Stay updated with the latest legal news, expert analysis, and firm updates from KAASS LAW.
Whether you're facing a legal challenge or seeking proactive counsel, our award-winning team is ready to defend your interests.
Can’t get a job because you have a criminal record? There is help. Use KAASS LAW legal tips to get your life back! In order to clear your record, you need to get your conviction expunged. What does that mean you might ask? Well, read carefully!
If granted in court, after your conviction is expunged it will allow you to reopen your case and set aside the conviction.
Such convictions are either a misdemeanor or certain types of felonies. You will be able to withdraw your plea of “guilty”, enter a plea of “not guilty”, and close the case without a conviction. However, this does not mean that your case entirely gets removed from your record. The arrest and charges will still exist and you must disclose the conviction in any direct question contained in any application for public office, for censure by state or local agency or for a contract with the California State Lottery.
Yes, the California Judicial Council Form CR-180 is the form to file a petition for dismissal pursuant to California Penal Code § 1203.4. as well as § 1203.4a. Filing a petition for dismissal can be relatively easy, however, it can be a bit confusing. There are a number of forms that you must fill out and properly file them with the appropriate court. If you need help expunging your criminal record get help from a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney or call our office at (310) 943-1171 and schedule a free consultation.
However, if you served state prison time and or parole or are a parolee, you are ineligible for an expungement. But, you may still be eligible to apply for a Pardon. Further, there are certain Misdemeanor/Felony violations that are prohibited from being expunged. If you are unsure if you qualify, you may seek the advice of an experienced Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney. We hope this information was helpful. Stay SAFE! Glendale Criminal Defense Lawyer
Never leave the scene of an accident no matter how minor the accident. If you fail to do so you may be criminally prosecuted. Thus, when it is safe to do so, pull over and stop your car.
If any party was injured after the accident, it is imperative to call emergency personal. Do not try moving an injured party because you may further aggravate their injuries.
Instead, speak to them and keep them warm until help arrives. In the event that there is severe bleeding, try to stop it by applying direct pressure on the wound. Call the police at which point the police officer will take down all parties information, as well as take down any witness statements and may possibly write a police report. Usually, if none of the parties reported any injuries at the scene of the accident, a police officer will not write a police report.
However, the police report is a helpful tool when filing your claim with both your and opposing parties insurance company.
The Los Angeles Criminal Justice System Process
When someone faces arrest for a criminal offense in Los Angeles—whether for a violent crime, DUI, misdemeanor, or serious felony—it can feel overwhelming. The criminal justice system moves swiftly, and you could quickly find yourself behind bars. Understanding the steps involved is crucial, as the outcome of your case can depend on how well you navigate this process. Acting quickly is essential. One of the most important steps is consulting with a skilled Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer. Early legal intervention can significantly influence the outcome of your case. Our legal team in Glendale, CA, is dedicated to providing the highest level of defense and representation to all our clients.
Most criminal cases begin with an investigation following an arrest. Whether you're taken into custody at the scene or after a warrant has been issued, you must remain calm and know your rights. The most important thing is to avoid answering questions from law enforcement without your lawyer present. Many people mistakenly believe they can talk their way out of a situation. Unfortunately, even innocent statements can be twisted to incriminate you. Remember, anything you say can be used against you in court. "Silence is golden," just as the "K" in KAASS.
Whether you are a foreign citizen willing to work in the US or an US employer that wants to hire a foreign employee, below are a number of questions our business startup attorneys encounter regarding H-1B visa:
H-1B visa allows US employers to hire foreign employees on a temporary basis. Please keep in mind that H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa and does not bring to Green Card unless the employer files separate employment based petition for the employee during his H-1B stay.
The H-1B category is limited to workers coming to US to perform services in a specialty occupation. A specialty occupation is an occupation that requires attainment of a bachelor’s or higher degree in the specific specialty as a minimum requirement for entry into the occupation in US.
