Law Eliminating Cash Bail Halted and Will Appear on 2020 Ballot
Law Eliminating Cash Bail Halted and Will Appear on 2020 Ballot
Last year, Senate Bill 10 (SB 10) was signed into law by then-governor Jerry Brown. When it was set to become effective on October 1, 2019, the law would have eliminated California’s cash bail system and replaced it with a risk assessment system where judges determine if a person accused of a crime should be released from custody or held pending the outcome of their case. However, after enough signatures…
Read More
House Democrats Propose Law to Expand Background Checks for Gun Sales
The U.S. House of Representatives changed dramatically during the 2018 mid-term elections, leaving the Democrats as the majority. With this shift in power, Democrats are expected to push laws for causes they are passionate about. One of those causes is gun control. A new law introduced recently by Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi, Mike Thompson and Gabby Giffords would greatly expand background checks for gun sales, according to reports. Federal Laws…
Read More
Court Rules Police Can’t Force You to Unlock Your Phone
Facial recognition. Retinal scans. Fingerprint sensors. These used to be the kinds of technology you would only see in a sci-fi movie. Now, they are all ways to unlock your smartphone. Rapid changes in technology have left many important legal questions about what the police can and cannot do when it comes to searching your phone. Can law enforcement force you to unlock your cellphone? Should a phone that unlocks…
Read More
How to Locate an Inmate in Jail and Post Bail
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 speak to the police and attempt to help your loved one. The next thing you…
Read More
Report on Arrest Rates Show Historic Decrease
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 of the major findings in the report. Decrease in Misdemeanor Arrests According to the PPIC…
Read More
Can I Avoid Jail Time for a Felony Probation Violation?
If you are convicted of a felony offense, serving felony probation may be a more favorable option than serving a prison sentence. However, felony probation often comes with very strict terms. If you fail to comply with all of these terms, you could face severe consequences. So, will you go to jail or prison for a felony probation violation? Let our skilled criminal defense lawyers explain. Prison Time is a…
Read More
Dead Men Tell No Tales: Is It Illegal to Spread a Loved One’s Ashes at Disneyland? (HS 7054(a))
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 park is reportedly not uncommon. However, if you scatter your loved one’s ashes at Disneyland,…
Read More
California Governor Signs Many Criminal Justice Changes into Law
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 do. Gov. Brown Passes Criminal Justice Reform Laws Gov. Brown signed into law not one,…
Read More
Gun Violence Restraining Order Law Has Been Used Infrequently
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 you have in your possession and you are prohibited from purchasing or possessing guns or…
Read More
Can I Be Charged with a Crime for Emotional Abuse?
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 seen could be described as emotional abuse. Is this a crime? What is Emotional Abuse?…
Read More