Los Angeles Criminal Defense and Restraining Order Lawyer Blog

California’s SB 81 reshapes sentencing by requiring judges to dismiss most enhancements unless keeping them is necessary for public safety. This masterclass guide explains how SB 81 works, who qualifies, and how defendants can use it to reduce sentences under Penal Code § 1385(c). Learn how Power Trial Lawyers secures relief across California.

A guilty verdict in California triggers strict deadlines and critical decisions. This guide explains the top 10 mistakes defendants make after conviction and how to protect your right to a direct criminal appeal. If you or a loved one was recently convicted, learn how to avoid losing your appellate rights—and why acting quickly matters. Power Trial Lawyers represents criminal appeals clients statewide.

Being served with a restraining order in Southern California triggers immediate legal consequences—and your next steps will determine the outcome. This master-class guide from Power Trial Lawyers breaks down the 10 essential actions every respondent must take, from evidence preservation to preparing a strong response and presenting a credible defense in court. Whether your case is in Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, or San Diego, this comprehensive roadmap shows you how to protect your rights and position yourself for the strongest possible result.

Understanding what happens after an arraignment in Los Angeles and Orange County criminal cases can mean the difference between conviction and dismissal. Power Trial Lawyers outlines every stage—from bail reviews to preliminary hearings, motions, plea deals, and trial strategy—helping defendants in Southern California protect their freedom and future.

A masterclass guide to the California Racial Justice Act (PC §745) and AB 256. Learn how winning petitions are built—data, comparators, experts, and narrative—to secure dismissal, new trial, charge reduction, or resentencing in Los Angeles, Orange County, and statewide. Confidential case review: 888-808-2179.

After an arraignment in Los Angeles, the real criminal defense process begins. From bail hearings to discovery and negotiations, every decision that follows can impact your freedom and your record. Power Trial Lawyers — one of Los Angeles’ top criminal defense firms — explains what happens next, step by step. Learn how preliminary hearings, motions, and strategy can make or break your case. Discover how to protect your rights, build a defense, and work with an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer who knows the local courts, prosecutors, and judges. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor, felony, or firearm-related charge, we’ll guide you through what comes after arraignment — and how to take control of your case. Call Power Trial Lawyers today at (888) 808-2179 for a confidential consultation.

The People v. Garcia (2025) ruling changed how California courts interpret VC 23640(a) mental health diversion DUI California cases.
If your DUI and other charges came from the same event, you may not qualify for mental health diversion. Learn what this means for your case and how our defense team can still help.

The California Court of Appeal’s ruling in People v. Briscoe (2024) finally allows certain youth offenders sentenced to life without parole under Penal Code § 190.2(d) to pursue a PC 3051 parole hearing and Franklin hearing. Power Trial Lawyers explains how this equal-protection decision expands second-chance opportunities for young adults convicted as major participants with reckless indifference during robbery or burglary murders.

Convicted in California? The window to file a notice of appeal is short—30 days for misdemeanors and 60 days for felonies. Our appellate team moves fast to protect your rights, audit the record, and pursue reversal, a new trial, or resentencing. Speak with a California criminal appeals attorney today.

A wet reckless under Vehicle Code §23103.5 is a reduced charge in California DUI cases that carries lighter penalties, shorter DUI school, and less stigma than a DUI. Power Trial Lawyers fight to reduce DUI charges in Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego.