After a defendant has been found guilty of a crime, he will go through a sentencing hearing where he is told what punishment he will serve for the crime he committed. In the sentencing hearing, both the defense attorney and prosecutor will present evidence and arguments regarding what they believe would be a fair sentence. […]
How Does California Define Contempt of Court?
If you’ve ever watched even a single TV show or movie that shows a courtroom scene, there’s a good chance that one of the characters has done something that would be considered contempt of court. That’s because what makes for a fair, lawful courtroom environment rarely makes for interesting entertainment to the general public. To […]
What Are California’s Laws Against Spreading Disease?
No one wants to get sick, but sometimes people with contagious diseases put their own needs above the needs of others and willingly expose other people to their sickness. But assuming we’re talking about something worse than the common cold, such as Covid-19 or HIV, this behavior is not only rude, it is also dangerous […]
Prosecutorial Misconduct in California: Examples, Motivations and Remedies
Most people are familiar with types of police misconduct, ranging from illegal search and seizure, use of excessive force or forced confessions. But while law enforcement officials are critical in arresting and investigating alleged criminals, it’s the prosecutors who actually choose to file charges, present evidence and strive to ensure a conviction of defendant. And […]
Pre-Trial Motions Your Criminal Attorney is Likely to Use
After charges have been filed in a criminal case, after the preliminary hearing in a felony case, and before a trial, a prosecutor or defense lawyer can make what are called “pre-trial motions” to make a judge make a particular decision regarding a case before the trial actually begins. These motions can affect the trial […]
All About the Pay-to-Stay Jail Programs in California
No one wants to go to jail, but those who need to serve a criminal sentence in California may choose to make their stay more comfortable if they opt to pay-to-stay in a private jail. These alternatives to traditional incarceration allow you a little more privacy and a little less risk than traditional public jails, […]
Determining the Value of Items in a Theft or Vandalism Case
In California, the severity of some crimes, particularly charges for theft and vandalism, are based on the value of property affected by the criminal act. In fact, if a theft involves property valued at over $950 it may be filed as a felony or misdemeanor, or if the property damage in a vandalism case is determined […]
Special Murder Circumstances that Can Result in the Death Penalty in CA
Have you ever wondered why some people get the death penalty for murder while others do not? The answer comes down to the specifics of the crime. That’s because in California, while capital punishment is still fully legal, it is only applicable in a handful of murder cases involving specific special circumstances detailed in California […]
Work Furlough Programs in San Diego County
As local jails and prisons have become increasingly overcrowded, state and county law makers have been striving to develop more alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders. One such program in California is San Diego Sheriff’s Department’s “work furlough and residential re-entry center” program. If you are being charged with a non-violent crime, or if you […]
New Bill Helps Inmate Firefighters Secure Careers After Release
There has been a lot of criticism when it comes to California’s inmate firefighter program. These convicts who are putting their lives on the line as public service all for only $1 an hour plus $2 to $5 a day, which many argue makes the program akin to slave labor. But a new law signed […]
