How to Locate an Inmate in Jail and Post Bail

By: southernblog

When your loved one is arrested, you will probably be worried and it may be difficult to think straight. You are probably wondering where your loved one is being held and what you can do to help him or her. The first thing you should do is contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can …

Posted In: News & Information
Tagged: Bail

Report on Arrest Rates Show Historic Decrease

By: southernblog

The number of arrests made in California is at the lowest it has been in decades, according to a report from the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC). The report, which examined arrest rates from 2016, shows arrests in California have declined nearly 60 percent since peaking in 1989. Let’s take a look at some …

Posted In: Arrest Rates
Tagged: Arrest Rates

Dead Men Tell No Tales: Is It Illegal to Spread a Loved One’s Ashes at Disneyland? (HS 7054(a))

By: southernblog

For many people in southern California and across the world, Disneyland holds a special place in their heart. Thousands of individuals and families create memories at Disneyland each day. Some of those people dream of having Disneyland be their final resting place. That is why attempting to spread a loved one’s ashes at the theme …

Posted In: News & Information

California Governor Signs Many Criminal Justice Changes into Law

By: southernblog

California Governor Jerry Brown only has a few months left in office, but he is using his remaining time to continue his goal to pass criminal justice reform. Recently, he signed several bills into law that will overhaul the state’s criminal and juvenile justice system. Let’s take a look at what these new laws will …

Posted In: News & Information

Gun Violence Restraining Order Law Has Been Used Infrequently

By: southernblog

In 2016, California passed a law that allowed concerned family members, roommates and law enforcement officers to petition the court for a Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) against someone who poses a danger to themselves or others. If a GVRO is issued against you, you are required to get rid of any firearms or ammunition …

Posted In: Gun Violence
Tagged: Gun Violence

Can I Be Charged with a Crime for Emotional Abuse?

By: southernblog

Imagine you are at the park on a weekend afternoon, enjoying a picnic with your family. A few yards away, you see a man yelling at a woman, calling her “stupid” and “worthless” while she cries. He does not touch her, but his constant shouting and insulting behavior continues for several minutes. What you have …

Posted In: Emotional Abuse
Tagged: Emotional Abuse

Selling Sidewalk Street Food No Longer a Crime in California

By: southernblog

Street vendors have long set up on the streets of California cities to sell bacon-wrapped hot dogs and other food to passers by. While street vendors add to California’s unique flair, cities like Hollywood have struggled with how to address these unique businesses. Past efforts to legitimize street vendors have had little success. However, a …

Posted In: Sidewalk Street Food Crimes
Tagged: Sidewalk Street Food Crimes

Glitch Blamed for Illegal Recording of Attorney-Client Phone Calls

By: southernblog

The Constitution rights to remain silent and to an attorney are critical tools in the defense against criminal charges. Every person accused of a crime has these rights, which means it is your right to only speak to your attorney and to have those conversations protected by attorney-client privilege. Recently, a company working with the …

Posted In: Attorney-Client Phone Calls
Tagged: Attorney-Client Phone Calls

California Law Seeks to Cap Felony Prison Sentences

By: southernblog

When you ask a criminal defense lawyer what penalties you will face for a crime, the answer you will receive is often “it depends.” That is because sentencing depends on numerous factors, including the facts of the case, the judge and whether any number of exceptions applies. However, California lawmakers are currently considering a bill …

Posted In: Felony Charges
Tagged: Felony Charges

Proposed Law Would Raise Age for Being Tried as an Adult in California

By: southernblog

In California, minors as young as 14 can be subjected to the adult criminal justice system if they are charged with certain crimes. That means a 14-year-old child could be sentenced to life in prison. However, a new proposed law would raise the minimum age for being tried as an adult. Raising the Age Limit …

Posted In: Juvenile Justice Reform
Tagged: Juvenile Justice Reform