Olen Firm Criminal Defense Blog

How does the LA District Attorney handle domestic violence charges? The Los Angeles County District Attorney decides whether to file domestic violence charges based on the evidence, not on whether the alleged victim wants to press charges. Once a case is filed, only the prosecutor may drop it, and it often proceeds even if the […]

What happens at a Pasadena domestic violence arraignment? At a Pasadena domestic violence arraignment, the judge reads the charges, the defendant enters a plea, and the court sets release conditions. In most cases, the judge also issues a criminal protective order at that first hearing. The arrest already happened. Now a court date sits on […]

What is Zero Tolerance for Firearms in Los Angeles? In Los Angeles, the presence of a firearm during a domestic dispute triggers a zero-tolerance legal protocol designed to immediately separate the individual from their weapons. The zero-tolerance approach in Los Angeles means that law enforcement and prosecutors treat domestic violence allegations involving firearms as high-priority […]

Pasadena judges treat protective order violations as serious offenses, often resulting in immediate court action, added criminal charges, or stricter release conditions. Under the Los Angeles no-drop policy DV, prosecutors may continue pursuing a case even if the protected person no longer wants to cooperate.  A criminal defense lawyer who handles domestic violence cases often […]

A Pasadena domestic violence arrest often happens quickly because police follow a mandatory arrest approach when there is probable cause, even if the situation is unclear or both parties disagree. Once an arrest occurs, the case usually moves forward through the court system based on evidence gathered at the scene rather than personal preference.  A […]