The Alcoholics Anonymous (and similar Narcotics Anonymous —NA) recovery process requires you to be open and honest about your past and to admit wrongs you made while under the influence. But is a confession made at Alcoholics Anonymous legally protected like those made to priests? The answer is complicated. Here’s what a defense attorney believes […]
A Small List of the Many, Many Crimes Committed By the Gang in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
The entire charm of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia relies on watching terrible people do terrible things, but with all the things the gang has done, it’s a minor miracle any of them are still free to walk the streets. Here are a small handful of crimes the gang has committed, along with their potential […]
Trespassing in California: Penal Code 602 (PC)
If you illegally enter someone’s property or refuse to leave a business, home, construction site, or other property in San Diego County, you could be charged with trespassing under California Penal Code 602 (PC). While this offense may be among the most common property crimes in California, it is still a serious offense that may […]
Surprising Things Police Can Do Without A Warrant
The Constitution may protect you from unreasonable search and seizure, but many people have no idea how complex search warrant laws are. For example, the police cannot search your cell phone without a warrant, but they can search your car without a warrant if they have “reasonable suspicion.” In fact, they can do many things […]
Fighting Charges If You Were Forced to Commit a Crime
Many consider themselves to be reasonable people who would never break the law aside from maybe driving a little too fast on the freeway. But if someone coerces them to do a criminal act by threatening their life or the lives of their family members, they may be willing to do just about anything […]
Is Spitting on Someone a Crime in California?
Spitting in someone’s face is one of the greatest insults you can make without saying a word. It also can quickly escalate a verbal argument into a physical one and cause someone to get seriously ill, which is why spitting on or at someone is a crime. Similarly, if a restaurant worker or anyone else […]
It’s a Crime to Refuse Medical Treatment to Your Child
When most people are dangerously ill, they visit a doctor. However, a small segment of the population believes that if they are meant to heal, prayer will cure their ailments. While this could result in deadly consequences for diseases that may be easily treatable with medication, it is still that person’s choice to trust in […]
Can a Diary be Used as Evidence? Are Diaries Admissible in Court?
Diaries and journals can be written for many reasons, but one thing most of these writers have in common is the expectation that their private thoughts and observations will be kept confidential. Unfortunately, the US legal system doesn’t hold diaries as a protected source of speech that can’t be used against their writer later on. […]
597.7 (PC): Leaving Your Dog in a Car in Vista, California
You probably know that you shouldn’t leave your dog locked in the car on a hot summer day, but you may not realize that it is actually illegal to do so in Vista, California. Leaving a pet in a vehicle is considered a form of animal abuse under Penal Code section 597.7 (PC). If you […]
Breaking and Entering Under California Law
Police officers in television shows are constantly arresting people for people for “breaking and entering,” which they often shorten to “B&E.” But in most states, including California, breaking and entering isn’t a real crime. It is still illegal to break into homes and businesses, but the actual charge you’ll face will usually be burglary or […]
