Why You Should Hire an Attorney When Facing Arrest
Facing an arrest can be a distressing and overwhelming experience. Whether you are charged with a minor offense or a serious crime, it is crucial to understand the importance of...
Common Mistakes to Avoid During a Criminal Defense Case
Being charged with a crime is a stressful and overwhelming experience. Criminal charges can have severe consequences that can impact your life, resulting in hefty fines, loss of freedom, and...
Managing Expectations in a Criminal Defense Case
Navigating the criminal defense process can be a daunting task, especially for those who have never been in legal trouble before. Understanding what to expect and how to prepare for...
California Criminal Sentencing Guidelines
If you plead guilty or no contest to a criminal offense in California or if a jury finds you guilty at trial, you will be sentenced to some punishment by...
How Criminal Cases Work Arraignment and Plea Bargaining Basics
If you are charged with a crime in California, your first court appearance will be an arraignment. During the arraignment, the court will present the charges against you and explain...
Sevens Legal Defense Attorney Representing Client Suspected in Campland by the Bay Killing
Sevens Legal defense attorney Sue Gerard recently appeared on NBC San Diego News in a clip from the video arraignment of her client, accused of first-degree murder in the deadly Campland by...
When Can You Use Deadly Force to Protect Yourself in California
California’s self-defense laws give individuals in California the right to use reasonable force, even deadly force, to protect themselves against an intruder in their home if they reasonably believe that...
Can Felonies be Reduced to Misdemeanors
Under California law, any crime that carries a prison sentence of more than one year is considered a felony offense. In addition to a potential state prison sentence and significant...
What to do if someone falsely accuses you of a crime
The presumption of innocence may demand that any person accused of a crime be considered innocent until proven guilty. However, that all-important legal principle cannot always save a person from...
Can Misdemeanor or Felony Charges Be Expunged?
Having a conviction on your criminal record is a serious matter that can affect your life for years to come. In addition to the penalties associated with a misdemeanor or...
When Is It Worth it to Take Your Criminal Case to Trial
Should I go to trial or take a plea deal? Which option will get me the best outcome in my criminal case? These are some of the most pressing questions...
What Sex Crimes are Felonies
Sex crimes represent some of the most consequential types of criminal offenses in California. Not only can a sex crime charge lead to years in prison and other devastating penalties,...
Sevens Legal Attorney Representing Massage Parlor Owner in Illicit Sex Scheme Case
Criminal defense attorney Crystal Erlandson of Sevens Legal, APC is serving as legal counsel to a massage parlor owner charged along with three others, including a former San Diego police...
Fraud, White-Collar Crime Investigations Stemming from the CARES Act
The federal government is cracking down on fraud, false statements and other white-collar crimes associated with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus...
What are the Penalties if You are Convicted in Federal Court?
Federal crimes are prosecuted in federal court and typically carry far more severe penalties than those levied by state courts in California. If you or someone in your family is...
Tips for Beating Federal Drug Charges
If you are wondering how to beat federal drug charges, the very first thing you should do is speak to an experienced criminal defense lawyer who has a reputation for...
Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Federal Drug Crimes
Mandatory sentencing requirements under federal law require that convicted offenders serve a predetermined term of imprisonment for certain serious and/or violent crimes, including federal controlled substance (drug) offenses. In fact,...
How do Federal Drug Charges Compare to State Charges?
The unlawful possession, sale, distribution or manufacture of certain narcotics and other controlled substances is a violation of both California state and federal laws, and any time you are charged...
Understanding DUI Laws in San Diego
Driving is a big responsibility. If you drive after drinking alcohol or using drugs, you can get into serious trouble. This is called DUI, which means “Driving Under the Influence.”...
Family Law in San Diego
Family Law in San Diego: What to Expect During a Divorce Case is an important topic for anyone going through this hard time. Divorce can be stressful, emotional, and confusing....
Top Legal Rights You Should Know When Arrested in San Diego
Getting arrested can be a frightening and overwhelming experience—especially if it happens unexpectedly. Whether you’re innocent or guilty, understanding the top legal rights you should know when arrested in San...
How to Choose the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer in San Diego
Facing criminal charges in San Diego can be a stressful and life-changing experience. Whether you’re accused of a misdemeanor or a serious felony, the legal consequences can affect your freedom,...
San Diego Juvenile Defense: What Parents Need to Know
As a parent, hearing that your child has been arrested or accused of a crime is one of the most stressful moments you can face. The juvenile justice system in...
Sex Crime Allegations in San Diego: What You Need to Know
Sex crime allegations in San Diego are among the most serious legal matters anyone can face. Whether founded or false, these accusations carry devastating consequences that can impact a person’s...
How to Choose the Best Criminal Defense Attorney in San Diego
How to Choose the Best Criminal Defense Attorney in San Diego When you’re facing criminal charges in San Diego, the most important decision you can make is hiring the right...
White Collar Crimes in San Diego
White collar crimes are often associated with high-powered executives and financial professionals, but in reality, anyone can be accused of these non-violent, financially motivated offenses. In a business hub like...
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Misdemeanor in California
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Misdemeanor in California? If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor in California, you may be asking yourself: “Do I need a lawyer for...
Expungement in San Diego Can You Clear Your Criminal Record?
If you have a criminal conviction in your past, you’ve likely wondered whether it’s possible to erase it. In California, and specifically in San Diego, the legal process of expungement...