Archives

Sep 4

PTSD in Criminal Defense: New Perspectives in the Courtroom

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is increasingly recognized in criminal law as a factor influencing defendants’ actions, particularly for...
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Aug 20

The Criminalization of Mental Health Challenges: How the Legal System Fails the Vulnerable

In the United States, the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system reveals a troubling reality: individuals with mental...
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Aug 12

Mental Health Diversion in California: New Ruling Makes Clear the Diagnosis Does Not Need to Pre-Date the Offense

In California’s evolving criminal justice system, mental health diversion under Penal Code section 1001.36 offers a transformative opportunity for defendants with...
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Aug 7

What Are the Unique Challenges of 5150 Holds in Cases Involving Substance Abuse and Criminal Charges?

At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, we recognize the intricate challenges that arise when a
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Jul 24

The Role of Forensic Psychologists in Criminal Defense Cases

At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, we understand that criminal defense cases require a multifaceted...
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Jun 19

Can a 5150 Hold Trigger a Violation of Probation or Parole?

At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, we often hear from clients concerned about how a
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Jun 12

How Do 5150 Holds Impact Plea Bargaining in Criminal Cases?

At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, we recognize the unique challenges of criminal cases involving...
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May 22

What Are the Risks of Self-Incrimination During 5150 Hold Evaluations?

At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, we understand the complexities and potential legal ramifications of mental health evaluations,...
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May 9

Juvenile Criminal Defense and Mental Health: Tailoring Defenses for Young Offenders

At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, we understand the complexities of the juvenile justice system, particularly when mental...
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Mar 24

What to Expect When Your Loved One Faces Criminal Charges and Mental Illness

When a loved one is facing criminal charges, it’s an overwhelming and emotional experience for any family. The...
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May 22

Is It Possible to Expunge a Felony in California?

Expungement under California law is a legal process that offers relief to individuals convicted of a crime. In simple terms, to...
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Mar 25

Can You Reduce Your Federal Offense Sentencing?

If you have been charged for or convicted of a federal crime, the future probably feels pretty uncertain and your freedom...
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Mar 20

Tackling Serious and Violent Felonies: Our Insights into the Three Strikes Law

California's Three Strikes Law, enacted in 1994, is a sentencing scheme designed to impose harsher penalties on individuals with prior...
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Mar 11

How Federal and Local Law Enforcement Agencies Collaborate, and What It Means for Criminal Defendants

In the complex landscape of criminal law enforcement, collaboration between federal and local agencies is a cornerstone of justice...
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Feb 27

What Constitutes a Felony in California?

Felony charges in California encompass serious criminal offenses carrying severe penalties upon conviction. These offenses are classified based on...
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Dec 28

Understanding the Seriousness of Felony DUI Charges in California

In California, DUI charges are a grave matter, primarily revolving around the presence of alcoholic or intoxicating substances in a driver's system....
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