When police investigate a suspected burglary, they carefully comb the scene for evidence that a suspect might have left behind. In extreme cases, suspects might leave themselves behind (as with this recent alleged break-in involving a suspect who fell asleep on the victim’s couch). But more often, the evidence is subtle. It can also remain…
Attempted murder in violation of Penal Code 664/187, takes place under a wide variety of circumstances, ranging from gang shootings to bar fights to situations where someone hires a hit man. If you’re charged with this crime in California, you could face years-long prison sentences, including life in prison if your actions were premeditated. To…
Few areas of the law have so many crimes and violations associated with them that an entire, separate court system has been set up to deal with them; illicit drugs is one of those areas. Selling drugs is a crime, manufacturing drugs is a crime, and just possessing drugs is a crime. One particular crime…
Under California Penal Codes 451 and 452, there are two main types of arson charges. One of them involves deliberately and maliciously setting a fire; this is the criminal act called ‘arson’ and is a felony. The second is called “reckless arson” or “reckless burning” which also involves setting a fire to property or forest…
Under California Vehicle Codes 20001 and 20002, a hit-and-run charge can result from leaving the scene of a car accident without first making your identifying information known to anyone else involved. The accident in question needs to result in another person’s property getting damaged (misdemeanor hit-and-run) or another person sustaining injuries (felony hit-and-run). The following…
You hear it all the time: “I didn’t mean it”, “I was just angry”, “I didn’t plan to do anything” or “It was just a joke!” Not all threats are criminal matters, but the question becomes: when does a verbal threat cross the line to actually committing a crime? Consider the Facebook case brought before…
Two recent cases in the news highlight how easy it is for family members to all get charged with drug crimes, such as drug transportation. In one case, five family members were among those arrested as part of an alleged meth trafficking ring; the FBI even called their sting “Operation All in the Family.” In…
Once a person has been convicted of a crime, the judge has wide discretion to determine the appropriate sentence and the conditions of probation. Probation often comes with numerous requirements the person must meet. If a person fails to comply with the terms of probation, it may result in an additional punishment such as house…
Sexual crimes are often the ones people find the hardest to talk about, and they can be some of the most confusing. For example, what does the term “sexual battery” even mean? How is it different from rape? What do you have to do (or not do) in order for your conduct to be considered…
Imagine that your friends dared you to expose yourself for a few seconds to another group of friends in a bar. Against your better judgment, you took that dare and everyone had a good laugh. Unfortunately, it wasn’t funny for long. Because of this split-second decision, you now find yourself facing criminal charges for indecent…
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