Law & Information
Can Prison Officials Screen Legal Mail?
If you are in prison, you probably have a good reason to contact an attorney. Often, the only way for prison inmates to communicate is through letters with their lawyer. But prison officials can read your mail if you are in prison…or can they? While prison officials are legally allowed to screen your mail to ensure that no contraband or dangerous items are being sent to inmates, California law does…
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California’s New Cybercrime Laws
The advancement of the Internet has led to a wave of new crimes. While technology improves rapidly, the law has struggled to keep up and adjust to new crimes that are being committed through technology. In 2012, the Cyber Crime Protection Security Act was passed to punish people who try to access another person's personal information through cyberattacks. The act also increased criminal penalties for fraud and related activities committed…
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State Budget Prioritizes Rehabilitation over Incarceration
A major breakthrough in the rehabilitation process for criminal offenders was reached recently when new budget legislation was signed by California Governor Jerry Brown. The new legislation, which makes rehabilitation for offenders a top priority, will fund programs to help reduce the percentage of repeat offenders. While this new development is certainly a step in the right direction, some skeptics contend that in order to effectively implement criminal justice realignment…
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Should California Allow Digital Search Warrants?
In California, drivers who are pulled over on suspicion of DUI can refuse to have their breath tested. When a driver refuses a breathalyzer test, the police officer can request a warrant to have the suspect's blood tested. However, it takes time to receive these warrants, so law enforcement will often opt against requesting one. 1 A potential solution to this problem is being put into place in Missouri, which…
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Should California Regulate Medical Marijuana Dispensaries?
A bill that would have begun regulation of medical marijuana dispensaries in California and required dispensaries to get state licenses before opening stalled in the California State Assembly. 1 Senate Bill 1262 was initially approved by the California State Senate, but it was blocked by the Assembly Appropriations Committee before it could move on to the governor for final approval. Officials are expected to try advancing a similar bill next…
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Residents of San Bernardino Can Avoid the Line by Going Online
Whether we are waiting in traffic, stuck at the bank, or spending an eternity at the DMV, waiting in line is one thing Californians are familiar with. A recent trend, however, has given residents of San Bernardino seeking easy access to justice one less line to worry about. In order to alleviate the consequences of statewide budget cuts that resulted in numerous courthouse closures, projects are being created throughout Southern…
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Improper Use of Jailhouse Informants in Orange County Could Lead to Your Case Being Overturned
Recently, a Santa Ana man's life sentence for a murder conviction was vacated in Orange County Superior Court due to the prosecution's improper use of jailhouse informants. 1 Judge Gregg Prickett approved an agreement between prosecutors and defense attorneys to reverse the conviction of Leonel Vega, who was convicted in 2010 for murdering Giovanni Onofre in 2004. Prosecutors said Vega will be retried. 2 It is the first case overturned…
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Should Police be Required to Wear Video Cameras?
Recently, police officers in Rialto, California took part in a controlled study. The study had them wear a small camera at all times while they interacted with the public. In the first year of the study, the results were substantial.1 Since the cameras were introduced, complaints against Rialto officers dropped by 88 percent. The use of force by police officers fell by almost 60%. According to Rialto Police Chief William…
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Assisting in or Encouraging a Crime Can Result in a Lengthy Prison Sentence
Have you ever been offered an opportunity to assist in a crime? Perhaps a friend or family member asked for your help in committing theft or robbery. If you had any influence in committing the crime, either by assisting in its planning, being an active participant or ordering others to commit the crime, you can be found guilty of aiding and abetting and could be facing severe punishment. Under California…
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Lawsuit Alleges Mistreatment of OC Student Expelled for Cheating Scandal
Corona del Mar (CdM) High School is reacting to a lawsuit filed by the family of a student who was expelled in a recent cheating scandal. Filed on May 9, the lawsuit alleges that school officials illegally threatened and intimidated the student into making coerced statements. Eleven students were forced into signing expulsion agreements in January prohibiting their return to CdM High this year. By signing the agreements, the students…
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