California defense lawyer explaining legal self-defense weapons laws.

Which Self-Defense Weapons Are Legal in California?

Legal Self-Defense Weapons in California – What’s Allowed? California law allows individuals to protect themselves, but strict regulations dictate which self-defense weapons are legal and how they can be used. While some tools—such as pepper spray, stun guns, and personal alarms—are permitted for self-defense, others, like brass knuckles, switchblades, and batons, are strictly prohibited. Even […]
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Understanding Legal Differences: Attempted Murder vs. Aggravated Assault in California

Attempted Murder vs. Aggravated Assault: The Difference in California

Understanding the Difference Between Aggravated Assault and Attempted Murder When facing charges for aggravated assault or attempted murder in California, understanding the distinction between these serious crimes is crucial. While both involve acts of violence and intent to cause harm, they differ significantly in the level of intent, the required actions, and the potential penalties. […]
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Los Angeles criminal defense attorney explaining California self-defense laws to a client.

California Self-Defense Laws: Misconceptions You Should Know

California Self-Defense Laws: Top Misconceptions You Should Know California’s self-defense laws are complex, and misunderstandings about what is legally allowed can lead to serious criminal charges. Many assume they have greater rights to use force than the law permits or misinterpret critical legal protections, such as the Castle Doctrine. Acting on these misconceptions may result […]
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Los Angeles criminal defense attorney explaining California self-defense laws to a client.

What Happens in Self-Defense Cases with Multiple Defendants?

California Self Defense Laws In self-defense cases involving multiple defendants, the legal situation becomes significantly more complex. When several individuals claim self-defense during the same incident, it can be difficult to determine who acted justifiably and who may have escalated the situation. In California, courts must carefully examine the facts, witness testimonies, and available evidence […]
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LAPD investigating Ralphs store shooting in Sun Valley

18-Year-Old Arrested in Deadly Ralphs Shooting Incident in Sun Valley

Sun Valley Ralphs Shooting: Understanding the Incident and Legal Implications A tragic incident unfolded in Sun Valley late Tuesday night, leading to one teen’s death and another teen’s hospitalization following an altercation that escalated into gunfire inside a Ralphs grocery store. According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the violent encounter broke out around […]
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Los Angeles self-defense attorney

When Can Self-Defense Lead to Murder Charges? | California Self-Defense Laws

Understanding the Legal Boundaries of Self-Defense in California When faced with an immediate threat, defending yourself may feel like your only option. However, even if your actions were in self-defense, California law doesn’t automatically provide blanket protection. In some cases, what you believe to be self-defense could still result in criminal charges, including murder. Whether […]
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How the Heat of Passion Defense Could Impact Your California Criminal Case

What Is the ‘Heat of Passion’ Defense? The “Heat of Passion” defense is a legal argument used in criminal cases to show that the defendant acted impulsively under intense emotional stress, rather than with premeditation. This defense is typically used in homicide cases to reduce the charge from murder to voluntary manslaughter. The key idea […]
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Can You Go to Jail for Self-Defense in California?

Understanding California’s Self-Defense Laws — And When They Can Lead to Charges Self-defense is a fundamental legal right in California, allowing individuals to protect themselves from imminent harm. However, the use of force in self-defense must meet specific legal criteria to avoid criminal charges. Understanding these nuances is crucial, as improper use of force or […]
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Murder Charge Reduced to Voluntary Manslaughter by Attorney Arash Hashemi

Charges: PC 187(a)-F Murder PC 192(a)-F Voluntary Manslaughter Case Overview: Case Title: The People of the State of California vs. T.D.V Case Number: BA47452**** Filing Date: January 23, 2019 Arrest Date: December 26, 2018 Filing Courthouse: Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center Case Type: Felony Judge: Hon. Judge Robert C. Vanderet Incident Background On the […]
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Los Angeles Battery Lawyer - Expert Legal Defense by The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi

California Penal Code 243(e)(1) PC – Domestic Battery

What is Domestic Battery? Under California Penal Code Section 243(e)(1), domestic battery is a misdemeanor offense that involves the use of force against an intimate partner. This charge is commonly applied in cases of spousal abuse, cohabitant altercations, or other domestic violence conflicts. Key Elements of Domestic Battery: Willful and Harmful Touching: The defendant must […]
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Mikey Williams Secures Plea Deal, Evades Jail in Gun Incident

Mikey Williams, a prominent basketball recruit, recently navigated a crucial phase in his legal proceedings. By entering a plea deal in a high-profile gun case, Williams marked a significant shift in a case that has garnered extensive attention. The Plea Deal in Detail Williams faced nine felony charges, arising from a shooting incident at his […]
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Mid-City LA Home Invasion: Analyzing the Homeowner’s Right to Use Deadly Force in Self-Defense

The recent Mid-City home invasion, where a homeowner fired on armed intruders, provides a real-world context for understanding California’s self-defense laws. This analysis connects the homeowner’s statements with the relevant legal statutes. Imminent Threat and the Use of Deadly Force The Mid-City Resident faced armed trespassers, a direct threat stated in California Penal Code Section […]
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Exploring the Concept of Reasonable Force in Self-Defense: Analyzing the Tory Lanez Case

In a highly publicized incident that garnered immense attention within the music industry and spurred discussions about violence against women, Canadian rapper Tory Lanez was handed a 10-year prison sentence for the 2020 shooting of rapper Megan Thee Stallion during a heated altercation. The legal proceedings took place in Los Angeles and revolved around three […]
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Understanding Reasonable Force in Self-Defense: A Case Study from California

Photo Credit: yo_folkers In a recent incident that caught the attention of social media users, two 7-Eleven workers in Stockton, California, found themselves facing a would-be robber who attempted to steal cigarettes from the counter while making threats. What followed was a confrontation that exemplifies the concept of reasonable force in self-defense under California law. […]
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Former NBA Star Shawn Kemp Fired Gun in Self-Defense.

Former NBA star Shawn Kemp made headlines recently when he was arrested by Tacoma police for investigation of a drive-by shooting. However, his attorneys claim that Kemp acted in self-defense when he exchanged gunfire in a parking lot while trying to retrieve a stolen cell phone and other items. Kemp, who is 53 years old, […]
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Explanation of California self-defense laws and reasonable force under Penal Code 198.5.

Reasonable Force and Self-Defense in California | Legal Overview

How is Reasonable Force Viewed in California Self-Defense Cases? Self-defense is a crucial concept in criminal law and is often used as a defense in cases involving the use of force. In California, the law permits individuals to use reasonable force to defend themselves or others from harm. However, the definition of reasonable force can […]
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Robbery Suspect Not Charged with Murder due to Self-Defense

Robbery Suspect Not Charged with Murder due to Self-Defense The recent story of a robbery suspect in California who killed a store clerk, but was not charged with murder because of self-defense, is an important reminder of the complexities involved in criminal cases. It’s natural to assume that if an individual has committed a crime […]
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