Entries by Admin

Infractions vs. Misdemeanors vs. Felonies

Infractions

An infraction is a minor offense that results in a fine only. Because it cannot result in jail time, there is no jury trial for this type of case. Also, an attorney can be hired, but is not supplied by the court as a constitutional right.

Example: fishing without a license, minor traffic violations, etc.

 

 

Misdemeanors

Community Property

What is community property in California?

Community property is property acquired by any member of a married couple during their marriage. “Property” is anything that has value and can be bought or sold, including a house, furniture, bank accounts, and patents, to list a few examples.

 

How does it work?

Living Trust vs. Will

What’s the difference?

 

A Will

A will is a written legal document that dictates how your possessions will be distributed after your death. It is revocable and amenable during your life, and is the document in which you can appoint a guardian for your minor children.

 

A Trust

Grandparent Rights – Visitation

What are they?

 

Grandparents who are separated from their grandchild(ren) by a parent or a legal situation may be interested in filing for formal visitation, the legal right for them to visit their grandchild(ren) at certain times.

 

How does it work?

 

For a grandparent to file for visitation of their separated grandchild(ren), the court must be able to:

Arraignment

What is it?

An arraignment is when the accused is brought before the court to plead guilty, no contest (where the accused pleads neither guilty nor innocent), not guilty, or not guilty by reason of insanity. It is during the arraignment that the issue of bail is settled, and the date for the trial is set. Essentially, it is the precursor to a trial for someone arrested for a crime.

 

 

What is it about?