The annual H-1B cap is set at 65,000. There are additional 20,000 spots for foreign citizens with advanced degrees from US universities. However, certain organizations are exempt from the annual cap. Exempt organizations include institutions of higher education or related nonprofit entities, nonprofit research organizations, and governmental research organizations.
Under California law, Uber, Lyft, and other TNCs are required to carry an insurance policy containing $1 million liability coverage. Unfortunately, many times both passengers and pedestrians that have been injured by an Uber or Lyft driver’s negligence face a great deal of difficulties in recovering fair settlements. Our Ride-Share Accident Attorneys have helped many Uber and Lyft drivers that have been involved in accidents. Many feared being sued after their insurance company denies coverage under their insurance policy.
Next time you decide to use Uber for a night out in Hollywood, make sure the driver has the proper insurance coverage, such as Metromile, which is discussed below. Our Los Angeles Uber Accident Lawyer at KAASS LAW will frequently encounter the following questions: As Uber and Lyft passengers' what happens if we are not covered under an Uber or Lyft drivers insurance policy? What happens if the insurance company denies a passengers claim? What if Uber passenger sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital? Will Uber pay for my medical bills, treatments, and other damages? How do drivers and passengers recover money damages? If you were involved in an Uber or Lyft accident or have any questions regarding ride-share insurance, Uber accident, Lyft accident, or any of the questions listed above, give us a call for a free consultation and maximize recovery for your Uber accident injury claims. represent Uber and Lyft drivers in Los Angeles, Glendale, and the San Fernando Valley.
Auto accidents usually create a great deal of difficulties and stress as it is, but recovering a fair settlement for damages can be the hardest battle. Negotiating settlement amounts with insurance adjusters can be a bit difficult without an attorney. Many times insurance companies offer low ball settlement offers for personal injuries sustained after an auto, motorcycle, or truck accident.
Living in Los Angeles our chances of being involved in an auto accident slightly increase. Whether we are driving in the city or on the interstate 5, 134, or 405 freeway.
Our Los Angeles personal injury attorneys at KAASS Law fight tooth and nail with insurance companies such as State Farm, Geico, Farmers, Hartford, Mercury, Access General, Wawanessa, and Allstate to help our clients receive the compensations that reflect their injuries. Our attorneys fight for a fair settlement or we take the case to trial.
After a car accident there are a number of factors that can maximize compensations for personal injury claims amongst other things. Extent of and type of injuries, type of treatment received, the extent of property damage, type of insurance coverage(s), and policy limits both you and third party driver(s) has.
There are a few steps a trademark owner can take once discovered a competitor or a competitor offering similar goods or services uses a mark, such as a company logo, that is substantially similar to your trademark or service mark.
Trademark infringement is the unauthorized use of a trademark or service mark. A mark that is substantially similar to your trademark may also be considered a trademark infringement. A trademark owner who believes its trade market or service mark is being infringed may file a civil action for trademark infringement. Generally, a trademark owner must present evidence that the similarities of the trademark or service mark can cause a likelihood of confusion to the average consumer. Specific factors are considered and weighted when courts determine the likelihood of confusion thus each trademark infringement action varies from case to case.
Without proper agreements and contracts in place, tech startups in Los Angeles can quickly face serious legal challenges. Since many entrepreneurs have limited funding, they often hesitate to hire a business startup lawyer to manage their legal operations. However, at our firm, we understand the hard work and effort that go into building robotic startups, developing software, and programming innovative solutions. As a result, we offer various fee and payment options tailored specifically for startups. Notably, one of the primary concerns for programmers and developers is how to protect their intellectual property (IP) and proprietary rights, whether for software, applications, or other tech products. Below are some of the most commonly used agreements for tech startups, robotic companies, developers, and programmers:
Licensing agreements are one of the most crucial documents that tech startups rely on to protect their intellectual property, including software and other intangible assets. Key elements to include in a Licensing Agreement:
Lane splitting happens when a motorcycle drives between two lanes of stopped or slowly moving cars. Thus, many drivers will notice motorcyclists drive in between two lanes. Usually, we will notice many motorcyclists' split lanes during rush-hour traffic on interstate 5, i405, or 134 freeways. So what happens if an accident occurs while a motorcycle is lane splitting? Well, truth is, proving if the driver or rider was at fault can get a bit tricky. This may depend on a number of factors, such as if the driver or rider was speeding, driving recklessly, what the police officer determined or noted in the police report Is Lane Splitting Legal? Not all states allow lane splitting, but in California, motorcyclists are legally allowed to lane split. However, only if the rider acts in a reasonably safe and prudent manner.
