Criminal law is complex: hard to find and even harder to understand. The Law Offices of Erik S. Lewin firmly believes that everyone should have access to basic criminal justice resources and information.

Empower yourself with knowledge!

BE AWARE: We provide the following links to internet resources on Federal law, California law, and legal search engines as an example of our commitment to provide the best in criminal law resources.

These laws and codes are only a foundation for understanding your case. Please contact our office for a consultation on your case, and the most aggressive criminal defense in Los Angeles!

You may also visit our Criminal Justice Tips blog for tips such as interacting with law enforcement, and your rights at trial.

FEDERAL LAW

U.S. Code
The U.S. Codes are the basis for much of federal law. This link provides a keyword-searchable database of the U.S. codes.

Federal Legislation and Congressional Reports
Federal database of all federal legislation and congressional reports, searchable by date, keyword, or bill number.

Federal Rules of Evidence
The Federal Rules of Evidence govern what type of evidence is admissible at trial. The federal rules apply in federal charges in federal courts.

Statewide Rules of Evidence Directory
Rules of evidence can vary state by state when you are charged of a crime or settling a dispute in a state court. This database provides links of all state rules of evidence.

CALIFORNIA LAW

California Constitution
Much like the federal constitution provides the basis for all law in the United States, the California Constitution provides a backbone for all California law.
Link provides full text of the California Constitution.

California Code
Lists all codified laws in California.

California Penal Code
This is the section of the California Code that deals specifically with criminal offenses. Sections are divided by type of crime.

California Rules of Evidence
Rules that detail the admissibility of evidence in California Courts.

California Vehicle Code (2008)
Information on vehicle registration, driver’s licenses, and moving violations. Includes information on penalties and fine payment.

CALIFORNIA COURTS

California Courts
Provides maps, addresses and phone numbers for all California courts.

California Court Forms
Online copies of forms to file in California courts.

California Court Criminal Forms
Forms specific to criminal charges.

CASE LAW

U.S. Supreme Court
The United States is a common law country, which means that court decisions create law. The U.S. Supreme Court is the highest federal court. This link provides U.S. Supreme Court cases through the FindLaw search engine. You can search by case name, or by keyword

9th Circuit
The 9th Circuit is the federal jurisdiction that covers the State of California. This link is through the 9th Circuit homepage, and provides information on new and past decisions.

California Supreme Court and Appellate Courts
FindLaw search database for decisions by the California Supreme Court and the California Appeals Courts.

General Questions and Terms
Confused about what certain legal terms mean? Cornell Law school provides a data base with definitions of different criminal offenses and legal terms.