California Criminal Background Check

Job hunting has never been easy, having a criminal record certainly does nothing to help it make it any easier. Studies have shown that most employers actively perform background checks to screen potential employees. They often also ask about applicants’ criminal histories during interviews.
Unfortunately, this is bad news to the roughly 8 million California residents out there, which is around 1 in 3 people in California. On the bright side, several California State Laws protect people with criminal records.
Antidiscrimination Laws
Under U.S. Federal laws, as well as California laws, it is illegal for employers to deny an applicant …
Legal defenses against Domestic Violence in California

Domestic abuse allegations occur in different circumstances. Domestic violence may pertain to assault and battery, spousal abuse, or violation of a restraining or order of protection.
Keep in mind that it is not necessary for an accused to cause bodily injury to the victim to be charged with domestic abuse. Some are not aware that there are criminal cases that are classified as misdemeanors.
Charges of domestic violence in California are generally filed as either a misdemeanor or a felony offense. A misdemeanor offense may be aggravated if the offender intentionally committed family violence and has used a firearm …
How to Contest an Assault Charge in California

An assault is a violent crime. It may involve threatening or attempting to cause serious physical injury or even the act of causing bodily harm or unwanted physical contact on another individual. This may range from touching or stalking to sexual assault or harassment. In some instances, endangerment of human life involves intentional assault with the use of a dangerous weapon.
A simple assault may be aggravated depending on the severity of the criminal violation. If the perpetrator, for example, assaulted a police officer, firefighter, or law enforcement officer, the charges of assault may be raised into a felony offense. …
Running out of Time or Energy

Mike and E address the difference between having enough energy or time. What is the real challenge and what you can do about it? They also speak about the importance of doing the inner work necessary for change. Are you really ready to change your life? Then you need to listen to this one!
For more information visit us at www.chastainelaw.com…
Violent Crimes in California

In California, violent crimes are not just misdemeanor offenses. It is classified as a felony when any violent act is committed with intent to harm or inflict injury upon the victim. Violent crimes wherein the violent act is the objective will definitely lead to felony charges. Such violent acts include murders, involuntary manslaughter, assault and battery, rapes or sexual assault, and sodomy. Other acts that use violence as a form of coercion or even lewd sexual conduct can also constitute a felony.
The specific charges are based on the actions committed. Most violent crimes happen during robberies because there …
COVID-19 And Court Appearances

At Chastaine Jones Criminal Defense Attorneys, we are doing everything we can to stay on top of the changing situation to keep everyone informed. For up-to-the-minute information, please call our office and we can answer any questions. We are open and available during normal office hours, 9:00am to 5:00pm. We will do our best to keep updating this blog as things change.
Supreme Court
On April 29, 2020, Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye issued a statewide order extending criminal trial deadlines for an additional 30 days. This will cause jury trials that have already been continued to be continued out at …
Self-care and the Art of Working from Home

Selfcare and the art of working from home with special guest Jim Kaspari. Balancing work and life is imperative – especially during COVID19. The team has great tips on how to work from home from the actual physical setup to getting your inner game on. Plus a revolutionary new concept called three-dimensional action strategizing!
Learn more about Jim Kaspari:
Challenging Times Mean You Need to Stay Healthy and Positive!

Challenging times mean you need to stay healthy and positive but that is not always so easy to do! Business and life coach Jim Kaspari shares with Mike practical tips on the power of acceptance, sorting through what is working in your and what is not, journaling and more. This week’s program is very inspiring!
Learn more about Jim Kaspari or to order his business journal:
Special Guest Topo Padilla – Changes to the Bail Bonds Industry

Mike and special guest Topo Padilla discuss the changes to the Bail Bonds Industry, what it hopes to achieve and the truth about what will actually happen. There is much to be concerned about if this bill passes. Topo comes from a generational bail bond business and has a unique perspective on the truth of what is going on.
For more information visit us at www.chastainelaw.com…
Live Update on How the Courts are Handling the COVID Crisis

A timely update on how the courts are handling the covid19 crisis. Mike and E discuss what crimes are down and which ones are on an increase. Specifically, domestic violence. With over 35 years of practicing criminal defense, Mike has some important insights into these types of charges.
For more information visit us at www.chastainelaw.com…