Lane splitting can be the cause for accidents due to little amount of space to maneuver through. If an accident occurs while the motorcyclist is lane splitting, more times than not, the driver will blame the rider for the accident. Also, if the insurance adjuster or a police report finds the motorcyclist's carelessness or unsafe riding as the cause of the accident, the rider may find it difficult to recover damages. Thus, it is probably best for motorcyclists to immediately seek advice from an experienced motorcycle attorney. Hiring a may help preserve your claim. Also, one of the most detrimental things a motorcyclist can do is submit a recorded statement to the opposing insurance company. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident you call us directly and request a free consultation.
Hiring a business startup lawyer in Los Angeles can get a costly. There is hope! Many firms, including KAASS Law understand the set-backs businesses and startups encounter, especially when it comes to capital. The good news is our business lawyers offer various fee options and try and work around the startup's budget.
Without sounding too bias, hiring an experienced attorney from the get-go may make a huge difference in any business, including startups. In doing so, but specifically early in the process may help in avoiding huge costs that may crop up down the line due to an unexpected turn of events. With any business or project it's safe to say, it is usually important to have a solid foundation before adding the other layers.
There are a plethora of business models including the corporation and corporate sub-types, limited liability companies (LLC), and partnerships, such as Limited Liability Partnerships, General Partnerships, and so forth.
After an accident, drivers are required to exchange information, such as your name , address, and insurance information. Including passengers or any witnesses.
It's important to remember that you do not have to give any information that the law does not require you to. Further, do not make any statements or comments with regards the cause of the accident. Specifically, DO NOT admit fault event if you believe that you were the one at fault. Many times, it is discovered that the opposing driver was equally at fault. No one has the right to force you to give an opinion with regards to the cause of the accident. whether at the police station or elsewhere. Keep in mind you have the right to consult with a car accident attorney before making any statement.
Make sure you right down the details of the accident, including the date and time, location of the accident, weather conditions and speed of all other vehicles.
It is always a good idea to seek medical attentions soon after if not immediately following the accident, including that of your passengers.
Notify your insurance company immediately following the accident. Cooperate with your insurance adjuster during the investigation.
However, prior to submitting to a recorded statement, including both your and the opposing insurance company, it is imperative that you seek consult from accident attorney. If you have been involved in an accident, you can request a free consultation with one of our accident attorneys. At this point do not admit fault and remember to always keep copies of all and any correspondence, documents, and reports for your personal records.
Many times insurance adjusters will use various tactics and ask you questions that lead you to admit fault of the accident.
Consult an attorney if you are unsure about your rights and remedies. In most cases an experienced accident attorney will increase your personal injury settlement claim and guide your throughout the entire process.
Recover damages for your injuries: You are entitled to recover money damages for injuries sustained due to another drivers negligence. If the opposing driver is found to be at fault or even partially at fault you may also be entitled to damages from the opposing insurance policy as well. Further, if you sustained any other losses, such as missing work, loss of use, you may also be entitled to reimbursement under your personal insurance policy.
