The criminal justice system has always relied on the wishes of the victims, the remorse of the defendant and the sympathy of the judges when it comes to determining appropriate sentencing for a crime. Or at least it always has in the past. Now technology is threatening to strip the human elements from the sentencing […]
What Are the Limits of Lawyer/Client Confidentiality?
Almost everyone knows that what is said between a lawyer and his or her client is considered privileged information, but what you might not know is that there are limits to this confidentiality and exactly what those limits are. Here’s what you should know about attorney/client confidentiality courtesy of top Vista defense lawyer Peter M. […]
What Happens When Someone is Found Guilty of Tampering With Evidence
In order to be used in a trial against a suspect, physical evidence collected by police has to follow a rigorous chain of command through the hands of police and professionals trained to properly handle such important items. This evidence can be the difference between a full acquittal and a guilty verdict, which is why […]
Are Roommates Protected Under California Domestic Violence Laws?
We’ve previously discussed how domestic violence doesn’t have to occur between spouses, but can also affect persons who have had a child together or who live together. But do these laws cover roommates as well? Not usually. Here’s why you should always disclose the full extent of your relationship to your Vista domestic violence lawyer if […]
Can Sex Offenders Move to a New State?
Just about everyone has a basic understanding that most sex crimes also result in mandatory registration on the sex offender registry. What you may not know is that while every state has a sex offender registry, each one has a different set of laws detailing the rights and responsibilities of those on the list. That […]
Not All Religious Confessions Are Protected Under the Law
Even if you’re not Catholic, you probably already know that confessions made to Catholic priests are protected both by the church and the government. But that doesn’t mean that anyone of any religion can tell their religious leader about past crimes and expect those same spiritual and legal protections. Here’s what you should know about […]
The Consequences of Getting a Felony Conviction in California
In California, a felony conviction will usually result in consequences beyond the court-ordered sentence. In fact, some of your constitutional rights will be waived after you have been convicted, which is another reason why you should always get in touch with a Del Mar criminal lawyer as soon as you have been charged with any […]
Carlsbad Votes to Capture License Plates of All Drivers Entering the City
The government is constantly trying to balance the security of the public with the rights of the public. In Carlsbad, the City Council recently voted to sacrifice the privacy of drivers entering the city in exchange for greater safety within the community. While only time will tell if the move actually decreases crime, many of […]
Ways Your Lawyer May be Able to Get a Confession Thrown Out of Court
We’ve previously talked about how police push suspects into confessing, but while it’s always better not to confess in the first time, you can still fight the charges even if you have already admitted guilt. Here are a few ways a San Diego criminal lawyer may be able to have a confession tossed out of […]
Can You be Charged With a Crime After Confessing at Alcoholics Anonymous?
The Alcoholics Annonymous (and similar Narcotics Annonymous) recovery process requires you to be open and honest about your past and to admit wrongs you made while under the influence. But are these confessions legally protected like those made to priests? The answer is complicated. Here’s what a Vista criminal attorney believes you should know before […]
