LA's Best Criminal Defense Attorneys Serving all of Southern California
LA's Best Criminal Defense Attorneys Serving all of Southern California
Diversion pauses a criminal case and allows a defendant to complete court‑ordered conditions—such as counseling, education or community service—in lieu of traditional prosecution. If the defendant completes the program, the charges are dismissed and no conviction is entered
Mental Health Diversion allows judges to suspend criminal proceedings and steer eligible defendants into mental‑health treatment instead of jail or prison. The goal is rehabilitation and public safety: if the defendant completes treatment, the court dismisses the charges
Penal Code § 166 criminalizes contempt of court. This statute covers a broad array of conduct, from being disruptive in the courtroom to willfully disobeying a written order. Convictions can lead to jail time, fines, and collateral consequences
Penal Code § 192(c) makes it a crime to drive negligently or unlawfully and, in doing so, cause another person’s death. The offense does not require malice or an intent to kill; it hinges on whether the driver was committing a lesser crime or driving in a dangerous manner when the fatal crash occurred
High‑speed chases are inherently dangerous. California Vehicle Code § 2800.3 punishes drivers who willfully flee from law enforcement and, in the course of that evasion, cause serious bodily injury or death to someone else.
California takes gun possession laws very seriously. One of the most common and serious firearm charges is Penal Code § 29800, often called felon in possession of a firearm. People with felony convictions, certain misdemeanor convictions, or narcotics addictions are barred from owning or even having custody of a gun
California has some of the nation’s strictest laws on semiautomatic rifles and other so‑called “assault weapons.” Possessing one without proper registration can lead to a felony conviction. As a firm that routinely handles firearms cases across Southern California, Radford & Rome, LLP understands the technical details of these laws and how prosecutors attempt to prove them.
California’s Victims’ Bill of Rights—better known as Marsy’s Law—amended the state constitution in 2008 to give victims clear, enforceable rights. While prosecutors and law enforcement are obligated to respect those rights, victims frequently feel left out of the process or unsure of how to make their voices heard.
Domestic violence allegations can tear families apart. In many cases the complainant later has second thoughts and wants the case dismissed. California law, however, leaves charging decisions in the hands of prosecutors, not victims. Even if the person who made the report no longer wishes to cooperate, the district attorney can – and often will – proceed with a domestic‑violence case. That is why it is critical to retain experienced counsel who understands both the prosecution’s discretion and the rights of victims and defendants.
Lawmakers and voters responded to a surge in smash‑and‑grab robberies and organized shoplifting by enacting Proposition 36 and several related bills in late 2024. These measures, most of which take effect in 2025, give prosecutors new crimes, sentence enhancements and arrest powers designed to deter retail theft and other property crimes. As criminal defense attorneys and former prosecutors, Radford & Rome, LLP understand the intricacies of these new laws and how to protect clients accused of theft.