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. […]
Citizen Arrest Laws in Vista, California: CA Penal Code 837 (PC)
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is a citizen’s arrest a real thing?” after watching a TV show depicting one, you’ll be happy to know you’re not alone. In California, they are absolutely real and legal as long as they follow the rules set forth under the law. Citizen’s arrests are an important part of the […]
Applying for a Certificate of Rehabilitation in San Diego, California
If you have been convicted of a felony or certain sex offenses, a California certificate of rehabilitation might be beneficial in helping you move past the conviction so you can get on with your life. Aside from making it easier for you to apply for jobs and professional licenses, getting a certificate of rehabilitation serves […]
Can You be Arrested for a Confession Made at AA?
The Alcoholics Anonymous (and similar Narcotics Anonymous —NA) recovery process requires you to be open and honest about your past and to admit wrongs you made while under the influence. But is a confession made at Alcoholics Anonymous legally protected like those made to priests? The answer is complicated. Here’s what a defense attorney believes […]
What Happens if You Confess a Crime to a Therapist? Do They Have to Report It?
The US court system recognizes that some relationships deserve legal protection so the parties can be sufficiently open with one another. For example, Vista criminal defense attorney Peter M. Liss has previously written about the laws regarding: Attorney/client privilege, which ensures lawyers and clients can be open and honest with one another Spousal privilege, so […]
What is The Difference Between Summary and Formal Probation?
Probation is one of the most common alternatives to incarceration and one of the most common sentences for both felonies and misdemeanors in California. But while people are usually familiar with the term, many don’t know what this sentence entails and how summary and formal probation differ. This overview offers a simple primer, but if […]
Smartphone Apps for Probation and Parole Monitoring
It seems like there really is an app for everything these days. In fact, there are even apps for those on probation, parole and pretrial release. Some researchers are hoping these technologies can one day be used to help past offenders who have been released to recognize and prevent situations that caused them to commit […]
Court-Ordered Community Service for Misdemeanors in Vista, California
If you have been charged with a low-level misdemeanor in Vista or the rest of San Diego County, you may be eligible for an incarceration alternative, which could include community service. Not everyone is eligible for these opportunities, so speak with an alternative sentencing lawyer if you hope to perform community service as part of your […]
California Search and Seizure Laws
For you to be charged with a crime, police must find enough evidence to indicate your guilt. For the charges to result in a conviction, the evidence must be strong enough to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. While the California and US Constitutions protect citizens from illegal and unreasonable search and seizure, police […]
Evidence Tampering Laws in Vista, California: 132 (PC), 134 (PC), 135 (PC), and 141 (PC)
Evidence integrity in the court system is critical, especially as the US justice system requires prosecutors to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Unreliable or missing evidence could result in great injustices. To protect evidence accuracy, California has passed many laws prohibiting its destruction, concealment, or alteration. If you have been accused of […]
