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Fair Warning

Fair warning is the requirement that criminal statutes define crimes with enough precision for reasonable people to understand what activities are prohibited. According to Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes in the U.S. Supreme Court case entitled, McBoyle v. United States, 283 U.S. 25, a criminal statute must give "fair warning … in language that the common world will understand, of what the law intends to do if a certain line is passed. To make the warning fair…the line should be clear." (1931). Although ignorance of the law will generally not be a valid defense, the due process clauses that are contained in the 5th and 14th Amendments require that laws be precise enough to define what makes conduct criminal. Fair warning is also referred to as the fair warning defense or fair notice.

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Client Reviews

At Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

  • "God Bless you Stephen, wish you all the successes in life."

    Stephen is a great contact and extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I am glad that I was his client in the past. Top lawyer, top man. God Bless you Stephen, wish you all the successes in life.

    - HS Singh
  • "Don't hesitate to contact them!"

    I was referred to this group of Attorneys. I was started with a low cost made arrangements. My case had to do with assault allegations. The case was dismissed they helped me not to loose my daughter to the system.

    - Adriana C.

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  • Restitution Defendant charged in Federal case with felony Fraud involving several million dollars with a 40 years prison exposure.
  • Dismissed Defendant arrested for Spousal Battery.
  • Dismissed Defendant arrested for felony Rape.
  • Mistrial Defendant (Los Angeles photographer) charged with assault and battery.

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    We provide step-by-step guidance throughout each phase of the process. The criminal justice system can be a confusing and frightening place, which is why we support our clients every step of the way. We provide the confidence you need to move forward.

  • 75+ Years of Combined Criminal Law Experience

    At Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners, our defense attorneys have the ability and experience to handle even the most complex criminal cases. From misdemeanors to serious felonies, no case is too small or large for us to handle.

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    We make ourselves available at all times, responding promptly to our clients' calls. Initial in-office consultations are free and include an in-depth discussion of your situation. Throughout all points of your case, your lawyer will keep you informed.

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