Law & Information
Are Sky Lanterns Legal in California? (HS 13001)
During various festivals in countries like China, Brazil and India, it is common to look up and see hundreds of glowing paper lanterns floating up into the night sky. These lanterns are like tiny hot air balloons that use a candle or fuel cell to heat the air inside the lantern, causing it to rise and float away. However, you need to do know that attempting to recreate these…
Read MoreCalifornia Lawmakers Proposing 10 New Gun Laws
The recent school shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida has sent shockwaves throughout the country and sparked a national debate about gun control. California already has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, but lawmakers are proposing 10 new gun laws in the wake of this school shooting. Expanding the Definition of Assault Rifles in California One important proposed gun law is Assembly Bill 1135, which…
Read MoreICE Agents Must Obtain a Warrant Before Entering Courts and Other State Buildings to Make Arrests
Federal immigration authorities recently issued a directive stating that they plan to enter federal, state and local courthouses to make arrests. In response, the California State Senate approved a bill that would keep ICE agents out of courthouses if it becomes law. Senate Bill 183 would prohibit federal immigration agents from entering state buildings to make arrests without a valid federal warrant. This means ICE agents would not be able…
Read MoreExplaining California’s Proposed “Straw Law” (AB 1884)
Lawmakers introduce new bills every year meant to protect citizens. However, one recently proposed law meant to protect the environment has drawn a lot of attention. Being referred to as the “Straw Law,” Assembly Bill 1884 would reportedly punish restaurant employees for providing patrons with a plastic straw for their drinks. Would California lawmakers really punish waiters for giving out straws? Let’s explore the truth about the proposed Straw Law.…
Read MorePretrial Diversion is Now an Option in California (PC 1000)
Over the past several years, California lawmakers have been overhauling the state’s criminal justice system in an effort to reduce the prison population. The latest law amed to curb jail and prison overcrowding went into effect on January 1, 2018, and changed how courts deal with cases involving simple possession of drugs. Previously, if you were arrested for simple possession (in other words, possession for personal use only), the court…
Read MoreSealing Your Arrest Record in California Just Got Easier (CARE Act)
If you are arrested, there will be a record of your arrest regardless if you are convicted of the crime. Having an arrest record could harm your chances of getting a good job, getting admitted to the college of your choice, or being able to achieve other business successes. Fortunately, a law that recently took effect in California called the Consumer Arrest Record Equity Act (CARE Act) may make it…
Read MoreNew California Laws Allow Marijuana Convictions to Be Expunged
California will make sales of recreational marijuana legal on Jan. 1, 2018. So, when the law takes effect, what happens to people who have been convicted of marijuana-related crimes in the past? Thanks to a provision in California’s new marijuana laws, those convicted of nearly any marijuana offense may have the opportunity to get their conviction expunged. New Marijuana Laws Allow Offenders to Expunge Criminal Record According to the Drug…
Read More10 New California Laws for 2018
On Jan. 1, 2018, hundreds of new laws will go into effect in California, and they will impact every citizen in our state. Here’s a look at 10 important new California laws for 2018 that you need to know. 10. AB 1008: Ban-the-Box Criminal History on Applications Companies with five or more employees are now prohibited from asking about a potential employee’s criminal history on job applications. Inquiring about or…
Read MoreU.S. Lawmakers Seek to Make “Hack Back” Laws
There’s an expression that “two wrongs don’t make a right.” However, U.S. lawmakers may not be following that old saying when it comes to “revenge hacking.” Congressman Tom Graves (R-GA) and Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) have co-sponsored the Active Cyber Defense Security Act (ACDC), which would essentially allow people or companies who have been hacked for data to “hack back” the hacker. What are “Hack Back Laws?” This proposed law…
Read MoreHas California Passed Too Much Criminal Justice Reform?
In recent years, California has passed several laws that essentially give people who are convicted of low-level crimes a second chance. It all started when California voters approved Prop. 47 in 2014, which reclassified several drug, theft, property and other non-violent crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. Other reforms soon followed, including changes to the Three Strikes law, realignment of the prison system, and expansion of parole opportunities under Prop. 57.…
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