California is home to some of the nation’s longest-running and most deadly street gangs. In 1988, to curb the violence associated with these criminal organizations, the state enacted Penal Code section 186.22 (PC), known as the California Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention (STEP) Act. Unfortunately, these measures ended up being disproportionately used against minority communities […]
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 […]
The 10-20-Life Law of California
California Penal Code 12022.53 (PC), also known as the “10-20-Life” statute or “Use a Gun and You’re Done” law, adds additional penalties when you use a gun during the commission of certain crimes. When the law was originally enacted in 1998, it was very strict, and the penalty enhancements were mandatory. It has since been […]
Is It Legal to Kill A Zombie in California?
The Walking Dead shambled back on the air last week with record ratings, making it the most-watched episode of any drama show in basic cable history. But with all the focus on the morality of life after a zombie outbreak, few people consider the legality of killing the undead. Let’s Assume There’s Still a Justice […]
Negligent Discharge of a Firearm in Vista, California: 246.3 (PC)
Every Forth of July and New Year’s Eve in Vista, you’re bound to hear someone shoot off a gun in celebration, but this activity isn’t just noisy, it’s also dangerous. And because it is dangerous, it’s also illegal under California Penal Code 246.3 (PC), formally known as the “negligent discharge of a firearm.” This criminal […]
Drive-By Shooting Penalties in Vista: 26100 (PC)
While some believe only the shooter is criminally liable in a drive-by shooting, that is far from the truth. Under California law, Penal Code section 26100 (PC) says if your vehicle was used for a drive-by shooting, but you were not present, you could be convicted if the prosecution can prove that you knew your […]
Defenses and Sentences for Hate Crimes In California
People commit crimes for many reasons, but jurors are usually more sympathetic when an offense was performed out of desperation or a result of a personal conflict rather than due to biased, hateful beliefs. To help protect the civil rights of individuals and punish those who victimize others based on prejudice, California has enacted many […]
What You Should Know About Gun Storage Laws in CA
Wherever you stand on the political spectrum, there’s no denying that guns can and do kill people. To minimize the dangers of children and those prohibited from using firearms accessing these dangerous weapons, California has enacted many laws specifying how they should be stored and transported. The City of San Diego has even passed a […]
Vista and San Diego Restraining Order Attorney: TRO & PRO
When someone you know, even love, accuses you of assault, harassment, stalking, or domestic violence, you may feel hurt and betrayed. You may not know what to do. But what you can’t afford to do is wait to hire a lawyer experienced at defending against restraining orders (sometimes called “protective orders” or “stay-away orders”). Attorney […]
The Story of Alec Baldwin’s Rust Trial
It was a true tragedy when cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed on the set of Alec Baldwin’s Western film Rust. Whether or not it was a crime was not as immediately apparent. To determine if it was a crime, the incident was investigated by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department, New Mexico’s First Judicial District […]
