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RECENT NEWS

New Law: Veterans Now Eligible for DUI Diversion

By michaelfannon • August 25, 2017
On August 7, 2017, Governor Brown signed SB 725 which amends Penal Code section 1001.80 regarding veteran’s diversion by adding subdivision (l) to take effect as urgency legislation. Subdivision (l) now states: “Notwithstanding any other law, including Section 23640 of the Vehicle Code, a misdemeanor offense for which a defendant may be placed in a [..] The post New Law: Veterans Now Eligible for DUI Diversion appeared first on Ryan Birss, Attorney at Law.

Proposition 57 Update

By michaelfannon • July 26, 2017
My friend Douglas Fienberg from the Fresno County Public Defender’s Office has been carefully tracking the proposed rules for Proposition 57.  You can see the proposed rules here: http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/proposition57/docs/Prop-57-Public-Comment-Regs.pdf. Here is the latest from Mr. Fienberg: There are at least four problems with the proposed regulations. First, the proposed regulations exclude people subject to indeterminate [..] The post Proposition 57 Update appeared first on Ryan Birss, Attorney at Law.

California Proposition 57: What You Need to Know

By michaelfannon • November 21, 2016
On November 8, 2016, California voters approved Proposition 57, also known as the California Parole for Non-Violent Criminals and Juvenile Court Trial Requirements Initiative. Here’s a brief look at what Proposition 57 means to California and its citizens. New parole opportunities for those convicted of non-violent felonies. Proposition 57 changes the time calculation for parole [..] The post California Proposition 57: What You Need to Know appeared first on Ryan Birss, Attorney at Law.

Sex Crimes

Sex crimes include rape, statutory rape, lewd conduct, prostitution, and sexual battery. In addition to possible felony charges and imprisonment, those convicted of sex crimes face sex offender registration. Depending on the severity of the crime, the registration period may range from several years to life. Registered sex offenders are restricted in where they can live and visit and their status is often public information.


Most allegations of sex crimes involve two people who knew each other. The circumstances about what exactly happened and whether consent was given are frequently unclear. Many cases turn into a he said, she said contest of credibility.


Your freedom cannot be taken away based on a theory of what might have happened. The prosecution is required to prove beyond a reasonable doubt not just that sexual conduct occurred but that there was criminal intent.


In cases where you feel there are low chances of an acquittal, you still have options. It is often possible to plead to a lesser crime that avoids sex offender registration.


Ryan Birss fights for the rights of people accused of sex crimes in Shasta, Trinity, Tehama, Siskiyou, and Butte Counties. Call today to schedule a consultation.