Matthew J. Ruff Law Blog

In the state of California, An Emergency Protective Order (EPO) is an order requested by a police officer; a sheriff’s officer; a peace officer of the Department of the California Highway Patrol; a peace officer of the University of California Police Department; a peace officer of the California State University and College Police Departments; a peace officer of the Department of Parks and Recreation; a peace officer of the Department of General Services of the City of Los Angeles; a housi... Read More

In California, the criminal process can be quite daunting, however, if an individual is found guilty after a trial he or she has an absolute right to appeal his conviction.  After imposing sentence or making an order deemed to be a final judgment on conviction after trial, including an order granting probation, the court must orally or in writing advise a defendant not represented by counsel of the right to appeal to the appellate division of the superior court, the time for filing a notice... Read More

The defendant in a drunk driving case may challenge the constitutionality of a prior conviction entered in a separate proceeding that has not been challenged previously and upheld in accordance with California Vehicle Code §§23624, 41403 (determination that prior conviction was unconstitutional is res judicata in all subsequent cases). Even if a separate conviction has been challenged and previously upheld, the defendant may challenge it again if an appellate court decision announced a... Read More

Many people in the public forum misdefine what "domestic violence" is in California.  Here is the legal definition of what it means:  Penal Code section 13700 subdivisions (a) and (b) together define domestic violence as requiring either bodily injury, attempted bodily injury, or placing the alleged victim in “reasonable apprehension of imminent serious bodily injury to himself or herself, or another.” Some Court decisions have opined that stalking is not an act o... Read More

For years local attorneys have been complaining of the need for a new courthouse in Long Beach.  There have been countless delays in getting open courts to try criminal matters, the parking has always been a major source of concern as well, all that is going to change with the new building. ... Read More

San Pedro boasts some great ocean views and has alot to offer but the Court there is no longer hearing criminal cases, they now go to Long Beach says one local San Pedro DUI Attorney who practices often in the jurisdiction.  The Court is still there it simply does not have the money to staff the lock up and related services required for the operation of the criminal court bench... Read More

The offense of driving over 100 is on the rise in California Courts.  Speeding tickets in general are a huge cost factor for the average consumer and the increase in insurance alone drives many citizens to seek out a lawyer according to one Mojave CA Speeding Ticket Attorney.  The Mojave Court and its judges are tough on violations over 100 and here is a recitation of the law:... Read More

When a person is arrested for a DUI an Alhambra DUI Attorney can help.  The law is very complicated and full of potential peril and pitfalls.  Most Judges will encourage a person charged with DUI to seek experienced legal counsel.  The following is an excerpt of California Law regarding drivers license suspensions following a drunk driving arrest.... Read More

In Burbank, the police are allowed by law to detain a suspect for up to 72 hours after the arrest. When the person is arrested on the weekend, he or she can be held for an additional day. Here is a hypothetical: a person is taken in on a Thursday before a holiday weekend, the person can spend up to four or five days before they will appear before a Burbank Court Judge. ... Read More

The ordinary corse and practice of most, if not all, Court regarding DUI cases in Los Angeles County is to require an ignition interlock only as the DMV requires, which is typically 4 months, the same is not true for Redondo Beach Criminal DUI cases.  If an individual is convicted of a DUI in that Court it is common practice to require an IID for up to 9 months as a term of probation, according to a local Redondo Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer . ... Read More