This week, the Law Office successfully negotiated post-conviction relief on 2 criminal cases for a Philippine national facing deportation for criminal convictions.   He is now eligible for Cancellation of Removal relief if a motion to terminate proceedings is not granted.   The client, a U.S. legal permanent resident, is facing removal (deportation) because of his controlled substance conviction and 2 crimes involving moral turpitude.    His conviction for violating Health and Safety Code section 11377, to wit methamphetamine (Los Angeles Superior Court), made him removable and inadmissible for re-entry into the United States.  This Law Of... [More]

Lohan bursts into tears after being sentenced to 90 days of jail [More]

Normal 0 Last week, the Law Office successfully convinced the District Attorney's Office to dismiss a marijuana sales (Health & Safety code section 11359) case in exchange of admitting a felony probation violation.  The client is fortunate to avoid a second felony given there was evidence of a confession.  Any person with 2 prior felony convictions is presumed ineligible for probation when facing future felony charges (Penal Code section 1203(e)(4)).  Furthermore, felony drug convictions negatively impact the felon's ability to land a decent job or obtain licenses within the medical field.  Most drug convictions require the person to register with their local ... [More]

A domestic disturbance at the Huntington Beach home shared by adult film actress Jenna Jameson and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Tito Ortiz resulted in his arrest for domestic violence. [More]

Normal 0 Last week, the Arizona legislature passed a measure that was signed into law yesterday (SB 1070), requiring police officers to arrest people who cannot provide valid immigration documents.  Unlike previous Arizona laws, which allowed the police to ask about someone's immigration status during the course of a criminal investigation, this new law requires officers to determine the immigration status of any person if there is "reasonable suspicion" that they are illegal immigrants.  This misdemeanor offense may be elevated to a felony if there are prior convictions or if the immigrant is in possession of dangerous drugs, deadly weapons or instruments.  Other port... [More]

The Law Offices successfully represented an Egyptian national (U.S. legal permanent resident) at San Diego Immigration Court who was facing removal (deportation) because of his 2 aggravated felonies and crime involving moral turpitude.    The merits hearing, held yesterday, involved the testimony of the respondent and presentation of the numerous exhibits attached to his Cancellation of Removal application (EOIR-42a). Since the government will not appeal the decision, the Egyptian national was released late yesterday evening from the downtown San Diego federal building. In a Cancellation of Removal case, the immigration judge must determine if the positive factors (hardships to U.... [More]

Client had an unfortunate week given he was cited twice in August for speeding in the district served by Rancho Cucamonga Courthouse (San Bernardino Superior Court).  After multiple client interviews and assessing the scene of the citation, the Law Office successfully convinced the court to dismiss this citation after a trial by declaration.  Client avoided 2 potential moving violation points (and a significant insurance premium boost) since the second case resolved with reduced fine and traffic school. 

Smoke filled up the courthouse on March 2, causing Lil' Wayne's already delayed sentenced to be rescheduled.  Burning marijuana was not the cause of the blaze.  The courthouse evacuated prior to Lil' Wayne and his legal team arriving.  Lil' Wayne convinced the court on his original sentence date, February 9th, to postpone his surrender so the Grammy Award-winning Rapper could undergo a series of dental surgeries to remove his stunning diamond and platinum grill. Monday, March 8 will be Lil' Wayne's new sentencing date.  Rumors had surfaced that the court would simply delay his date by one day, the same day fellow rapper Ja Rule, aka Jeff Atkins, is in... [More]

Client is facing removal proceedings because of aggravated felony convictions over 15 years old. DHS is applying the law as written, regardless of extreme hardship on U.S. citizen children and relatives. Through motion work, presentation of hardships, and admittedly some luck, counsel successfully convinced court to modify client's sentence from 365 days to 364 days. This brings this theft offense outside of the definition of an aggravated felony and increases client's chances of defending his deportation case. [More]

Client was pulled over for bad registration tags in Riverside County.  Upon being contacted by the officer, the officer noted a strong smell of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.  The officer then stated he saw a marijuana "cigarette" inside the passenger dashboard.  Client claimed the joint after the passenger denied possession of it.  The police arrested and then cite-released client. Arrest for: Vehicle Code section 23222(b): Possession of Marijuana While Driving.  Penalties: Misdemeanor conviction, $100 fine (not subject to booking if person does not demand to be taken to a magistrate.) Yesterday, the Law Office of Juan F. Dotson successfully negotiat... [More]