Rebecka Monez

I come to work everyday so that I can make a difference in someone's life. My passion is helping others. I provide criminal defense representation for state and federal crimes. Outside of my law practice, I operate two non-profits that serve the homeless community, those additcted to drugs and alcohol and the battered women of our community.

Criminal Law

Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes

Family Law

Adoption, Restraining Orders

DUI & DWI

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Victims Rights

Juvenile Law

• Free Consultation
  Free Criminal Consultation

California

State Bar of California

Federal Circuit

Attorney

Rebecka A. Monez, Inc., APLC

Current

California State University - Stanislaus

B.A. | Criminal Justice

Honors: Dean's Honor Roll

Laurence Drivon School of Law

J.D.

2015

Litigator of the Year

American Institute of Trial Lawyers

2023

Criminal Defense

Elite Lawyer

2022

CA Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Member

Current

California DUI Lawyers Association

Member

Current

California Public Defenders Association

Member

Current

Stanislaus County Bar Association

Member

Current

State Bar of California

Member

Current

Know Your Legal Rights

Rebecka A. Monez

January 20, 2023

Q. Is the date a divorce is filed or the date the divorce is finalized the date that a marriage is considered terminated

July 21, 2022

A: A divorce in California is final upon the entry of judgment or as you stated - finalized. There are three dates that are necessary to a divorce. The first one is the date of marriage. This one is the easiest to determine and can be found on your marriage license. The second date is the date of separation. That is the day that you and your spouse "separate", or one of you moves out of the marital residence. The "finalized" date is the third date. This date will be on your final divorce judgment papers from the court who issues it. Folks sometimes confuse the date of separation to be a "finalized" date because just about every family attorney will advise parties that once you have "separated" you are generally no longer responsible for debts that the other spouse incurs after that date of separation. This can put people under the impression that the marriage is "terminated". Although the date of separation serves as a "cut off" for assets and debts under California Community Property Laws, it still is not the final judgment/decree date. So the real end date is the one that will come on your paperwork from the court judgment. Best of luck to you.

Q. What is the correct procedure for answering questions for a crime alleged against me? Should I consult an attorney

June 24, 2022

A: It is always best practice to have an an attorney with you when questioned by law enforcement or the district attorney's investigators, because an attorney is your best protection - next to the truth. Investigators who question people are usually highly skilled individuals and they can turn a simple answer into something that can be used against you later. Having an attorney there can prevent this from happening. Investigators and police officers are also very good at making you feel comfortable so you can just "have a quick little chat", and then turn around and use it all against you in a case after charges are filed. Best advice for you is to find a local criminal defense attorney near you and go get a consult before you meet or speak with anyone about potential criminal charges. Good luck.

Q. Divorce in California but married in another state

June 3, 2022

A: You do not need your marriage certificate to be notarized to file for divorce in California. Your marriage certificate from Massachusetts can stand on its own authentication by being certified from the clerk recorder's office of the county in Massachusetts that issued it. Additionally, a copy of your marriage license is not required in order to file for divorce. You must reside in the county of which you file for a term of 3 months, and must be a resident of California for a total of 6 months. Those are the jurisdictional requirements to file here. The only reason you would need your marriage license is if your spouse claimed that you were never legally married. Best of luck to you.