714-997-4400First Research On Proposition 47
Roughly one year ago we wrote about how Proposition 47 is affecting crime rates in California. The legislation is meant to reduce our states prison population through reclassifying some drug and property felonies to misdemeanors. Some time has passed since 2014 when Prop 47 came into being, which means experts are in a better position […]
Life Without Parole for Minors
It’s probably hard for some people to imagine that a decision made as a teenager could irrevocably disrupt the course of a person’s life. Young people are notorious for making uninformed decisions when it comes to a significant number of choices. Which, when you think about it, makes a lot of sense. The teenage brain […]
Expunging Marijuana Convictions In California
Last November, we covered an important topic relevant to many Californians, especially those with marijuana convictions on their record. Proposition 64 didn’t just give adults permission to buy and smoke pot, it also allows for expunging criminal charges for cannabis possession. Packed into the complicated bill is recourse for people whose lives are made difficult […]
Santa Clara County Voting On Judicial Recall
The 2016 sentencing of former Stanford University swimmer Brock Turner went from being a story about pervasive sexual assault on campus to a question about how judges wield punishment. It’s fair to wager that a significant number of Americans are familiar with the Turner case, owing less to the deed than to the light sentence […]
Mental Illness in the Criminal Justice System
Mental illness is prevalent in the criminal justice system, far beyond defendants pleading innocent for reasons of insanity. Research shows that many convicted felons struggle with mental health conditions; what’s more, if people who needed treatment, got it, it would have an impact on crime rates. Regardless of what a person is dealing with, i.e., […]
Holiday Season DUIs Soar
Just before Christmas, we highlighted some of the risks that come with deciding to drive under the influence of alcohol. Even if nobody is hurt, those caught imbibing and driving, end up being ordered to pay severe fines and lose their license for varying lengths of time. People who have incurred second or third offenses […]
Stored Communications Act Under Fire
Under the federal Stored Communications Act, Facebook and other electronic communication services, are expressly prohibited from handing over private user communications to others. While the legislation makes sense regarding user privacy, it presents serious problems for people facing criminal charges in court. Every American has the right to a fair trial and due process, but […]
SB 395 Impacts Juvenile Investigations
Last October, California Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 395: police cannot interrogate children 15 and under until a child has consulted with an attorney. Before, children of any age were allowed to waive their right to an attorney, even when parents had no idea their child was in custody. The legislation came about due […]
New U.S. Attorney Eastern California on Marijuana
Despite the fact that medical marijuana is legal in California since 1996, and as of January 1, 2018, adult recreational use is permitted, the U.S. Department of Justice is resistant. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has decided to change course from the previous administration which could result in a return to prosecuting people making a living […]