Perlman & Cohen Los Angeles Criminal Lawyers Blog

When a case is dismissed without prejudice, the court closes your case temporarily rather than permanently. The plaintiff or prosecutor keeps the right to refile the case later. This type of dismissal applies to both civil and criminal cases. A dismissal without prejudice sounds like good news, but the details matter significantly. So, what does [&hel...

A DUI stays on your California driving record for 10 years from the arrest date. Your criminal record tells a different story. A DUI conviction remains on your criminal record permanently unless you take steps to have it expunged. In 2020, California recorded 95,957 DUI arrests, with 95.2% charged as misdemeanors and 4.4% as felonies. […]...

The straightforward answer to the topic, "Can self-defense be used in a murder case? California legal standards explained," is yes, but meeting the legal requirements is challenging. Under California law, a person may claim self-defense in murder cases if strict rules are met. This defense does not deny the act but argues it was legally […]...

The answer to the question: Can prescription medications lead to a DUI arrest in California? is yes. Having a legal prescription does not prevent a DUI charge if the medication impairs your ability to drive safely. Under California law, driving under the influence is about impairment, not whether the drug is legal. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter...

The answer to the question "Employee theft vs embezzlement: how prosecutors decide what to charge" depends on intent, access, and evidence. In the criminal justice system, this decision affects penalties, felony exposure, and even federal charges. We see many workers and employers confused by these terms. At Perlman & Cohen Los Angeles Criminal La...

Understanding constructive possession vs actual possession in California drug cases matters because these two ideas decide how drug possession charges are filed and how prosecutors try to prove someone controlled a controlled substance under California law. Many people do not realize they can face charges even when nothing is found on their bodies. At...

Many people ask whether you can be arrested for domestic violence with no visible injuries, especially when a simple argument turns into a call to the police. In many domestic disputes, officers act fast because they worry about safety, even when there is no clear physical harm or marks on the body. Perlman & Cohen […]...

Understanding the difference between DUI alcohol vs DUI drugs charges is important because both can bring heavy penalties, yet each one is treated differently under California law. Many people do not realize that alcohol related DUI and drug-related DUI are built on separate rules and different types of evidence, and each one affects a person’s [&he...

A DUI can create serious legal consequences beyond fines or court penalties. For many licensed professionals, it can also affect their ability to keep working in their field. The connection between a DUI conviction and your professional license depends on how licensing boards view your conduct, record, and rehabilitation efforts. Perlman & Cohen u...

Domestic violence allegations can heavily influence how courts decide custody cases in California. These claims are taken seriously because they involve the safety and well-being of children. Judges must look at both the truth of the allegations and the parents' ability to care for the child safely. Even a single accusation can result in serious [&hel...