When people imagine elder abuse, they typically imagine dark, shabby nursing homes staffed by people who are inexperienced and underpaid and filled with residents who have been shuttered away by cheap, greedy relatives who don’t want to spend money on quality care. But elder abuse and neglect can happen in the nicest facilities and even […]
Can Two People be on Trial at the Same Time in Vista, California?
Most people charged with a crime settle things in a plea bargain. When things aren’t settled this way, they go to trial. While most people go through their trials alone, some co-defendants facing charges from the same circumstances are tried together. While these joint trials save court resources and make it easier for witnesses, they also […]
Is Dr. Jekyll Legally Responsible for Mr. Hyde’s Crimes?
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is one of the famous classic tales of the Victorian Era —and with good reason. It explores themes of addiction, personal responsibility, unconscious desires, the rigidity of Victorian norms, morality, and the duality of man. People have long debated whether or not Jekyll should be considered responsible for Mr. Hyde’s […]
Is Throwing Something at a Car Illegal? Yes, Throughout Vista and the Rest of California
Everyone knows it’s dangerous to throw rocks at a car, so it makes sense that doing so is illegal. You might not realize that throwing something at a car is illegal even seemingly innocent items like empty water bottles. So why is throwing something at a car illegal even if it is seemingly harmless? While […]
The Concept of Imperfect Self Defense and When it Can be Used in Vista
Self-defense is considered a “perfect defense,” meaning you automatically qualify for a full acquittal if the defense succeeds. However, even with a top criminal attorney, it can be difficult to prove all of the requirements for self defense, particularly in a case involving murder. When it’s impossible to prove self defense in a murder case […]
Is it Illegal to Spank Your Child in California?
It is against the law to beat a child, but many people mistakenly believe that all forms of corporal punishment are illegal in California. The line between discipline and abuse can be blurry though, so while spanking is legal, it must fall under what the law defines as “reasonable discipline.” If you have been accused […]
Count Olaf Doesn’t Go to Jail for His Crimes, But he Should
Fans of Lemony Snicket have long shuddered at the atrocities committed by Count Olaf. Thanks to Netflix, even more people now know just how evil the frequent not-so-legal guardian of the Baudelaire children really is. While readers and viewers know they should have heeded warnings to “look away,” the tragic tale is now etched […]
Can You Be Charged With Murder for Killing a Fetus in California?
Under California law, abortion may be a legal option for a mother to choose, but otherwise, feticide can result in murder charges. Just because the victim was an unborn child does not mean it is a lesser crime. If you have been accused of murder related to the death of a fetus, call a criminal […]
22610 (PC): California Laws Regarding Stun Guns and Batons
California has strict and complex weapons laws that go beyond mere gun possession and detail everything from switchblades to pepper spray use. The rules are more straightforward regarding electroshock weapons such as taser batons and stun guns. Most people can legally own these weapons under state law, but some people are banned from possessing them […]
Vista Torture Charges Under California Penal Code Section 206 (PC)
Torture may be a common enough word in our modern language, but there’s a big difference between what is considered torture under the law and what people may joke about being torture —like listening to Nickleback or being forced to eat anchovy pizza. Under California penal Code section 206 (PC), torture is specifically defined not […]
