Courts place a lot of weight on psychiatric exams, using them to determine whether someone is fit to stand trial, if they may qualify for a mental health diversion program, if they are not guilty by reason of insanity or if they were in their right mind when they committed a crime. But a recent […]
The Coronavirus’ Impact on the Criminal Justice System
Last week we covered some criminal charges that people may be more likely to break during the coronavirus outbreak as well as a small update about how the virus is affecting the due process rights of those charged with crimes. But the government’s efforts to contain this pandemic are creating a number of dramatic changes […]
Alternative to Incarceration In Vista: Alternative Sentencing Attorney
In recent years, courts around the country have been offering an increasing number of alternatives to incarceration including home arrest and electronic surveillance options. For a long time, San Diego County was hesitant to take advantage of these options in all but the most unusual cases, but as local jails became overwhelmingly overcrowded, judges and […]
Exposing Someone to Coronavirus, Breaking Quarantine and Looting
The potentially deadly coronavirus is causing panic around the globe and, unfortunately, when people panic, it’s common for them to do things that are not just unwise, but also illegal. In the wake of the coronavirus, it’s a good idea to review some of the many laws that people have broken during the pandemic, including breaking […]
A New Technology Could Improve the Accuracy of Fingerprint Analysis
The average juror these days tends to believe that forensic science is far more reliable than it is. This is actually due to a phenomenon known as the “CSI Effect,” wherein pop culture crime shows have influenced the public to believe that fingerprints, DNA, blood splatter and other forms of forensic evidence are indisputable. But […]
What You Buy on Amazon is Far From Anonymous: Vista Murder Attorney
When it comes to crimes, what you do online is almost never actually entirely secret. Even if you write something in a friends-only social media post, use incognito mode or even share content on the dark web, investigators can uncover what you’ve done. A Welsh man recently found out the hard way that Amazon purchases […]
Was Harry Guilty of a Crime in Dexter? Vista Homicide Defense Lawyer
If you’ve ever watched as much as one episode of Dexter, you know there’s no doubt about the fact that Dexter is a murderer who would easily be convicted if he were ever arrested after a full investigation into his crimes. But what about Dexter’s adopted father, Harry, who helped mold Dexter into the killer […]
Facing Perjury Charges In California? -Vista Perjury Attorney
When you swear to tell the truth, you are not only ethically held to telling the truth, you are also legally obligated to do so. If you are caught lying under oath, you can be charged with perjury charges in California. This does not only apply to courtroom testimonies, but also to government documents, such […]
The College Admissions Scandal’s Surprising Turn: Vista Bribery Lawyer
We’ve been closely following the college admissions scandal for a while now, including adding updates as parents have been sentenced, largely because it is a very public look at the federal court system, including the benefits and risks of both plea bargains and criminal trials. But last week, some big news came out about the […]
What’s the Difference Between Jail and Prison in California?
Those who have never been in legal trouble and do not work in the legal industry often use the terms “jail” and “prison” interchangeably, but those familiar with the legal system understand that the two institutions actually operate quite differently. If you have been accused of a crime, Vista criminal lawyer Peter M. Liss believes […]
