Protected Classes: In California, a hostile work environment occurs when an employee is subjected to unwelcome comments, behavior, or visual displays that are severe or pervasive enough to alter the conditions of employment and create an intimidating, offensive, or oppressive…

There is a common misconception that if you voluntarily type up a resignation letter and walk out the door, you completely forfeit your right to sue your employer for wrongful termination. In California, that is simply not true. If your…

For decades, California’s “felony murder rule” was one of the most severe doctrines in the state’s criminal justice system. Under the old law, if someone died during the commission of certain felonies—even accidentally—everyone involved in the crime could be charged…

When you are managing a physical or mental disability, a medical condition, or a pregnancy, adjusting to your workload can be challenging enough on its own. Under California law, you shouldn’t have to fight your employer just to get the…

Under California Penal Code § 1320, a person who has been charged with or convicted of a crime and is released on their own recognizance (O.R.) commits a crime if they willfully fail to appear in court for the purpose of evading the process of the court.

In California, “hit and run” doesn’t just mean fleeing the scene of a crash to avoid responsibility. It includes any situation where a driver leaves the scene of an accident without identifying themselves or rendering aid, regardless of fault. Even if you weren’t responsible for causing the collision, leaving the scene can lead to criminal charges.

Reckless driving is defined as driving “in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” Unlike a simple traffic violation, reckless driving is a misdemeanor crime

Penal Code §1385 allows a judge to dismiss a case, a count, or a sentencing enhancement if doing so is in the furtherance of justice. The statute was strengthened by recent reforms so that courts must give great weight to specific mitigating circumstances when deciding whether to dismiss an enhancement. The court must still consider public safety and place its reasons on the record.