You may be entitled to recover money for the following:
A common concern among clients is whether charges can be dropped if police fail to follow the correct arrest procedures. The short answer: Yes, it’s possible. However, it depends on the specifics of the situation. California law requires officers to follow strict protocols when making arrests. If they violate any of these procedures, your attorney may be able to argue for dismissal. For example, if police failed to read your Miranda rights or conducted an unlawful search, these violations could lead to the suppression of key evidence. Our experienced defense attorneys will review every aspect of your arrest, looking for procedural errors. If we identify violations, we will take action to suppress evidence or file for dismissal.
After your arrest, the arraignment is your first formal court appearance. Here, the judge will inform you of the charges and set a bail amount. This is a critical stage in the criminal justice process, and you should have an attorney with you. Your lawyer can negotiate a lower bail or request your release on your own recognizance, which means you won't need to post bail. This allows you to remain free while preparing your defense. Before entering a plea—whether guilty, not guilty, or no contest—you’ll want to consult with your lawyer. Pleading guilty too early can hurt your chances of avoiding harsher penalties.
Once the arraignment is over, the pre-trial phase begins. This is when your lawyer can file motions to strengthen your defense. Pre-trial motions can help dismiss charges, suppress evidence, or challenge the legality of certain aspects of the case. An experienced defense attorney will review the evidence against you, including witness statements, police reports, and forensic data. By identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, your lawyer can work to get your charges reduced or dismissed. At KAASS Law, we are dedicated to thoroughly examining every detail of your case and using all available legal tools to fight for you.
If your case proceeds to trial, the prosecution will present its evidence to the court. They must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This is where your defense attorney plays a critical role. Trials can be intimidating, but your lawyer will guide you through each step—from jury selection to closing arguments. Your attorney will challenge the prosecution’s evidence and cross-examine witnesses to expose inconsistencies. The goal is to create doubt about the prosecution’s case and prove that the evidence is insufficient to convict you. Our attorneys at KAASS Law have a proven track record of success in both state and federal courts. We have defended clients against serious felonies and misdemeanors alike. Our team includes notable USC and Southwestern University School of Law alumni, and we are proud to serve on the boards of both the Beverly Hills Bar Association and the Criminal Courts Bar Association.
If you're facing criminal charges in Los Angeles, Glendale, or the San Bernardino-Riverside Metropolitan Area, don’t wait to seek legal help. The criminal justice process can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At KAASS Law, we provide aggressive, high-quality representation to protect your rights at every step. Our criminal defense attorneys have a 99% success rate in dismissing first-time misdemeanor charges. Contact us today for a free consultation. We are ready to fight for your freedom and help you build a strong defense.
The H-1B petition may be approved for an initial maximum three-year period. Petition extensions may be obtained up to additional three years, for a total maximum period of stay of six years. When the employee reaches the limit, he must reside abroad for a period of one year before he can reenter US in the H-1B category.
Employers who are bringing workers in H-1B category must pay the employees the prevailing wage for the specialty occupation in the territory where the employment will take place. For instance, an Los Angeles Startup company is looking to hire a foreign software developer on H-1B visa basis. The company will have to pay the foreign worker the prevailing wage for software developers in Los Angeles. Information about prevailing wages for all the occupations in all the states can be obtained from the Foreign Labor Certification Data Center Online Wage Library.
If your company is seeking to sponsor an employee for an H-1B and is unfamiliar with the H-1B process, give our Business Startup attorneys a call. They will advise you on the requirements, help you decide what job title would be appropriate for the employee, and guide you through the process. Our attorneys specialize in other types of employment law matters as well.
Generally H-1B petitions can be filed up to six months before the intended commencement of employment. For cap purposes, the filing season for a given fiscal year starts on April 1 for employment starting on October 1. The annual cap is usually reached within a few days after April 1, therefore, employers willing to hire H-1B workers must have their H-1B petitions ready by April 1. In order to send the H-1B petition on April 1, employers must plan ahead to fulfill all the procedural requirements and to have all the supporting documents ready.
