San Diego Criminal Defense Blog

August 7, 2025 | Battery | Peter Blair

What Constitutes Battery in California?

Battery is often misunderstood as a term that only refers to a violent or severe act. In California, however, the legal definition of battery is broader than most people realize. You don’t have to break someone’s nose or cause a serious injury to be charged. In fact, even a minor, unwanted touch can meet the […]

July 25, 2025 | Criminal Defense | Peter Blair

What Does It Mean to Bail Out of Jail, and How Do You Do It?

If you or someone close to you has been arrested, you’ve probably come across the term “bail out of jail.” But what does it actually mean? Bailing out of jail involves paying a set amount of money—or offering up property—as a guarantee to the court that the arrested individual will appear for their scheduled court […]

July 20, 2025 | Domestic Violence | Peter Blair

How Do You Prove Domestic Violence in California?

Domestic violence charges carry serious consequences in California, both legally and socially. For individuals accused of domestic violence, understanding how these cases are built—and what the government must prove to secure a conviction—is essential. Criminal charges are governed by strict legal standards, and the prosecution has the burden of proof. Defending against these allegations requires […]

July 16, 2025 | California Law | Peter Blair

Does California Have Romeo and Juliet Laws?

If you’re worried about the consequences of dating or having a relationship with someone slightly younger in California, you may have heard the term “Romeo and Juliet law.” These laws are meant to protect teens and young adults from harsh prosecution simply for having a consensual sexual relationship with someone close in age. The idea […]

July 4, 2025 | DUI | Peter Blair

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in California?

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a frequently charged offense in California. Some people see it as a routine mistake or traffic offense, not realizing how deeply it can affect their lives. In reality, a DUI conviction brings serious consequences for defendants, including fines, possible jail time, license suspension, and skyrocketing insurance rates that can […]

June 19, 2025 | Domestic Violence | Peter Blair

Is Domestic Abuse a Felony in California?

Are you a defendant facing domestic abuse charges in California? You might be wondering whether this offense is charged as a felony or a misdemeanor and what that could mean for your future. In California, domestic abuse can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances. The classification is based […]

June 12, 2025 | California Law | Peter Blair

What Crimes Could I be Charged With for Protesting in California?

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution, as well as the California Constitution, protects the right to free expression. However, this right is not entirely without limits. In this blog, we’ll discuss laws that apply to protesting in California, what penalties you could face if charged with them, and how and when a criminal […]

June 10, 2025 | Criminal Defense | Peter Blair

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in California?

When facing criminal charges in California, one of the most important considerations is securing an experienced criminal defense lawyer to represent you. However, many people are understandably concerned about the cost of hiring a lawyer. The financial aspect of hiring a lawyer should never be a barrier to your ability to defend yourself against criminal […]

June 10, 2025 | Criminal Defense | Peter Blair

What Is the Difference Between a Criminal Justice Attorney and a Criminal Defense Attorney?

If you’re involved in a criminal matter, you might be confused about the terms “criminal justice attorney” and “criminal defense attorney.” They sound similar but can mean different things in some contexts. Learning about the differences between the two can help you choose the right type of lawyer for your needs. In this blog post, […]

June 3, 2025 | Assault | Peter Blair

Types of Assault Charges in California: What You Need to Know

Under California law, an assault is an attempt to commit a violent injury with the present ability to do so. This involves trying to harm another person, whether or not you actually cause them harm. Assault is a violent crime and can have serious consequences. There are many different types of assault charges in California. […]