In the July 2013, California Supreme Court case People v. Davis, Mr. Davis was arrested at a rave party after he sold blue pills to an undercover officer. The California Health and Safety Code lists methylenedioxy amphetamine (MDA), commonly known as Ecstasy, as a controlled substance. However, subsequent tests revealed that the blue pills contained […]
Elements Of A Crime Read More »
Whether watching court trials on the news, movies or popular television shows, we all have been exposed to some kind of court proceeding. Perhaps one of the most memorable events during a trial is when you see an attorney yell “objection!”, when opposing counsel is questioning a witness. While there are many objections an attorney
The Hearsay Rule and Its Exceptions Read More »
There are several different violent crimes a person can be charged with in the United States of America. One such example is Murder; which is defined as the intentional and unlawful killing of another human being. However, there are different degrees of murder a person can be charged with. Professional athlete Aaron Hernandez (formally of
Aaron Hernandez and First Degree Murder Read More »
On October 2, 2013, a jury found AEG Live not liable for negligence in the case of KATHERINE JACKSON, ET. AL. VS. AEG LIVE LLC, ET. AL. (Los Angeles Superior Court Case #: BC445597). The case was filed by the family of Michael Jackson, one of the world’s biggest Pop Stars. The verdict shocked not
Negligence and Michael Jackson Read More »
While some states restrict expungement of records to cases in which the defendant was innocent or wrongfully prosecuted, California is more willing than other states to give criminal defendants a fresh start following a criminal conviction. In People v. Parker, a June 24, 2013 decision from the Second Appellate District, the Court considered the case
Court Upholds Broad-Based Expungement Read More »
71-year-old Herman Wallace died on October 8, 2013, approximately one week after being released from prison in Louisiana. Mr. Wallace, a member of the Black Panthers and one of the Angola 3, was convicted of armed robbery in 1971 and sent to Angola State Prison. The next year, he was accused of fatally stabbing a
Man Held In Solitary Confinement For 41 Years Read More »
The Supreme Court of the United States of America is the highest court in the country. The Court hears cases that are on appeal from a United States Circuit Court decision. The Supreme Court can choose to overturn the opinion of the lower court, or they can rule Stare Decisis, which is Latin and translates
Law Enforcement and Qualified Immunity Read More »
In October 2013, California Governor Jerry Brown signed a law that expanded the definition of disorderly conduct and invasion of privacy. Senate Bill 255 outlaws so-called “revenge porn,” which involves the posting of private, pornographic photos of another person as a means of revenge against an ex-partner. The bill, which goes into effect immediately, specifically
Revenge Porn Now Illegal in California Read More »
A woman accused of murdering her two children has requested the death penalty. In September 2013, police in Orange County arrested 42-year-old Marilyn Edge of Scottsdale, Arizona in connection with the murder of her two children, aged 9 and 13. Prosecutors allege that Ms. Edge poisoned her children after she lost a custody battle with
Murder Suspect Gives Up Read More »
Expungement in California, particularly for expunging California criminal records, is a vital legal process for individuals aiming to conceal their criminal history from the public eye. This process, while not completely erasing the conviction, significantly lessens its impact, thereby enhancing opportunities in employment, housing, and other crucial aspects of life. Key Penal Code Sections for
Expunging California Criminal Records Read More »
The question often arises: can a criminal conviction be a snake in the grass as far as your immigration status is concerned? The California Supreme Court recently considered this question in the September 11, 2013 case of People v. Martinez. In 1992, Mr. Martinez was arrested for and charged with possession of marijuana. He pled
When Criminal Law And Immigration Law Collide Read More »
As a citizen of the United States of America, it is always good to know your legal rights. Perhaps one of the most common questions that people ask is whether it is legal for police to search one’s personal property without the consent of the owner and/or a warrant? The 4th amendment forbids unreasonable searches
The 4th Amendment and Illegal Search of Property Read More »