KAASS LAW Locations: Glendale: 815 East Colorado Street, Suite 220, Glendale, CA 91205 Los Angeles: 633 W 5th St 26th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071 San Bernardino: 570 West 4th Street Suite 300, San Bernardino, CA 92401
California Insurance Commissioner allowed Uber to obtain additional liability coverage through an insurance company called, “Metromile”. Metromile Insurance Company offers drivers the opportunity to add coverage on top of their personal auto policy. If your driver has additionally liability coverage with Metromile, it goes into effect as soon as they turn on their app. In other words, once an Uber driver, begins working and turns on the Uber app, liability coverage with Metromile goes into effect.
What if I sustained injuries?
What should I do next?
Give us a call, our attorneys speak English, French, Spanish, Russian, Armenian, Hebrew, Farsi, and Arabic.
In order to achieve a positive outcome and increase your compensation your attorney must prove your claim. Several elements apply when proving your personal injury claim, such as:
It is a good idea to speak with a trademark or intellectual property attorney to gain a better understanding of your rights and remedies. A California trademark attorney can help explain the process and evaluate whether or not you have a solid case. If you are unable to hire or consult with an attorney, there are also a few immediate steps you may take if you discovered that there has been a trademark infringement:
Absent of legal representation, you can also write a letter to the company or person requesting to stop the use of trademark activity. A cease and desist letter may cover a number of issues, including but not limited to:
If the infringing third party failed to cease and desist infringing activity, at this point it is recommended that you hire an intellectual property or Los Angeles business lawyer that specializes in trademark infringement in order to take appropriate legal action to protect your proprietary rights. KAASS Law may be able to provide you with legal assistance.
Important note: Always put your licensing agreement in writing to prevent misunderstandings.
A joint venture is a mutual collaboration between two or more businesses for a specific project. Joint venture agreements are essential to ensure each party understands their role and responsibilities clearly. Important questions to address in a joint venture agreement:
Independent contractors in California are legally considered non-employees who provide specific services to businesses. Examples include developers, software engineers, marketers, accountants, and other specialists. A solid independent contractor agreement should include:
For tax purposes, remember to complete a 1099-MISC form for independent contractors.
A Technical Assistance Agreement (TAA) outlines the process of sharing technical information, particularly when dealing with foreign nationals. Key considerations for a TAA:
Checklist for a TAA:
For technology companies, a manufacturing agreement is key as it outlines the roles and responsibilities when one company manufactures products for another. Key components of a manufacturing agreement:
Partnerships involve two or more individuals collaborating without the formalities of a corporation. In California, partnerships can be formed through written or oral agreements, or even by conduct. Important aspects of a partnership agreement:
In contrast, forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) involves filing with the Secretary of State and paying the required fees. The choice between a partnership, LLC, or corporation depends on your startup’s goals, liability concerns, and tax preferences.
If you have questions about contracts and agreements for your tech or robotic startup—such as licensing agreements, joint ventures, or manufacturing agreements—our team of experienced California business attorneys is ready to assist you. Call us today at (844) 522-7752 for personalized legal support.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident we invite you to contact our Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney at (310) 943-1171 for a free consultation.
There are a wide variety of important legal documents and business decisions that an experienced business attorney may assist with including: incorporating or executing an operating agreement, choosing the state of incorporation, executing non-compete and non-disclosure agreements, hiring and classifying employees, independent contractors, and consultants, and other business transaction agreements.
Our business startup attorneys have years of experience in representing business clients with their operating needs. By hiring an expert attorney early in the process you plan for the unexpected and avoid the pitfalls of costly litigation.
Two or more partners are needed to form a partnership and it doesn’t require formalities. General partnership can be formed by a(n) written/oral partnership agreement or simply by partners' conducts. In contrast, in most states, the number of people needed to form a corporation varies. Limited Liability Companies require paying a fee and filing your business with the secretary of state. Choosing your startup's entity formation depends on, amongst other factors, what your objectives and goals are, liability concerns, and tax preferences.