Many cases, particularly those involving domestic violence and sexual assault, come down to the alleged victim’s word versus the word of the accuser. Because these charges depend on the accuser’s testimony, courts have to balance the risks of further traumatizing the victim with the rights of the defendant to face their accuser in court and […]
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 […]
What to Expect at a California Domestic Violence Arraignment in Vista
The first court appearance you will need to attend after a domestic violence arrest is known as an arraignment. This step of the court process is one of the most important, as it allows you to hear the charges that have been filed against you, deal with bail, schedule future court dates, and re-addresses the […]
What is the Legal Definition of Reasonable Doubt?
You’ve almost certainly heard the phrase “guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,” but have you ever thought about the specific meaning of “reasonable doubt?” As an American, you should. That’s because this phrase is a cornerstone of our national justice system. Rather than some countries that consider you guilty until you are proven innocent, the American […]
The 7 Types of Criminal Warrants in California
While most people have heard of search and arrest warrants, fewer are familiar with the other types used in the criminal justice system. Regardless of the variety, they are all used to help keep the justice system working as smoothly as possible, making it possible for police to do their jobs while ensuring witnesses and […]
What’s the Difference Between Different Types of Attorneys?
Have a hard time differentiating between prosecutors, defense lawyers, public defenders and judges? Here’s what you should know before you head into court.
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 […]
Can Two People Be Convicted For the Same Crime?
When two people confess to the same crime, it’s an obvious sign that one is lying for one reason or another. But could two people be convicted for the same crime if only one person could have committed it? As it turns out, yes. Doesn’t that Mean Punishing an Innocent Person? We previously discussed how […]
Could the Us Use Income-Based Fines for Crimes?
An old expression says that if a crime is punishable by a fine, it’s only illegal for the poor. That idea can be very problematic in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where there is such a massive disparity between the incredibly rich and the incredibly poor. Under traditional penalty structures, the […]
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 […]
