San Luis Obispo Criminal Law Blog

Often, if a person wants another individual to leave him or her alone, saying so is enough to address the situation. However, in some instances, an individual may carry out actions that frighten a person, and simply telling that other person to stay away does not help. As a result, the victim may feel the need to obtain a restraining order. While restraining orders can certainly help individuals who would otherwise be in harm's way, some people may abuse that protection.

For example, some people may attempt to get a restraining order in order to get back at a person whom they believe has wronged them, or a parent may try to get a restraining order against the other parent during a divorce to sway child custody proceedings. Unfortunately, these acts could spell trouble for you if someone tries to get a restraining order against you.

You know that California DUI laws are tough, and driving drunk or under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in severe penalties. You probably also know that the legal limit for blood alcohol content is 0.08%, but there are other DUI laws you may not fully understand. Many drivers don't know about per se DUI laws and don't understand what they could mean for them.

Per se laws essentially mean that a driver could face arrest and charges for intoxicated driving even if he or she does not feel impaired or is unaware that his or her BAC level is at or over the legal limit. These laws apply to both alcohol and drug-related DUI arrests. Regardless of the circumstances of your case, it is in your interests to know how to develop a strong defense strategy.

Do you know what assault charges could mean for your life? Are you facing accusations of battery yet feeling unsure of what that means? Most people have heard of assault and battery, but most are unaware that these are two separate charges. While they often go together, they are not the same thing, and it could prove useful for you to learn the difference. 

Any type of criminal charge that involves violence and causing harm to another person is serious. While it may not seem serious to you, especially if you did not mean to cause any harm, it is in your interests to take your case seriously. A conviction of any type of crime could result in penalties that may alter the course of your life.

You have had enough. Whether you are dealing with your neighbor, a former friend, a roommate or someone else, the dispute between you continues to escalate. Perhaps this has been an ongoing feud, or something recently caused bad feelings between you, but if the situation has taken a bad turn, you may have concerns for your safety.

If the person with whom you are in conflict has threatened you, this is something you cannot take lightly. Many times people have shrugged off a threat of violence as an overreaction and waited for the other person to cool off. Sometimes they are fortunate, and matters resolve themselves. Other times, the other person does not cool off, and the situation ends in tragedy. If someone has made you feel unsafe or threatened, you would be wise to seek information about a civil restraining order.