Preventing and Addressing Wrongful Convictions in Southern California: The Importance of DNA Evidence
Preventing and Addressing Wrongful Convictions in Southern California: The Importance of DNA Evidence
Preventing and Addressing Wrongful Convictions in Southern California: The Importance of DNA Evidence Did you know that California leads the nation in the number of DNA exonerations? It's true - since 1989, there have been over 200 individuals in California who have been wrongfully convicted and later exonerated through DNA evidence. This is more than any other state. But why is this important? How does DNA evidence help prevent and…
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When Does Petty Theft Become A Felony?
When Does Petty Theft Become A Felony? Petty theft generally applies to shoplifting instances. Petty theft is the taking of property valued at less than $950, and it is considered a misdemeanor in California. However, if the accused has two prior convictions for petty theft or grand theft, then it could be charged as a felony. There are other circumstances that can make petty theft a felony, such as the…
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Is Prank Calling Illegal? When Can A Harmless Joke Turn Criminal?
Is Prank Calling Illegal? Prank calling can seem like harmless fun, but depending on what’s said, it may turn into a criminal offense. If you or someone you know has been charged with prank calling in California, it’s important to understand the implications and punishments that could come with this crime. Choosing Wallin & Klarich to represent your case puts you in a better position to receive the best outcome…
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Is Embezzlement A Felony? Everything You Need To Know About Embezzlement
Is Embezzlement A Felony? Everything You Need In California, embezzlement is a serious criminal offense and can lead to heavy fines or prison time. Embezzlement is defined as the act of wrongfully appropriating funds that have been entrusted to you, but belong to someone else. It is a form of white-collar crime that is often committed by individuals in positions of trust, such as employees or financial advisors. Choosing Wallin…
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Concurrent vs. Consecutive Sentences | Everything You Need To Know
Everything You Need To Know About Concurrent vs. Consecutive Sentences Concurrent sentences are usually handed down when multiple criminal offenses are committed at once or when someone is charged for multiple counts of the same crime. In these cases, the sentences are "concurrent," meaning they overlap and are served simultaneously. This means that instead of serving multiple jail terms one after the other, the individual may only have to serve…
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Top 5 Most Common Crimes In Los Angeles
Top 5 Most Common Crimes in Los Angeles In recent years, Los Angeles has seen a rise in crimes all across the board including property crimes and violent crimes. Because of this upward trend, the Los Angeles Police Department has put more effort into making arrests for these crimes in an effort to curb the City’s crime rates. If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, it is…
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The Legal Battle Surrounding California’s Doctor-Assisted Suicide Law
In 2016, California Governor Jerry Brown signed a landmark bill allowing doctors to assist certain patients in committing suicide. The End of Life Option Act (ELOA) gave patients who had six months or fewer to live the right to seek life-ending medication and prevented criminal and civil prosecutions against doctors for providing these patients with life-ending medication. However, since the bill was passed into law by Gov. Brown, there has…
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California 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…
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ICE 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…
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Explaining 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.…
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