Stalking, whether done online or in person, is a crime that can leave someone fearing for their life or the safety of their family. California has enacted many laws to protect citizens from stalking, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and cyber harassment, all of which are covered by Penal Code sections 646.9 (PC). If you have been accused of […]
Is an IP Address Enough to Convict Someone of a Crime?
As the internet has become a standard part of our lives, judges have tried to figure out how our existing laws and precedents apply in the digital age. The courts must balance law enforcement’s need to investigate crimes with the Constitution’s protections against unreasonable search and seizure. Similarly, they must balance the government’s interest in […]
California Hacking Laws Prohibit Accessing Computers Without Permission
It can be very tempting to look at someone’s emails, Facebook, Instagram messages, texts, or other private data without permission. Still, unauthorized access of another person or company’s computer, electronic data, or computer network without permission is a crime in California. It doesn’t matter if you were trying to commit a crime, such as fraud […]
What You Should Know About the Revenge Porn Law in California
California’s revenge porn law outlaws sharing explicit images or videos with even just one other person if the person depicted did not consent to the distribution of the material and could suffer emotional distress as a result.
Making Harassing, Threatening or Obscene Phone Calls in California
Most people have prank called at least a few phone numbers in their lifetimes. And realistically, there’s no real harm in asking someone if their refrigerator is running. But when prank phone calls get out of hand and start involving threats, obscenity or repeated calls to the same victim, they become a form of harassment […]
The Crime of Sexual Extortion in Vista, California
Sexual extortion, often called “sextortion,” could technically involve all types of exploitation, but the acts covered by California law involve blackmailing someone by threatening to release their nude or otherwise sexually explicit images or videos. It doesn’t matter if the blackmail is an attempt to extort money, sexual favors, or any other type of property; […]
Criminal Threats Charges in California (422 & 422.3 (PC))
Under California law, it is illegal to threaten to harm another person. Threats directed at individuals are generally prosecuted under Penal Code 422 (PC), while 422.3 (PC) addresses threats involving mass violence or public locations such as schools, churches, workplaces, airports, and hospitals. Depending on the specifics of the case, prosecutors may file charges under […]
The Most Common Crimes Committed On Social Media
For all the good social media has done in helping to connect people, it has also helped people commit crimes in a number of ways. While the most obvious recent example was the planning far-right agitators did before storming the capitol, there are many other ways social media can be used for criminal acts. Here […]
Smartphone Apps for Probation and Parole Monitoring
It seems like there really is an app for everything these days. In fact, there are even apps for those on probation, parole and pretrial release. Some researchers are hoping these technologies can one day be used to help past offenders who have been released to recognize and prevent situations that caused them to commit […]
What Alternative Custody Options are Available in Vista?
In recent years, courts around the country have offered an increasing number of alternatives to incarceration, including home arrest and electronic surveillance options. For a long time, San Diego County courts hesitated to take advantage of alternative sentencing options in all the most unusual cases. However, judges and prosecutors are now more open to these […]
