San Jose Criminal Defense Lawyer | Santa Clara County Personal Injury Attorney | California

Who’s at Fault When a Car Hits Me While I’m Riding My Bike?

2026-07-22 00:00:00

Fault in a bike-versus-car accident generally comes down to who violated traffic law or failed to act with reasonable care. These accidents often result in severe injuries and significant financial cost. If you were hit by a car while riding your bicycle in 2026, the Santa Clara County personal injury lawyer at Fuller Law Firm can help.

Attorney Cory Lee Fuller was born and raised in Santa Clara County and chose to stay local so he can serve the community. He can help you you figure out exactly who's responsible for your losses and how to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Do Cyclists Have the Same Rights as Drivers on California Roads?

Under California Vehicle Code Section 21200, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles when riding on public roads. This means cyclists are entitled to a fair share of the road, and drivers have a legal duty to share that space safely. This same law also means cyclists must follow traffic signals, stop signs, and other rules of the road. So, fault isn't automatically assigned to the driver just because a car was involved. Each accident depends on the specific facts of what actually happened.

What Defenses Are Available Against Drug Sales Charges in California?

2026-07-07 00:00:00

For an intent to sale drug charge in California, the state has to prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. That is a high bar, and an experienced attorney knows exactly where to look for weaknesses in the prosecution's case. If you are facing a drug sales charge in 2026, a Fremont, CA drug distribution defense lawyer can review the evidence and help you build the strongest possible defense.

What Does the State Have to Prove in a California Drug Sales Case?

To convict you of drug sales under California Health and Safety Code Section 11352, the prosecution has to prove several specific things:

What Do I Need to Prove Fault in a California Car Accident Case?

2026-06-26 00:00:00

To prove fault in a California car accident case, you need to show that the other driver was negligent and that their negligence directly caused your injuries and losses. That means gathering evidence, documenting what happened, and building a clear picture of why the other driver was responsible. This can feel like a lot to take on when you are already dealing with injuries, medical bills, and the stress of what happened. If you were hurt in a car accident in 2026, a Gilroy, CA personal injury lawyer can help you gather what you need to fight for fair compensation.

What Does Negligence Mean in a California Car Accident Case?

Most car accident claims in California are built on the legal concept of negligence. Proving it comes down to four basic things. The other driver had a responsibility to drive safely. They failed to meet that responsibility by acting unreasonably or carelessly under the circumstances. That careless behavior is what caused the crash. And the crash left you with real harm, whether that is physical injuries, financial losses, or both. All four of these pieces have to be present for a negligence claim to hold up.

Does the Alleged Victim Have a Say in Stopping a Domestic Violence Arrest?

2026-06-11 00:00:00

The alleged victim cannot stop a domestic violence arrest in California. This is especially confusing when the person who called the authorities changes their mind or never wanted an arrest to happen at all. Once police arrive and believe there is probable cause that domestic violence occurred, the decision to arrest belongs to law enforcement. The alleged victim has no say in that decision. If you or someone you care about is facing a domestic violence charge in 2026, a Santa Clara County criminal defense lawyer can help you understand and fight the charge.

Why Can't the Alleged Victim Stop a Domestic Violence Arrest in CA?

Under California Penal Code Section 836, officers responding to domestic violence calls have broad authority to make an arrest when they have probable cause to believe an offense occurred, even if the alleged victim does not want an arrest.

Can a Landlord Be Liable for a Tenant Dog Attack in California?

2026-05-27 00:00:00

A landlord can be held liable for a dog attack by a tenant's pet under certain circumstances. Those circumstances are not always obvious. Many people who are hurt in these situations do not realize they may have more than one option for recovering compensation. If you were injured in 2026, an Alameda County, CA premises liability lawyer can help you understand who may be responsible and what your next steps should be.

California is one of the strictest states when it comes to dog bite laws. Under California Civil Code Section 3342, a dog owner is automatically liable for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten anyone before. But what happens when the owner is a renter who may not have insurance or the resources to cover your losses? In those situations, the landlord may also share responsibility. It depends on what they knew and what they could have done to prevent the attack.

