Number of Violent Crimes in California Rose by 10% in 2015
Number of Violent Crimes in California Rose by 10% in 2015
In 2015, the number of violent crimes in California rose by 10%. Although the overall crime rate remained lowest in the decade, the number of crimes in California rose after a steady two years of decline. According to a report released by the state attorney general's office, the number of violent crimes was up in all major categories of violent crimes when compared to 2014. For example, the number of…
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How Can Police Spy On You Without A Warrant?
Law enforcement agencies, including FBI and the local sheriff use various methods and strategies to spy on individuals whom they suspect are committing crimes. Most of the methods used to spy on these individuals is with the help of digital trails these people create every day. You might think that this is a violation of the privacy of an individual and that such a search cannot take place without a…
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Common Internet Crimes
With constantly advancing technology and the increasing number of internet users, the number of internet crimes committed has also increased in recent years. Internet users engage in various activities daily, and some of these activities could unintentionally lead to criminal charges. Some people use the internet to commit crimes intentionally, and many of these crimes don't even make it to the headlines. The normal internet user is not even aware…
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Can Police Use Stingrays to Take Information from Your Cellphone?
When you use your cellphone, you probably expect the information on it to stay private. You certainly don’t think that others will be able to access your private messages, account information and location unless you let them. However, law enforcement agencies sometimes use devices called Stingrays to gain access to cellphones. Is this legal? What are Stingrays? Stingrays are devices about the size of a suitcase that act as cellphone…
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Food For Thought: How Selling Food Can Put You in Hot Water (HS 114381)
Mariza Ruelas only wanted a recipe for a cake. Now, the single mother of six faces a year in county jail.1 According to the San Joaquin District Attorney’s Office, Ruelas and several others belonging to a Facebook group frequently broke the law by selling homemade meals without a license. Could this really be a crime? The California Homemade Food Act of 2013 California law allows people to sell certain foods…
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Can Police Scan Your Credit Card?
Credit cards are a convenient way to pay for pretty much anything. Many of us don’t think twice about handing our credit card over the counter to make a quick purchase or using it to buy something online. Those plastic cards can come in handy. However, many people do not realize that credit cards store your information on them. Magnetic strips on the back of credit cards contain a few…
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Dos and Don’ts: Appearing in Court
Whether you are charged with a serious crime or contesting a traffic ticket, there are rules you need to follow whenever you appear before a judge. Here are some rules you should keep in mind if you are going to court. Dress for Success The easiest way to show a judge that you respect the court and that you take this matter seriously is to show up well-groomed and in…
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What Does It Mean If California Legalizes Marijuana?
On Nov. 8, California voters can choose to vote for or against Proposition 64, which would legalize recreational marijuana use for adults over the age of 21. What does it mean if Prop 64 passes? Essentially, it would mean that any person over the age of 21 could possess, buy, or transport up to one ounce of marijuana and cultivate up to six plants in his or her home. However,…
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Am I Eligible to Vote if I Have Been Convicted of a Crime in California?
When you have been convicted of a crime, you may lose certain rights. You could lose your right to own a firearm, your driving privileges, or even your right to vote. So, are you eligible to vote if you have been convicted of a crime? The answer depends on many factors. Can I Vote if I’ve Been Convicted of a Crime? First of all, you must be at least 18…
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New Law Makes it Illegal to Use Your Phone While Driving
Nearly 10 years ago, a law that was passed in California made it illegal for people to use their cellphones to read, write, and send text messages while driving. It was found that over 80% of vehicular crashes and accidents involve distracted driving, and lawmakers wanted to do something to address this issue.1 Since then, cellphone use has drastically increased, and distracted driving continues to be a major problem. Users…
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