We’ve previously discussed how a domestic violence charge can prevent someone from joining the armed forces and likely end any military career. When many people find this out, they assume the same would be true for police officers, but in practice, the effects of a domestic violence conviction are somewhat different for those in law […]
What Happens if You Dine and Dash in Vista, California?
Some people dine and dash for fun, others dine and ditch because they get tired of waiting for the check, and others skip out on their bill because they forgot their wallet. Whatever the reason, you can go to jail for not paying your bill at a restaurant in Vista, and sometimes dine and dash […]
337(b) and 337(c) (PC): California Sports Bribery Laws
Bribery is almost always a crime, but while most cases focus on elected public officials, other people may be involved instead. When a public official is not involved, the target of bribery may instead be an athlete or official playing in a sporting event, often to make money through gambling. If you have been accused […]
The Very Unrighteous Crimes of the Righteous Gemstones
Danny McBride is known for making over-the-top characters that are incredibly flawed and yet still somehow sympathetic. He’s also well versed at showing how easy it is for one crime to escalate into more and more major criminal acts, particularly in his new show, The Righteous Gemstones. Here are some of the many, many crimes […]
If Drugs are Found in a House, Who is Responsible?
One of the most common things people say when police confront them with drugs found in a search is, “those aren’t mine.” While drug possession lawyers suggest never talking to the police without an attorney present, you can sometimes successfully fight drug charges on the grounds that they weren’t actually yours. This defense is a good option […]
When is Evidence Admissible Vs. Inadmissible?
Criminal cases are based on evidence. Because the U.S. Constitution guarantees that defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, the evidence presented by the prosecution must be enough to outweigh that offered by the defense. Not everything can be used as evidence though, and many rules determine the admissibility of evidence in […]
California Vehicle Code 10851 (VC): Joyriding in Vista
While everyone has heard of grand theft auto, aka GTA, (no doubt partially due to the successful video game franchise), joyriding is a much more commonly filed criminal offense in California. Prosecutors prefer to file joyriding charges, legally known as the unlawful taking or driving of a vehicle under California Vehicle Code section 10851 (VC), […]
What’s the Point of Multiple Life Sentences?
People can only live once. So what’s the point of judges sentencing people to multiple life sentences? There are actually valid reasons for this strange-sounding criminal penalty, including the real meaning of “life” imprisonment and how the judicial system works. Here’s why courts in California give multiple life sentences and why it makes sense from […]
Will Using a Private Browser Online Keep You Out of Legal Trouble?
While most people are online every day, few understand the technology necessary to enable our phones and computers to access the internet. To be fair, you don’t normally need to know how a piece of technology works to reap its benefits. However, if you search with a private browser because you’re hoping to keep your […]
Can You be Charged with Murder if There is No Body?
Many people have heard that habeas corpus translates to “bring forth the body” or something similar. As a result, they may mistakenly believe that the US Constitution requires a dead body to be discovered for the government to prosecute a murder charge. But habeas corpus, while an important legal doctrine, has nothing to do with dead […]
