Teachers, Realtors, nurses, doctors, pilots and lawyers are just some of the many professionals who are required to have a license in order to practice their craft. But when a licensed professional is faced with a crime, they face more than just fines or incarceration, they may also lose the credentials they worked so hard […]
A Definition of Juror Misconduct Along With a Few Examples
The American criminal justice system is based upon the ability of a defendant to present his case before an unbiased jury of his peers. But jury misconduct may occur if a juror fails to follow the law or a judge’s instructions. While these acts could negatively affect a defendant’s right to a fair trial, the […]
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 […]
The Juvenile Record Expungement Process in California
Practically everyone does something they later regret in life when they are young. That’s because teens don’t have the necessary life experience to make the right choices when confronted with difficult decisions. This is why the juvenile court system is designed to reform more than it is to punish and this is also why it […]
How to Help a Teen Who Has Been Arrested in California
One of the most upsetting calls a parent can get is one notifying them that their child has been placed under arrest. If you receive such a call, how you react in the upcoming days can make a dramatic impact not only on the immediate outcome of your child’s case, but on their entire future […]
California’s Prop 25 to Eliminate Cash Bail Failed. Now What?
Many criminal justice advocates, including attorney Peter Liss, have been pushing for the elimination of cash bail for years. That being said, when California’s Proposition 25 appeared on the ballot, many of those same advocates actually opposed the measure because those considered to be “high risk,” which would more often than not be people of […]
San Diego Jails Are Deadly. Reducing the Jail Population Could Help
A recent Reuters story discusses the incredible risk of life those housed in jails across the nation face. While the numbers are shocking, what is even more shocking is that California’s jails have a higher than average rate of death per 1000 inmates -and San Diego’s jails are some of the most deadly in the […]
San Diego Seats its First Jury Since the Start of Coronavirus Pandemic
On October 11, the San Diego County Superior Court did something it hasn’t done in over half a year. It admitted jurors through its doors. Of the 800 prospective jurors who were summoned, only 41 people showed up. That’s a far cry from the typical 400 jurors who typically report in a given day, but […]
San Quentin Prison Population Ordered to be Cut in Half
The U.S. Constitution prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. While what qualifies usually considered cruel and unusual is debatable, most people would agree that it should include putting prison inmates in a situation where it is practically impossible to avoid getting infected with a potential deadly disease. But that’s exactly what was happening to inmates in […]
How is Criminal Sentencing Decided in California?
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. […]