What Evidence Do Prosecutors Need in a California Fraud Case?

2026-05-12 00:00:00

To win a fraud case in California, prosecutors have to prove several specific things beyond a reasonable doubt. That requires real evidence, not just an accusation. If you are facing fraud charges in 2026, a Gilroy, CA criminal defense lawyer can help you understand what the prosecution has and where their case may fall apart.

What Is Fraud Under California Law?

Fraud is not one single crime in California. It covers many different offenses that all involve lying or deceiving someone to get money or something else of value. Common fraud charges include insurance fraud under California Penal Code § 550, check fraud, credit card fraud, real estate fraud, wire fraud, and grand theft by false pretenses under California Penal Code § 532.

Can I Sue if I’m Hit by a Car While Riding an E-Scooter in California?

2026-04-28 00:00:00

You can sue if you are hit by a car while riding an e-scooter in California. E-scooter riders have the same right to seek compensation as anyone else who is injured because of another person's negligence on the road. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were an estimated 360,800 emergency department visits related to micromobility devices over a recent five-year period, showing just how common and serious these injuries have become. If you were hurt while riding an e-scooter in 2026, a Santa Clara County, CA personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Do E-Scooter Riders Have Legal Rights on California Roads?

E-scooters are generally limited to roads with speed limits of 25 miles per hour or less and are allowed in designated bike lanes under California law. Riders also have the right to expect that drivers around them will follow traffic laws and act responsibly. When a driver fails to do that, and someone gets hurt, the injured rider can pursue a personal injury claim.

Are Property Crimes Always Misdemeanors in California?

2026-04-13 00:00:00

Property crimes are not always misdemeanors in California. Many property crimes can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the value of the property involved, the circumstances of the offense, and the defendant's prior criminal history. Some property crimes are felonies from the start, no matter what.

The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony can mean the difference between a short jail sentence and years in state prison. If you are facing a property crime charge in 2026, our Alameda County, CA criminal defense lawyer can help you build a personalized defense to challenge the charges against you.

What Is the Difference Between Grand Theft and Petty Theft in California?

Theft is one of the most commonly charged property crimes in California, and the way it is classified depends largely on the value of what was taken. Under California Penal Code § 484 and § 488, petty theft applies when the value of the stolen property is $950 or less. Under § 487, grand theft applies when the value exceeds $950.

Who Is Liable When a Pedestrian Is Hit in a Parking Lot?

2026-03-27 00:00:00

Parking lot accidents involving pedestrians happen more than most people realize, and figuring out who is responsible can be more complicated than a typical road accident. California Vehicle Code § 21950 requires drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks and to exercise all due care to protect pedestrian safety. That duty does not disappear just because you are in a parking lot rather than on a public street.

If you or someone you love was hurt in a parking lot and needs compensation in 2026, our Gilroy, CA personal injury lawyer can explain your rights and help you fight for a fair settlement.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Parking Lot Pedestrian Accident?

This is one of the most important questions in these cases because liability does not always fall on just one person. In fact, multiple parties may share responsibility depending on how the accident happened.

How Do California Courts Decide Whether a Juvenile Qualifies for Diversion?

2026-03-15 00:00:00

When a young person gets into trouble with the law, the outcome doesn't have to be a permanent record or time in a juvenile facility. California's juvenile justice system is designed to emphasize rehabilitation. Diversion programs exist to give minors a real path forward without the weight of a formal case following them for years.

If your child is facing charges in 2026, our Palo Alto, CA juvenile diversion lawyer can help you understand whether they may qualify and what that process looks like.

What Is Juvenile Diversion in California?

Diversion redirects a minor away from formal juvenile court proceedings. Instead of having a petition filed and going before a judge, the minor participates in a supervised program. That program may include counseling, community service, and restitution. As of 2026, California law gives probation officers and courts significant discretion to divert cases that don't require full court involvement.