What You Need to Know About the Elder Abuse Act Expansion

By: Wallin & Klarich

In order to protect elderly persons and dependent adults, the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act was expanded at the beginning of this year. Specifically, the Act was broadened to reduce abuse in the form of isolation, which was made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Act allows petitioners to obtain an order …

Posted In: News & Information

Legally Recording a Police Officer in Southern California

By: Wallin & Klarich

Due to concerns over police brutality and misconduct in recent years, many civilians have taken to recording interactions with law enforcement. Although recording an officer can be illegal under certain circumstances, this can be helpful information in any subsequent investigation into the officer’s conduct. For example, if you believe that you have been wrongly stopped …

Posted In: News & Information

Supreme Court Sides with Therapists on Child Pornography Reporting Law

By: Wallin & Klarich

A California Supreme Court decision could have major implications for a law requiring psychotherapists to crireport patients who, in the course of therapy, admit to having viewed or downloaded child pornography. Since 2014, the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) requires therapistds to contact law enforcement anytime a patient admits to these acts–due to …

Posted In: Child Abuse

California’s Cash Bail Phase Out Is On Hold

By: Wallin & Klarich

Sixty percent of people arrested in California never face a criminal charge. According to one study, as many as 48,000 county jail inmates have not been convicted of anything. In many cases, those people are serving time in jail because they could not afford to pay for bail to secure their release.  A recent change …

Posted In: Bail

Supreme Court Restricts Government’s Power to Seize Property (Timbs v. Indiana)

By: Wallin & Klarich

“Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.” The Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is only sixteen words and one sentence but it is one of the most powerful protections in our nation. It essentially means that the punishment must fit the crime. So, what happens …

Posted In: News & Information

How to Locate an Inmate in Jail and Post Bail

By: southernblog

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 …

Posted In: News & Information
Tagged: Bail

Dead Men Tell No Tales: Is It Illegal to Spread a Loved One’s Ashes at Disneyland? (HS 7054(a))

By: southernblog

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 …

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California Governor Signs Many Criminal Justice Changes into Law

By: southernblog

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 …

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Is the LAPD Surveilling “Probable” Offenders?

By: southernblog

What is the job of a police officer? Is it to arrest those who commit crimes or is it to protect people from potential criminals? Is it both? A recent report by The Appeal, which cites a public records request lawsuit claiming that the Los Angeles Police Department is using data and analysts to monitor …

Posted In: News & Information
Tagged: News & Information

Place Your Bets: Supreme Court Opens the Door to Legalized Sports Gambling

By: southernblog

Every year, millions of Californians break the law.   Placing bets on March Madness brackets and office Super Bowl pools violates state laws prohibiting gambling on sports. However, a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling could pave the way for legalized sports gambling in California and other states.   Supreme Court Ruling Paves Way for Legal …

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