- Child SupportBench warrant: Issued by courts when an individual fails to appear for a court date. It can be issued in both civil and criminal cases. Regarding civil cases for example, if a person fails to pay child support, they will be contempt of court and a bench warrant can be issued for their apprehension. If a person fails to appear before the court in a criminal case, the prosecution may seek an arrest warrant as opposed to a bench warrant. It is imperative to resolve these in a timely manner since state courts typically look adversely upon individuals who need to be arrested and brought into court by law enforcement.
- AdoptionThe first step to living permanently in the United States is to obtain an immigrant visa. While most immigrant visas are family or employment-based, visas may be issued in cases of international adoption, marriage, or for other special circumstances as well. To file a petition for a visa, you must have a sponsor who is a citizen or a lawful resident of the U.S.
- Child AbuseViolent crimes, including burglary, armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, child abuse and maltreatment, and grand theft
- Criminal DefenseWere you arrested? No matter what you have been charged with, you need to be very careful how you act moving forward. For this reason, you need to speak with a Santa Barbara criminal defense attorney from our firm who can begin advising you on how to proceed so you have the best chances of avoiding a criminal conviction.
- DUI/DWIWhen building a defense against field sobriety tests in DUI cases, the question remains whether or not these tests are effective or not are determining someone’s level of intoxication? Appel & Morse has handled hundreds of cases involving DUI charges. When we investigate further into the matter, we look at why the person failed the test and explore every avenue for a possible defense.
- Traffic ViolationsInfractions - Infractions can also be called “violations.” This typically includes minor crimes, such as speeding, that are punishable by fines but not jail time.
- Sex CrimesWhen you've been arrested or after you learn that you are under investigation for a sex crime, you need a lawyer on your side who will aggressive protect your good name. Sex crime accusations are one of the most stigmatized issues a person can face, and your reputation is in serious jeopardy, even if you are innocent.
- Fraud
- RobberyPetty theft, also known as “larceny,” is considered a misdemeanor if you steal something worth less than $950. However, you must understand that petty theft only pertains to items which were stolen without any use of force, or else it would be classified as robbery instead. If you had a prior theft conviction, then you may be charged with a felony.
- BurglaryThe crimes that fall under the 3 strike law are defined by the California Penal Code and include crimes such as: Murder, arson, felonies involving firearms, first degree burglary, sale of certain illegal drugs, and more. If you have been convicted of multiple crimes in the past and are facing a third conviction, it’s extremely important that you contact the team at Appel & Morse today. Our team will fight aggressively to defend your freedom and your rights.
- White Collar CrimesAt Appel & Morse, our commitment to providing only the utmost in legal services is our goal with each and every case we work on. White collar crimes are on the rise and have become more prevalent, aided in part by evolving technology that makes committing these crimes easier and more frequent. This has put law enforcement officials on alert for these cases, which in turn, leads to a higher amount of arrests.
- Theft
- MisdemeanorsPetty theft is punishable by a maximum county jail sentence of six months and/or a fine of up to $1,000. In addition to these penalties, the misdemeanor conviction will be on your permanent criminal record.
- Embezzlement
- Drug CrimesWhether you have been accused of drug possession or of distributing, manufacturing or trafficking drugs, you need to retain knowledgeable drug defense immediately.
- AssaultWhile “assault” and “battery” are two separate concepts, both of them carry significant jail time and expensive fines. Someone who commits a simple assault or battery in California is typically charged with a misdemeanor. Known as “wobblers,” certain assault or battery crimes can be charged as a felony as well. When the penalties for a conviction are this steep, make sure you have a skilled Santa Barbara criminal defense lawyer on your side.
- MurderIn California, manslaughter is defined as the unlawful killing of an individual without premeditation, deliberation or malice. Even though it’s less severe than a murder charge, manslaughter is still considered a serious crime associated with lengthy jail sentences and expensive fines.
- Identity Theft
- HomicideIn California, homicide may be prosecuted in the first degree or second degree. While both include demonstrating malice aforethought, which refers to the suspected individual’s state of mind, first degree murder must involve premeditation, deliberation or deliberate planning, as well as intent to kill. Second degree murder also involves an intention to kill, but the killing doesn’t involve any planning or premeditation. However, second degree murder is a kill caused by dangerous conduct and the lack of concern for human life.
- ArsonThe crime of arson is considered incredibly seriously in California, particularly as it can contribute to brush fires, which can grow out of control and cost lives and money in drier areas of the state. Likewise, the circumstances of the crime will dictate what kind of punishment you may receive. For example, if you are convicted of arson of a structure or forest land, you would be guilty of a felony crime.
- ShopliftingFelony charges are prosecuted more severely than misdemeanors and can count towards California's Three Strike Law. Under the Three Strikes Law, if you have two previous strikes against you and you commit a new misdemeanor shoplifting offense, these could be upgraded to a felony, forcing you to serve a 25-year to life sentence.
- ForgeryThe statute of limitations (filing deadline) for felony forgery is four years after the crime is discovered or completed, whichever is later. While, The statute of limitations for misdemeanor forgery is one year after the alleged commission of the forgery.
- KidnappingKidnapping is defined under California law as moving a victim a substantial distance using fear or force as a motivator. Using force or fear means a person actually inflicts physical strength upon a person or threatens to inflict imminent bodily harm in order to get them to participate in the move without the person’s consent.
- ManslaughterThere are three types of manslaughter charges under California law: voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, and vehicular manslaughter. Any kind of manslaughter is typically considered a felony offense.
- Internet Crimes
- ProstitutionDisorderly conduct: According to Penal Code Section 647, an individual can evidence disorderly conduct in a number of ways, including through solicitation and prostitution, loitering and illegal lodging, prowling and peeping, or public intoxication.
- Hit and Run
- Sexual Harassment
- Citizenship and Naturalization
- Family ImmigrationIf you are applying for a family visa, it is important to know the difference between having a citizen or a lawful resident as your sponsor. A citizen is able to sponsor a spouse, son or daughter, parent, or sibling, while a lawful resident can only sponsor a spouse or unmarried son or daughter. A family-based immigration visa will begin with your sponsor filing an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USICIS).
- Family Visas
- Removal DefenseIf you are facing deportation, you need dedicated advocates to represent you. Removal defense can increase the chances of winning your case. Our team of immigration law attorneys at Appel & Morse is committed to your success, and will work tirelessly to help you remain in the country.