How successful are appeals? How long does it take for the court to make a decision?

An appeal is a direct attack on the judgment; a writ of habeas corpus is a collateral attack. What that means is that the appeal is based solely...

Is it illegal to audio and video record a police officer making a traffic stop/performing his duty in a public location?

In CA it is not legal to videotape a conversation without the consent of both parties. If you ask I can assure you will be denied permission. You...

Is it required that one enter a plea at arraignment?

You can delay entering a plea to mount a legal challenge to the complaint. You cannot do so as a negotiating tactic. Your PD will have you plea...

Should I appear with n attorney

You're in deep. Call my colleague.

Will there ever be a law in place that prohibits violent offenders from having contact with victims for life

Life's too long for a stay away order. If the victim is being stalked after probation is over she should make a fresh complaint and then she'll...

Form is asking whether I have every been arrested, charged or convicted of a felony/misdemeanor? Not sure if I was arrested?

First you can ask to have your juvenile records sealed; once that's done an employer can't see them. Secondly in CA an employer cannot ask if you...

How do I handle a ticket for pleading guilty and the ticket has gone to the collection agency?

Just pay the ticket. Doing otherwise will cost you many times the amount of your fine.

I've a gotten a misdemeanor drug charge under the influence of Meth.underwent a PC program and got the charge expunged

It makes a huge difference that it was Prop 36 which requires a guilty plea. Prop 36 is actually a form of probation following your conviction on...

Do I have legal defense against a fraud charge where the evidence being used was obtained illegally, with no probable cause?

As Mr. Dane has pointed out it is possible the judge would suppress the evidence,i.e., the credit card not in your name. But you can forget the Ï...

Your question is unclear but if you are saying that you are having an affair with your dead wife's niece you are breaking no law. If you are...