Plants might not be able to talk, but they may be able to say quite a bit when it comes to a criminal investigation. This is all thanks to a science called forensic botany, which may not be widely known, but can be incredibly useful in helping to identify a suspect. But just like all […]
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 […]
Vista Attorney Peter Liss Earns Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Award
There are many awards and titles an attorney can earn, but one of the most celebrated is the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, which Vista Attorney Peter M. Liss proudly received in early January of 2021. Only 10 percent of attorneys ever achieve this prestigious rating that signifies a lawyer executes the highest possible […]
Pregnancy and Birth in California Jails and Prisons
Just because a woman is convicted of a crime doesn’t mean her reproductive system suddenly shuts down. And in fact, many women end up behind bars while pregnant. What happens next will vary depending on the specific circumstances and wishes of the mother-to-be, but one thing that’s always true is that California provides a much […]
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 […]
How is Sentencing Determined by Judges in Vista, California Courts?
State and local law sets out specific punishments for each type of crime, but ultimately, the judge still does decide the final sentence given to a defendant. After a defendant is found guilty of a crime, they go through a sentencing hearing where they will learn the punishment they will serve for the crime they […]
Penal Code 166 (PC): Criminal Contempt of Court Laws in Vista, California
If you’ve ever watched a 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. Unfortunately, what makes for a fair, lawful courtroom environment rarely makes for interesting entertainment to the general public. To keep actual courtrooms […]
Prosecutorial Misconduct in Vista, California: Examples and Remedies
Most people are familiar with misconduct, including 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 the defendant’s conviction. Unfortunately, just like police, prosecutors sometimes act in a […]
What Pretrial Motions Are Criminal Attorneys Most Likely to Use in Vista?
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 court filings called “pretrial motions” to ask a judge to make a particular decision regarding a case before the trial begins. These motions can affect the trial […]
