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...
View ArticleAug 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...
View ArticleAug 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...
View ArticleAug 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
View ArticleJul 24
The Role of Forensic Psychologists in Criminal Defense Cases
At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, we understand that criminal defense cases require a multifaceted...
View ArticleJun 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
View ArticleJun 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...
View ArticleMay 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,...
View ArticleMay 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...
View ArticleMar 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...
View ArticleMay 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...
View ArticleMar 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...
View ArticleMar 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...
View ArticleMar 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...
View ArticleFeb 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...
View ArticleDec 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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