records. This article will answer questions about the process and effect of sealing juvenile records in California. Learn about sealing adult records here. Continue reading →

Can a Juvenile be Questioned by Police Without a Parent Present in California?

November 21, 2023April 17, 2024 by Danielle Nygren

As a criminal defense lawyer one of the questions I hear most frequently is, “Can a minor be questioned without a parent present?” There are two entities likely to question your child about involvement in a crime: police officers and school personnel. Let's look at each. Continue reading →

Everything You Need to Know About Veterans Court and Military Diversion

November 9, 2023April 17, 2024 by Camille Halley

California Military Diversion, also known as Veterans Diversion, is a pre-trial diversion program, within Veteran’s Court, for active-duty or former members of the United States Military who are charged with a misdemeanor and suffer from certain types of trauma or mental health issues. Continue reading →

4 Cohen Defense Group Lawyers Recognized by Sacramento Magazine and Northern California Super Lawyers

October 11, 2023October 13, 2023 by Alison Cohen

Every August, Sacramento Magazine publishes its list of the region’s top lawyers. This publication comes on the heels of July’s publication of Super Lawyers Magazine’s 2023 Northern California edition. At the Cohen Defense Group, we are pleased that 4 of our attorneys were selected for Sacramento Magazine’s list of Top Lawyers: Barry Zimmerman, Susan Gellman, Zachary Merliss, and Alison Cohen. Continue reading →

Can I Go to Jail for a Misdemeanor in California?

October 10, 2023January 10, 2024 by Ryan Couzens

Misdemeanor crimes are often misunderstood. While not as serious as felony crimes, any misdemeanor charge can still result in custody time, significant fines, probation status, firearm prohibitions, license suspensions, and otherwise damage your life and create ongoing problems. When you are armed with knowledge, you can work with your attorney to make better decisions about your case. Continue reading →

What is California’s New Clean Slate Law in 2023?

September 16, 2023January 10, 2024 by Camille Halley

If you want your arrest records to be sealed or your conviction to be dismissed, it may be possible because of California’s Clean Slate Act, which allows Californians to move forward with their lives without being held back by conviction or arrest records. Continue reading →

How Mental Health Diversion Can Help You Avoid Jail Time and Get Treatment

August 12, 2023October 10, 2023 by Ryan Couzens

Fact: Every person probably has an identifiable “mental health condition” that will potentially keep them from getting convicted of a crime. Conservatively, anywhere from 15-31% of defendants have an identifiable mental illness. California law recognizes that mental health issues could play a role in criminal behavior, so the state created a program to keep those defendants out of jail. Continue reading →

How a Lawyer Can Help You Make Domestic Violence Charges Go Away

January 19, 2023January 10, 2024 by Amber Zehrung

When the police receive a domestic violence (DV) call, they go to the location and investigate the situation by speaking to the individuals involved. Based on that investigation, they usually arrest whomever they determine to be the perpetrator. This is for safety purposes; they want to be sure that once they leave the situation the conflict isn’t going to flare up again. Continue reading →

Keeping Your License After a DUI License Suspension

December 13, 2022September 15, 2023 by Zachary Merliss

If you are arrested for a DUI, then the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will suspend or revoke your license (know your rights if you are pulled over for a DUI). This happens if you take a chemical test and are found to have a BAC of .08% or more, or if you refuse to take the test at all. Continue reading →

Sex Crimes Against Children

October 24, 2022September 15, 2023 by Barry Zimmerman

There are few topics grimmer than sex crimes against children, and few charges more serious. These charges can lead to more than jail time: they can lead to lifelong stigmatization and a loss of every major relationship in your life. Short of homicide, this is one of the most serious allegations any person will ever face. Continue reading →

How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in CA?

September 8, 2022September 15, 2023 by David Cohen

How much does a good DUI lawyer cost in California? A lot less than it costs to go to jail for a DUI! Beyond that truism, costs can depend on a number of different factors, but the general range for an average case is $1500-$20,000. Continue reading →

Know Your Rights If You Are Pulled Over for a DUI

August 3, 2022September 15, 2023 by Zachary Merliss

It’s important to know and protect your rights when you are pulled over for a DUI. During a DUI traffic stop, be sure you take the time to understand what to do so you retain your Fourth Amendment Rights to remain free from unreasonable search and seizure, as well as your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. Continue reading →

Can You Beat a Drug Charge in California?

July 16, 2022February 4, 2024 by Danielle Nygren

Drug-related charges can lead to jail time, the loss of your job, the loss of your home, and the loss of your relationships. Rebuilding a career, finding housing, and restoring your reputation after drug charges can be an uphill battle. In order to avoid these consequences, you need excellent representation on your side. Continue reading →

6 Cohen Defense Group Lawyers Recognized as Top Lawyers in Sacramento Magazine and as Northern California Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

September 22, 2021April 2, 2024 by David Cohen

Every August, Sacramento Magazine publishes its list of the region’s top lawyers. This publication comes on the heels of July’s publication of Super Lawyers Magazine’s 2021 Northern California edition. At Cohen Defense Group, we are pleased that 5 of our attorneys were selected for Sacramento Magazine’s list of Top Lawyers. Continue reading →

Can You Refuse a Breathalyzer After Being Arrested for DUI?

April 12, 2021September 15, 2023 by Zachary Merliss

Can You Refuse a Breathalyzer After Being Arrested for DUI? If you are lawfully arrested for a DUI in California, you are required to take a Breathalyzer or blood test. You may get a longer jail sentence and/or a longer DUI class if you are convicted for both the DUI and refusing the Breathalyzer or blood test. Continue reading →