Can Bail be Granted in a Federal Case?
Can Bail be Granted in a Federal Case?
One can only hope to never be charged with a federal crime. But if you are arrested, the first thing you should do is contact a Southern California Federal Criminal Lawyer because the Federal criminal justice system is convoluted and often stringent in regard to bail and release. Pretrial release under the Federal Bail Reform Act gives four provisions for setting bail: (1) release the defendant on personal recognizance or…
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Los Angeles Man Charged with Two Counts of Attempted Murder
In Los Angeles this week, a 21-year-old man who is accused in the off-campus shooting of two USC students at a party a couple of weeks ago, plead not guilty in court this week. Tyson Tyree Smith is charged with two counts each of attempted murder and assault with a semiautomatic firearm . The two victims confronted Smith at the party in the earlier morning hours after they thought he…
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Fullerton Police Officer Pleads Not Guilty To Involuntary Manslaughter In Death Of Homeless Man
A Fullerton police officer pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of involuntary manslaughter and felony use of excessive force in the beating death of a mentally ill homeless man who died after a police arrest. Another officer charged with second-degree murder, a more serious offense, continued his arraignment date. The death of Kelley Thomas, a homeless man, has received national attention. Kelly Thomas, a 37-year-old homeless man with schizophrenia, was…
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What is Assault and Battery?
Simply stated, this crime occurs when you willfully and unlawfully use force or violence upon another human being. Most people get the impression that you probably punched someone in the midst of a bar-room brawl, but assault and battery encompasses much more than that. Assault and Battery can be charged whenever there is a willful touching that is either harmful or offensive. You don't necessarily have to break any bones…
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What is the difference between Grand Theft and Petty Theft in Orange County?
Under California law, theft can be classified under two categories; grand theft and petty theft. At first glance, these two categories can be confusing, but the major distinction is what was stolen and the price of the item stolen. Generally speaking, theft in California is described as any unlawful taking of someone else's property with the intent of keeping it permanently. Grand theft is defined as the taking of personal…
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California Judge Declares Mistrial Over Killing of a Gay Student
The presiding judge over a criminal trial involving a California teen accused of murdering a gay classmate at a Ventura County junior high school declared a mistrial. The 12-member jury panel told Judge Charles Campbell that they were unable to reach a unanimous decision as to the degree of Brandon McInerney's guilt for the killing of 15-year old Larry King. The jury, comprised of nine women and three men, said…
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Hells Angel Indicted on Six Counts of Federal Crimes in Ventura
Recently, it was reported that the former president of the Ventura County Chapter of the Hells Angels was arrested on federal charges stemming from an extortion plot and the firebombing of two competing tattoo shops back in 2007. George Christie Jr., 64, of Ventura, was one of four defendants arrested recently on charges of federal conspiracy, extortion, and arson charges contained in a six-count indictment. The indictment alleges that Christie…
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I Am On the Jury and I Believe There is Something Missing. As a Juror, Can I Make My Own Independent Investigation?
Are jurors allowed to conduct their own independent investigations? The simple answer to this question is no! As a juror, you may feel that something is missing from the trial that you are sitting as a juror on. For example, you may feel that certain witnesses have not been called to testify, other extremely relevant evidence has not been presented, one the attorneys is doing a bad job in presenting…
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I am Charged with Attempt to Commit a Crime. What Does That Mean?
"I didn't actually complete a crime. I simply started to commit a crime, but didn't follow through with it. Is this still a crime?" From time to time, we get calls from callers wanting to know if such an occurrence still qualifies as a crime. They want to know if they can still be prosecuted even if they didn't actually "complete" a crime for what ever reason there may be.…
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Possession Or Distribution Of Child Pornography In California Under Penal Code 311 Can Result In State Prsion Time And Registration As A Sex Offender
Possession and/or distribution of child pornography in California is an increasingly serious crime and can now lead to a prison sentence of up to six years and a fine of $100,000 under penal code section 311. Conviction of this crime also requires lifetime registration as a sex offender which can have a devastating lifetime impact. It is important to know what the law is and potential defenses if you are…
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