If you’re facing criminal charges and can’t afford an attorney, the court may appoint a public defender to represent you. But what happens if your financial situation changes, or you decide you’d prefer to hire private counsel later? The answer is: Yes, you can start with a public defender and switch to a private attorney later—if you follow […]

If you’ve been injured or suffered losses after signing a waiver, you may be asking: Can I still sue? The short answer is: Sometimes, yes. While waivers can limit your right to sue, they’re not always ironclad. Courts often scrutinize them carefully—especially when someone is hurt due to negligence or dangerous conditions. Let’s break it down. What Is a […]

If you’re receiving workers’ compensation benefits after a job-related injury or illness, you might be wondering: Do I have to pay taxes on this money? The short answer is: In most cases, no. Workers’ comp benefits are generally not taxable at the federal or state level. But as with many tax questions, there are exceptions and important nuances to […]

When a contract is breached or a business suffers harm due to someone else’s wrongful actions, a common question arises: Can I recover damages for lost profits, or am I limited to just my actual (out-of-pocket) losses? The answer is: Yes, you may be able to recover lost profits—under the right circumstances. But it’s more complex than simply […]

If you’ve ever been arrested or convicted of a crime, you know how much a criminal record can impact your life. It can affect your job prospects, professional licenses, housing applications, and even your personal reputation. But in California, you may have a second chance. Through a process called expungement, you may be able to clear […]