Questions answered by John Wood Bussman

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I was cited and released for petty theft in Modesto California. I recently posted a question but had a few more asap.

John's answer | Answered on January 13, 2011

You will definitely have an opportunity to speak with a lawyer if you want to. If you can't afford a lawyer, the court will appoint the public...

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Should famalies of victims be allowed to decide the punishment of those who commit crimes?

John's answer | Answered on January 13, 2011

I agree with the previous poster that this is more of a philosophical rather than a legal question. In CA, victims and their families have a...

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Is it possible to be prosecuted for two counts related to the same crime at a trial?

John's answer | Answered on January 13, 2011

That's kind of a compound question that involves some complicated procedural issues, but I'll do my best to answer simply. It is common for...

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What are the realistic chances of becoming an attorney in California with one misdeanor conviction that were expunged 1 year ago

John's answer | Answered on January 13, 2011

When in doubt, you should disclose any convictions to the state bar. A single petty theft that occurred a while ago and has been expunged should...

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I got cited for PS.148 Obstruct/Delay Officer and it says misdemeanor. Court is on 03/16/2011. Do I have to get a lawyer

John's answer | Answered on January 13, 2011

You should definitely get a lawyer. If you can't afford one, the court will appoint the public defender to represent you. 148(a)(1) can carry...

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If a crime is commited prior to the September 2010 amendment to PC 4019, though sentenced after, will 1/2 credit still apply?

John's answer | Answered on January 13, 2011

To elaborate on my previous answer: If there has been some mistake at sentencing, there are a couple options. First, you can go back before the...

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I recieved a dui in WA in 2008. i moved to Germany because im in the Army, so i couldnt show up to court.

John's answer | Answered on January 13, 2011

If your case is pending in WA, you should contact an attorney who is licensed to practice in that state. Criminal cases don't normally just go...

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How can I get an extension on a misdemeanor theft? I have pretrial on Jan 18 but I need to get an extension till maybe April.

John's answer | Answered on January 13, 2011

Do you have an attorney helping you on the case? If so, he or she can file what is called a "1050 Motion for Continuance". It usually should be...

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If a crime is commited prior to the September 2010 amendment to PC 4019, though sentenced after, will 1/2 credit still apply?

John's answer | Answered on January 12, 2011

Yes. Even though the law has changed back to 2/3 time rather than 1/2 time, 1/2 time should apply if the offense was committed and charged before...

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What happend is i commint a hit and run and was under probation and without licencse

John's answer | Answered on January 12, 2011

I don't quite understand the question. Are you saying that you've already confessed? It sounds like you have at least 3 problems, any one of...

John Wood Bussman's Answers (870)

I was cited and released for petty theft in Modesto California. I recently posted a question but had a few more asap.

Should famalies of victims be allowed to decide the punishment of those who commit crimes?

Is it possible to be prosecuted for two counts related to the same crime at a trial?

What are the realistic chances of becoming an attorney in California with one misdeanor conviction that were expunged 1 year ago

I got cited for PS.148 Obstruct/Delay Officer and it says misdemeanor. Court is on 03/16/2011. Do I have to get a lawyer

If a crime is commited prior to the September 2010 amendment to PC 4019, though sentenced after, will 1/2 credit still apply?

I recieved a dui in WA in 2008. i moved to Germany because im in the Army, so i couldnt show up to court.

How can I get an extension on a misdemeanor theft? I have pretrial on Jan 18 but I need to get an extension till maybe April.

If a crime is commited prior to the September 2010 amendment to PC 4019, though sentenced after, will 1/2 credit still apply?

What happend is i commint a hit and run and was under probation and without licencse