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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Matt Murdock as a Lawyer? The Many Legal Questions in Daredevil
It’s a rare day when comic book fans and other geeks can’t stop talking about a lawyer, but Matt Murdock isn’t just any defense attorney —he’s also the one-and-only vigilante of Hell’s Kitchen known as Daredevil. But if Matt Murdock loves his day job as a lawyer, will he need to give up his role […]
Little Known Forensic Specialties You Might Not Have Heard Of
These days, thanks to shows like CSI, Dexter, and NCIS, everyone is familiar with forensic science, but while the existence of blood splatter and DNA analysis is common knowledge, there are plenty of other fields of forensic study that most people are totally unaware of. These experts might not be called in to handle a […]
The Difference Between Porn and Prostitution Under CA Law
One of the biggest arguments used by both those against pornography and those in favor of legalized prostitution is that it is illegal to pay someone for sex, but as long as you record it, it becomes a porno and is then legal. It’s a similar debate as to why prostitution is illegal, but escorts […]
What is the Legal Definition of Reasonable Doubt?
You’ve almost certainly heard the phrase “guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,” but have you ever thought about the specific meaning of “reasonable doubt?” As an American, you should. That’s because this phrase is a cornerstone of our national justice system. Rather than some countries that consider you guilty until you are proven innocent, the American […]
Sometimes Ignorance of the Law May be an Excuse
You’ve no doubt heard the expression that “ignorance of the law is no excuse,” and while that’s true in most cases, it’s not the full story. For one thing, there are a handful of laws that are only crimes if the defendant knew they were breaking the law -for example, it is illegal to bring […]
What is BAC Used for in California DUIs?
BAC is an abbreviation for Blood Alcohol concentration, which estimates how intoxicated someone is while driving. Under California law, the maximum BAC someone can have while driving is typically 0.08%, but commercial drivers must have a BAC below 0.04%, and minors must not have a BAC above 0.01%. If your BAC is above the legal […]
