Buenaventura Law Firm

Learning to be a better lawyer #certifiedcriminallawspecialist

Proudly displaying this recognition on my office wall.

Learning to be a better lawyer #certifiedcriminallawspecialist

Proudly displaying this recognition on my office wall.

Attorney Ray Buenaventura is one of only a select group of California lawyers who is board certified in the area of criminal law. If you've been arrested, you can be confident that the Buenaventura Law Firm will work tirelessly to protect your rights:

FREE NOONTIME LECTURE: HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTS: WHAT TO KNOW 12noon to 1pm Thursday, July 14, 2016... San Mateo County Law Library 710 Hamilton Street Redwood City, CA 94063 HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTS: WHAT TO KNOW Home improvements enhance the value and enjoyment of your home. It can also be a nerve-wracking and costly experience. Learn about your rights and responsibilities when planning and making home improvements at a free noontime lecture at the San Mateo County Law Library, Thursday, July 14, 2016, 12 noon to 1:00pm. Attorney Richard Pierce will discuss tips on how to select a licensed and qualified contractor, negotiate a clear contract, and how to prevent and resolve disputes with your contractor. The public is invited to attend this free lecture at the Law Library located at 710 Hamilton Street, Redwood City. For more information please contact the Law Library at 650-363-4913.

Recording Statements SB 1389, authored by Steven Glazer, would expand Penal Code 859.5, which requires the recording of a custodial interrogation, to all persons suspected of committing a crime of homicide. The bill will head to Senate Appropriations next.

SB 1310 lowered the maximum penalty for a misdemeanor by one day from 365 to 364 days. However, SB 1310 language did not specifically state that the law applied retroactively. SB 1242, authored by Senator Ricardo Lara, would amend Penal Code 18.5 to make the law apply retroactively. This bill would make clear that those persons that received a one-year misdemeanor means 364 days. This would have a massively positive effect on those persons that have been placed in deportation proceedings for a one-year misdemeanor, which is considered a felony for Federal immigration purposes. The bill will head to the Senate floor next for a full vote.

Its nice to be able to research and write such a well written Motion To Dismiss on behalf of my client that the opposition didn't bother to challenge it! Case dismissed!!!!

I had a client who was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (HS 11377a). He was in custody and in court for his arraignment. Upon reviewing the police report, I noticed an opportunity to make a Motion to Dismiss pursuant to Penal Code Section 991 based on unlawful detention. Police told him to "hold up" just because he was running away from his parked car in a high crime area. After arguing my case before the judge, the judge agreed and dismissed the case. My client was so happy to have his case dismissed! A truly meaningful victory.

Electrically Motorized Skateboards: (AB 604, Olsen) This law defines "electrically motorized board," and restricts their operation on public facilities, requires boards to be equipped with safety equipment, and authorizes cities and counties to regulate their use. It also makes it a crime to operate an electrically motorized board while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In addition, the law limits the board's operation to individuals 16 years or older, requires operators to wear a bicycle helmet, wear safety equipment to increase visibility at night, and limits their operation to roads with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. A conviction for violating this law is punishable by a fine of up $250.

Earbuds or Headsets: (SB 491, Transportation Committee) This law, among other things, makes it unlawful to wear a headset covering, earplugs in, or earphones covering, resting on, or inserted in, both ears, while operating a motor vehicle or a bicycle. This prohibition does not apply to persons operating authorized emergency vehicles, construction equipment and refuse or waste equipment while wearing a headset or safety earplugs.

At the Trial Lawyers College Gerry Spence

Arguing my case to the jury #itswhatidobest