Across the United States, prisons and jails are brimming with people who suffer from mental health issues. It is true: more than half of the prison population and more than two-thirds of those in jails suffer from mental health problems. If you or a loved one has such issues and…
Articles Posted in Criminal Defense
Fleeing Police Can Mean Death
About one out of every three fatal police shootings involve individuals who were trying to evade an arrest. These numbers tell the story: it is never a good idea to try to flee from the police. Surely, an arrest would be a better outcome than a shot in the back. …
Should Juveniles be Charged as Adults?
Hundreds of years ago all convicted criminals were housed together, regardless of gender, age, or mental illness. Prisons were filled with a mix of them all, until somebody recognized that there was a problem with the system in 1825. That is when New York House of Refuge was established with…
What Makes a Good Criminal Defense Lawyer?
When you are up against criminal charges, you need an attorney by your side who is both ethical and willing to fight for the best possible outcomes for you. At The Law Office of David M. Boertje, our clients know we will go to bat for them, with several key…
The Interrogation: Be Prepared for Anything
An arrest can be a scary thing, whether it is your first or your hundredth. That is because, as an arrestee, you feel like you have no control at all. But nothing could be further from the truth! The central thing you need to remember is that you have the…
What You Should Do When Pulled Over by California Highway Patrol
Seeing the flashing lights and hearing the sirens near you, approaching you, and signaling you to pull over can be scary. Whether or not you know why an officer is trailing you trying to get you to stop your vehicle, what you do next matters. To best protect yourself and…
Hiring Your Criminal Defense Attorney Before Charges are Filed
If you were arrested and it is likely that criminal charges will be filed against you, then the actions you take next are critical to protecting your rights and freedoms. It is best in these situations not to delay in looking for quality legal counsel to defend your interests and…
Will a California Misdemeanor Conviction Prevent You From Owning a Gun?
There are two types of Americans — those who cherish their rights to keep and bear arms, and those that want nothing to do with firearms. After a criminal conviction, your right to own a firearm could be eliminated. According to data from the Giffords Law Center, California has the…
Strategies Prosecutors Use to Secure A Guilty Verdict in Domestic Abuse Cases
No criminal conviction looks good on your record or reflects well on you in the eyes of others. Some convictions carry a serious stigma that affects the way others perceive you. As a result, when you are done serving your sentence, you may have a difficult time doing all of…
Reducing Your Criminal Charges From Felony to Misdemeanor
If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, the type of charge you are facing will impact how harsh your punishments will be. Also, the level at which you are charged can have far-reaching implications for your life long after you serve your time and pay your fines.…