Olen Firm Criminal Defense Blog

What Is the Los Angeles County No-Drop Policy In Domestic Violence Cases?

By: Jared Olen | March 10th 2026

The Los Angeles County no-drop policy in domestic violence cases is a prosecutorial mandate where the District Attorney’s office continues with a criminal case even if the accuser asks to withdraw the complaint or refuses to testify. In Southern California, the decision to pursue charges rests entirely with the government, not with the individual who […]

What happens after a sex crime allegation on a college campus in Los Angeles?

By: Jared Olen | March 05th 2026

After a sex crime allegation on a college campus in Los Angeles, a student typically faces two simultaneous but separate investigations: an internal university Title IX process and a potential criminal investigation by law enforcement. While the university focuses on campus safety and code of conduct violations, the police focus on whether a crime was […]

Pasadena DUI Checkpoints: What Drivers Should Expect in 2026

By: Jared Olen | February 10th 2026

Being stopped at a DUI checkpoint in Pasadena, California, can be stressful and confusing, especially if it leads to criminal charges. At these checkpoints, Pasadena police stop vehicles using a neutral pattern, request identification documents, and look for signs of alcohol or drug impairment. Most drivers are allowed to proceed within moments, but if an […]

Can You Go to Jail for a Domestic Violence Charge?

By: Jared Olen | February 03rd 2026

A domestic violence conviction can result in severe penalties, including jail time, fines, probation, and mandatory counseling. Misdemeanor charges may carry up to a year in jail, while felony charges can lead to several years in prison. Fines and probation are also common, and violators may be required to attend domestic violence counseling. A Los Angeles […]

What Is Felony Theft in California?

By: Jared Olen | November 05th 2025

When someone faces felony theft charges in California, fear and doubt quickly settle in. You might wonder what will happen to your job, your family, or even your future. Questions keep you up at night: Could you lose your freedom? How will this mark follow you? Every call or letter can feel like the ground shifting […]

Is Shoplifting a Felony?

By: Jared Olen | November 05th 2025

A shoplifting accusation can feel like your world is shrinking. A simple mistake or a moment of poor judgment leaves you facing a criminal charge, and you may wonder if this single event could lead to a felony conviction. In California, the answer is complex. While most shoplifting incidents are misdemeanors, certain circumstances can elevate […]

Can You Get a DWI on a Scooter?

By: Jared Olen | November 05th 2025

The electric scooter seemed like a simple, convenient way to get home after a night out in Los Angeles. Now, you’re facing flashing lights and a potential Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge. The situation feels surreal and confusing. A scooter isn’t a car, so can you really get a DWI? The answer in California is […]

Should I Get a Lawyer After a DWI?

By: Jared Olen | November 05th 2025

The flashing lights are gone, the handcuffs have been removed, and you are left holding a stack of papers and a future that suddenly feels uncertain. After a DWI arrest, it’s common to feel overwhelmed and to consider simply accepting the consequences to put the ordeal behind you. You might even think that since the […]

How Likely Is Jail Time for a First DUI in California?

By: Jared Olen | October 21st 2025

For a first-time DUI in California, while jail time is legally possible, it is not automatic. The law allows for a sentence of up to six months in county jail, but many first offenses without aggravating factors result in probation instead of jail. The outcome of your case depends heavily on specific details: your Blood Alcohol […]

Fentanyl Charges in California: Understanding the Severity, Penalties, and Your Legal Defenses

By: Jared Olen | October 21st 2025

A charge involving fentanyl in California carries some of the most severe penalties in the state’s justice system. The law distinguishes between simple possession and possession for sale or trafficking primarily based on two factors: the quantity of the substance and evidence of intent to sell, such as scales, packaging, or large amounts of cash. […]