This post explains what a preliminary hearing is, how it differs from a trial, and what actually happens in the courtroom, step by step.

This is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different, and the only way to understand what a preliminary hearing means for your case is to talk with an attorney.

Blue lights behind you, an officer asking you to step out and "follow my finger" or walk a straight line — it's a stressful moment, and most people comply without realizing they may have a choice. So do you actually have to perform field sobriety tests in California? This post explains, in general terms.

This is general information, not legal advice. If you're facing a DUI, talk to an attorney about your specific situation.

Drug charges in California range from minor possession cases that can be resolved with treatment to serious felonies carrying years in prison. If you or someone you care about is facing a drug charge, understanding where it falls on that spectrum is the first step. This post explains the basics in general terms.

This is general information, not legal advice. The specifics of your case matter, and an attorney should review them.

A domestic violence accusation moves fast and hits hard. People often find themselves removed from their home, barred from contacting their own family, and facing serious charges — sometimes after a single chaotic night. If you're facing a domestic violence charge in Sonoma County, what you do next matters. This post walks through it in general terms.

This is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different, and an attorney should review your specific situation.

If you have a criminal, traffic, or juvenile case in Sonoma County, there's a good chance your hearing is no longer in the courtroom printed on your paperwork. The court is moving into a brand-new Hall of Justice in Santa Rosa, and courtrooms are changing on a rolling schedule through the summer of 2026.

This is general information, not legal advice. Court operations change, so always confirm your date, time, and courtroom against your hearing notice and the court's daily calendar before you go.

If you've been charged with a crime in Marin County, your first court date is the arraignment — and for most people it's their first time in a courtroom. Knowing what's coming makes a stressful day far easier. Here's what to expect at an arraignment at the Marin County courthouse.

This is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different, and an attorney can tell you what to expect in your specific situation.

A first DUI feels like a foregone conclusion to a lot of people — like the arrest is the whole story and a conviction is automatic. It isn't. A first-time DUI in California can sometimes be reduced or even dismissed, depending on the facts. This post explains the avenues that exist, in general terms.

This is general information, not legal advice. Whether any of this applies to your case depends on its specific facts, which an attorney would need to review.

If you've been arrested for DUI in California, there's a deadline most people don't find out about until it's too late: you generally have only 10 days to act to protect your driver's license. This post explains what that deadline is, why it exists, and what happens if you miss it.

As always, this is general information rather than legal advice. For guidance on your specific case, speak with an attorney — ideally before those 10 days run out.

It's one of the most common questions people have during a DUI stop — and one of the most misunderstood. The honest answer is: it depends which breath test you're talking about. California law treats the roadside handheld test very differently from the test given after an arrest, and confusing the two can cost you your license.

This post explains the difference in general terms. It is not legal advice — if you're dealing with a DUI, talk to an attorney about your specific situation.

If you've been charged with a crime in Sonoma County, your first court date is the arraignment — and for most people, it's their first time inside a courtroom. Not knowing what's about to happen makes an already stressful day worse. This post walks through what to expect at an arraignment at the Santa Rosa courthouse so you can show up prepared rather than anxious.

This is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different, and an attorney can tell you what to expect in your specific situation.

"They never read me my rights, so the case has to be dropped." It's one of the most common beliefs about criminal law — and one of the most misunderstood. Miranda rights are real and important, but they don't work the way TV suggests. Here's what they actually mean, in general terms.

This is general information, not legal advice. Your specific case matters, and an attorney should review it.

Being arrested for DUI is frightening and disorienting, and most people walk away from it with more questions than answers. What happens now? Will I lose my license? Do I have to go to court? This post walks through what typically happens after a DUI arrest in Sonoma County so you know what's ahead — and where the important deadlines are.

A quick but important note: this is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different, and the best way to understand your specific situation is to talk with an attorney.