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Artesia Man Conviceted of Murder during Attempted Robbery
Recently, in Santa Ana, a defendant was tried and convicted of attacking and strangling a prostitute during a robbery attempt in Garden Grove in 2009. Cesar Gomez, 36, of Artesia now faces a potential life term in prison without the possibility of parole at his sentencing later this year. The victim had posted her profile on an escort website that she would be staying in town for three days back…
Read MoreFullerton 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…
Read MoreWhat 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…
Read MoreWhat 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…
Read MoreCalifornia 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…
Read MoreVoluntary manslaughter jury instruction is required where substantial evidence showed Defendant did not subjectively appreciate that their conduct placed the victim’s life in danger
Amalia Bryan was found guilty of second degree murder. Ms. Bryan argued that she got into a physical altercation with her live in boyfriend. The boyfriend had pinned Ms. Bryan down and began to strangle her. Ms. Bryan broke free and attempted to leave the residence. Ms. Bryan grabbed a glass candle holder. Also, as she was leaving the residence, she grabbed a knife in which she stabbed her boyfriend…
Read MoreHow Can I Erase Convictions From My Criminal Record In California?
In these tough economic times where unemployment and the competition for jobs is extremely intense many people are finding that past criminal convictions are keeping them from getting the jobs they want and in many case, any job at all. If you are among those people to know that in most cases it is possible to take actions that can help to "clean up" your criminal record and make you…
Read MoreFormer Los Angeles Police Detective Charged With Theft and Securities Fraud
Yes, police officers may sometimes be dishonest The former Los Angeles Police detective was charged with ten felony counts, including grand theft, the selling of false investment securities, and the selling of securities without a license. She has pled not guilty to the charges in San Bernardino County Superior Court and is being held in lieu of $1-million bail. The former detective allegedly collected over 0,000 from investors amidst false…
Read MoreWhen Is A Knife Not A Deadly Weapon? – P.C. 245(a)(1)
A recent case decided by the California Court of Appeals involved a minor who was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon in a juvenile court after he got into an altercation and tried to use a butter knife to attack the victim. The defendant, Brandon T. (15), was convicted by the judge of a felony violation of Penal Code Section 245(a)(1) for trying to cut the face and throat…
Read MoreGRAND THEFT
Grand theft charges are typically based on Penal Code 487. Most commonly, the crime of grand theft happens when a person steals personal property valued at over $400. Such personal property typically includes retail products such as DVDs and clothes, food, checks, cash, and household items. Prosecutors can bring grand theft charges are various theories. The most common theories are larceny and trick. Larceny is when someone takes property with…
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