Southern California Criminal Lawyer Blog

What We Can All Learn from the Inspiring Career of Christopher Darden

January 18, 2022 | by The Justice Firm

One of the most valuable skills that attorneys need today is a sense of awareness. It’s knowledge of the latest developments that affect people and businesses, both within your community and the country at large. Attorney Christopher Darden is one such professional who embodies this trait – and more.

After passing the California Bar exams in 1980, he was hired at the National Labor Relations Board in Los Angeles. Darden then applied for a job with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office to change his career. He relocated to the Huntington Park office, and then briefly moved to Beverly Hills, before relocating to the Criminal Courts Building (CCB) in Los Angeles in 1983.

He specialized as a co-prosecutor at the CCB where he worked in the Hardcore Gang Unit. After that, he worked for the Special Investigation Division (SID) to investigate criminal activity and corruption by public officials including law enforcement personnel in February 1988. This is also where Darden met his mentor Johnnie Cochran, who represented victims of police brutality. The two became very close partners.

Continue Reading →

Here’s What You Should do in an Uber or Lyft Car Accident

January 7, 2022 | by The Justice Firm

Rideshare apps have become an integral part of our lives in Los Angeles. Whether you call a Lyft or take an Uber home after a long night out, you need to stay aware of your surroundings at all times. Here’s why: Uber and Lyft drivers are just as vulnerable to accidents on the road as other drivers. This means it is imperative to know how to handle an accident in LA while using a rideshare accident.

Here’s what you should do in an Uber or Lyft car accident.

Call 911

Continue Reading →

Lyft Drivers Accused of Assault, Battery, and Other Crimes

January 7, 2022 | by The Justice Firm

Bad news always comes as a shock. Most recently, Lyft just admitted to receiving well over 4,000 cases of sexual assault.

And that’s just from 2017 to 2019 – and the more we dig, the more gruesome their history gets.

Riders have experienced many types of violence by Lyft drivers including:

Continue Reading →

Rideshare Accidents and Attempted Murders: Time to Consult an Attorney?

January 7, 2022 | by The Justice Firm

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have changed the landscape of daily public commuting. The disruptive businesses have been a force for good and nearly all stakeholders – with the exception of taxi owners – have enjoyed their services.

However, ridesharing companies have racked up their fair share of controversies. For obvious reasons, they can’t control every driver on their payroll, and are often liable for damages associated with negligent driving and other criminal activity, including attempted murder.

Here’s the gist of rideshare accidents and even attempted murder associated with the likes of Uber and Lyft.

Continue Reading →

Here’s Why You Need a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in 2021

January 6, 2022 | by The Justice Firm

Uber and Lyft have made it easy to get around town. However, there are thousands of drivers and riders utilizing rideshare apps at a time. This can increase traffic volume on the road and the pressure on drivers to respond to the increased demand for their services. The nature of their role requires drivers to check their phones, sometimes even when they’re driving at high speeds.

As a result, the likelihood of getting involved in an accident can increase tenfold! Such accidents could be the fault of the driver or someone else on the road. Moreover, it isn’t uncommon for rideshare accidents to lead to serious injuries or even death. In case of injuries, it is important to seek legal consultation for rideshare accidents in LA as soon as possible.

The Perils of Going After a Billion Dollar Enterprise

Continue Reading →

What are the Leading Causes of Rideshare Accidents?

January 4, 2022 | by The Justice Firm

Rideshare apps in LA have become the de facto means of getting around town – but they’re not perfect. Uber and Lyft are worth billions of dollars and have managed to increase their number of users and contribute to a sizable traffic volume day in and day out.

The increased presence of cars indicates a relatively high risk of injury for both passengers and riders. For the most part, accidents usually happen due to negligent and distracted driving, but you cannot minimize the impact of another drunk driver ruining everyone’s day.

Sadly, it’s not uncommon for riders (and sometimes drivers) to lose their life because of critical injuries. For example, you may have heard of drunk drivers getting arrested for DUIs and being charged with manslaughter. But what you probably don’t even hear of is the sad news that the victim is a 20-something old college student who succumbed to their injuries later in hospital.

Continue Reading →

What Damages Can I Claim in a Rideshare Accident in LA?

December 31, 2021 | by The Justice Firm

When an Uber or Lyft driver causes a car accident due to negligence, the injured victim (or passenger) may be entitled to several types of damages when they file a claim. The compensation will depend on the severity of injuries and other losses.

Rideshare companies and their insurance providers will do everything they can to dispute your claim and minimize their liability from the incident. They may even rob you of your compensation entirely, especially if you’re not represented properly. For these reasons, it is highly recommended to hire an experienced rideshare accident lawyer in Los Angeles for going toe-to-toe against their defense teams.

Types of Damages You Can Claim in a Rideshare Accident

Continue Reading →

Here’s How SB 81 Will Reform Sentencing in California

December 10, 2021 | by The Justice Firm

Empty Prison Cell
It’s no secret that many elements of the criminal justice system have imposed unfair prison sentences, especially enhancements that can add decades to the total time served in prison. This has led to overcrowded prisons, disproportionately affecting people of color and those suffering from mental illnesses.

Sentence enhancements are not related to the original crime, rather, they are add-ons based on how the crime was committed and the nature of the circumstances involving the crime. For example, using a firearm to commit a robbery can add anywhere between 10 and 20 years, while any association with organized crime could result in two to 10 more years in prison. The latter depends on the severity of the offense.

Like many aspects of the criminal justice system, there is a large degree of variation in how certain crimes are interpreted. For example, it is alleged that California’s current sentencing enhancement laws disproportionately affect people of color and those with mental illnesses. It is worth mentioning that judges have the legal ability to dismiss sentence enhancements, but they rarely do so.

Continue Reading →

Telltale Signs of Domestic Abuse and Getting Help

December 9, 2021 | by The Justice Firm

Victim of domestic abuse
Domestic violence is a complex crime that often consists of smaller acts that appear to be less serious and benign. But studies show that these acts become more frequent and violent. Domestic violence doesn’t always start out as physical abuse, it starts as a little act of intimidation, and almost always involves the use of social isolation. The violence ramps up once the victim has been cut off from their support system.

Signs of Domestic Violence

The biggest red flag is fear. The victim is scared to say what they really think, or are fearful of refusing intimacy. There is no room for fear and intimidation in any healthy relationship.

Continue Reading →

WHAT DOES PERSONAL INJURY MEAN?

July 26, 2021 | by The Justice Firm

California Personal Injury

WHAT DOES PERSONAL INJURY MEAN?

Under California law, an individual who has been the victim of an accident or injury can take action against those responsible. As a personal injury victim – or plaintiff in the case – there are options for the types of claims and lawsuits that can be brought against the wrongdoers responsible for causing the harm. Given the complexity of personal injury law – including differences in statutes of limitations, injuries, and losses – skilled personal injury attorneys are necessary to navigate the process.

Continue Reading →