Restrictions on Concealed Guns Overturned in California
Restrictions on Concealed Guns Overturned in California
A federal appeals court voted to overturn California's concealed weapons laws, saying they violated the Second Amendment right to bear arms. The ruling, hailed by gun rights activists, overturns California's laws that deny law-abiding citizens the ability to carry weapons in public places unless they show they need the weapons for specific reasons. A three-judge panel voted 2-1 to strike down California's requirement of applicants for a concealed weapons permit…
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How Making Criminal Threats against a Dog Can Make a Bad Situation Worse (PC 422)
In a recent California criminal case, a court affirmed that a criminal threat does not have to be made directly to the victim as long as the victim takes the statement as a threat. The decision stems from a carjacking case where the defendant, Lipsett, and an accomplice were attempting to steal a dirt bike from the home of Smith, the victim. Smith came out of the house with his…
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Proposed Affirmative Consent Law Aims to Prevent Rape among College Students (Senate Bill 967)
A bill recently proposed in California would introduce "affirmative consent" into state law. The new bill, SB 967, would require college students to obtain explicit consent before engaging in sexual activity. This bill explains that the person wanting to participate in a particular sexual activity with another person is responsible for getting explicit consent from the other person either verbally or through other "unambiguous actions" before engaging in the act.…
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Los Angeles County’s “First Step” in Helping Young Sex Trafficking Victims
Attitudes toward any sexual behavior involving minors are very intolerant. However, minors account for 12% of all rape incidents and 19% of all other sex crimes are against minors, according to the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency.1 California law has historically shown a similar attitude towards minors, especially those who engage in prostitution, by prosecuting them and considering them juvenile delinquents. In fact, between 2000…
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Kill Switch Laws for Smartphones and Tablets: Smart Idea or Kill It?
Lawmakers in California are proposing legislation that would require an "anti-theft protection" feature installed in smartphones and tablets sold or shipped into California The "kill switch" bill being introduced this spring in Sacramento is aimed at combating theft crimes of mobile devices, which lawmakers say has risen dramatically in recent years. The kill switch allows an owner to remotely disable his or her device in the event it is lost…
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7 Reasons Why You Should Appeal a Criminal Conviction or Sentence in Orange County
A conviction is not necessarily the end of the line when it comes to the criminal justice system. You may be able to appeal your criminal conviction or sentence in Orange County for many reasons, including: A judge can make a mistake in his or her ruling or a prosecutor can abuse his authority. An unprepared criminal defense lawyer may have given you poor advice. A jury may have reached…
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Wife Allowed One Free Push without Having Restraining Order Granted Against Her
If a man pushes a woman, she can file for a restraining order. But if a woman pushes a man, should the man be able to have a restraining order granted against her? A recent decision by the 2nd District Court of Appeals (JJ vs. MF, 2nd District, No 82464401, February 5, 2014) held that a woman can push a man without having a restraining order granted against her if…
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Judge Found Not Guilty in Dog Poop Dispute – Allowed to Return to “Dooty”
After deliberating for nearly three hours on Thursday, a jury found that Los Angeles County Superior Court judge Craig Richman acted in self-defense when he pushed Connie Romero following a dispute over dog poop near Richman's property. Richman was charged with misdemeanor battery last year. Romero accused Richman of pushing her in the back after she allegedly placed a bag of dog poop in the passenger seat of Richman's car.…
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To Bail or Not to Bail – That Decision Must Be Left to Your Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are arrested, the first thing you will probably think about is how quickly you can be released from jail. This is a logical first thought when faced with the frightening prospect of spending time in jail. However, what you do after your arrest is extremely important and a decision should not be made without thought. Do I Call a Bail Bondsman First? Many people panic when arrested and…
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California School Expulsion Hearings are Subject to Due Process
Being expelled from a school district can have major implications on your child's life. If your child is facing expulsion from the school district, you should know that expulsion is not automatic. School administrators cannot expel a student without first holding a school expulsion hearing. California Education Code Section 48900 requires that school expulsion cases be conducted in accordance with generally accepted principles of due process. For example, in California,…
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