Diaries and journals can be written for many reasons, but one thing most of these writers have in common is the expectation that their private thoughts and observations will be kept confidential. Unfortunately, the US legal system doesn’t hold diaries as a protected source of speech that can’t be used against their writer later on. […]
597.7 (PC): Leaving Your Dog in a Car in Vista, California
You probably know that you shouldn’t leave your dog locked in the car on a hot summer day, but you may not realize that it is actually illegal to do so in Vista, California. Leaving a pet in a vehicle is considered a form of animal abuse under Penal Code section 597.7 (PC). If you […]
Breaking and Entering Under California Law
Police officers in television shows are constantly arresting people for people for “breaking and entering,” which they often shorten to “B&E.” But in most states, including California, breaking and entering isn’t a real crime. It is still illegal to break into homes and businesses, but the actual charge you’ll face will usually be burglary or […]
23152(c) (VC) Makes Driving While Addicted a Crime in San Diego
These days, everyone knows it’s illegal to drive drunk. Most people are even aware that you can’t drive a vehicle under the influence of drugs. But did you know that driving while addicted to drugs is actually against the law in California, even if you’re not using the drugs at the time? You can even […]
Could Jaime and Cersei Lannister be Together if They Lived in California?
If you watch Game of Thrones, you’re almost certainly already familiar with the incestuous relationship between Cersei and Jaime Lannister. While almost everyone will agree that a sister and brother maintaining a sexual relationship is more than a little gross, you might not know that it’s also illegal in California. Here’s what Jaime and […]
Can You Get a DUI When You Have Auto-Brewery Syndrome?
The human body is an amazing machine, particularly since no two bodies are exactly alike. Some bodies perform quite differently from the rest, such as those afflicted by a rare medical condition known as auto-brewery syndrome (sometimes referred to as “gut fermentation syndrome”). This strange medical issue causes the body to produce alcohol as it […]
Better Understanding Double Jeopardy in Vista, California
The concept of double jeopardy as it applies to the law is one of those things that many people know about but few people understand. Here’s what double jeopardy actually means to someone already charged with a crime. What is Double Jeopardy Under the Law? Most people grasp the basic idea of double jeopardy -that […]
Can Two People Be Convicted For the Same Crime?
When two people confess to the same crime, it’s an obvious sign that one is lying for one reason or another. But could two people be convicted for the same crime if only one person could have committed it? As it turns out, yes. Doesn’t that Mean Punishing an Innocent Person? We previously discussed how […]
Can You Be Charged With Murder for Killing a Fetus in California?
Under California law, abortion may be a legal option for a mother to choose, but otherwise, feticide can result in murder charges. Just because the victim was an unborn child does not mean it is a lesser crime. If you have been accused of murder related to the death of a fetus, call a criminal […]
Here’s How to Legally Film California Police
Between all the recent cases where police have been accused of sexual abuse, racism, and brutality, it’s hardly surprising that more and more people in California are choosing to film their interactions with the police. Criminal attorney Peter M. Liss offers these tips for those who want to record their experiences with law enforcement officers […]
