Non-citizens residing in the United States are expected to follow the laws of this country. If they fail to do so and are arrested, they may face deportation if they’re convicted of certain crimes. It’s always best to obey the law, but there are times when a person...
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Criminal Defense
3 common ways people break the law with prescribed medication
People often assume that the California criminal justice system employs a lenient approach to issues related to substance abuse. As a leader in drug law reform, California has developed a reputation for being more tolerant of infractions involving controlled...
When can California police officers physically search someone?
Those preparing to defend against criminal charges in California often need to consider many different strategies. Proving that someone has an alibi at the time of a specific criminal incident is one potential strategy. Raising questions about the possibility that...
Problems linger with walk-and-turn field sobriety tests
Many people living in California have felt fear when blue and red lights show up in their rearview mirrors, especially drivers who've had a drink or two. Besides the stress of dealing with the police, law enforcement may ask you to perform field sobriety tests. One of...
Common flaws that occur in eyewitness testimony
Being accused of a crime you didn’t commit in California can be the worst experience of your life. Even if you know you’re innocent, things can happen that skew the case. One of those issues is eyewitness testimony, and these are some of the common ways it can be...
Supreme Court to hear Fourth Amendment case
The Constitution protects California residents against unreasonable searches and seizures. A case before the Supreme Court will determine whether a police dog's paws touching a defendant's car violated that man's Fourth Amendment rights. In that case, the dog helped...
When that prescription doesn’t belong to you
California law makes it illegal to possess prescription drugs that do not belong to you. For example, if you take pills out of your parents' medicine cabinet, you could be charged with a crime if they are found in your car. A possession charge may be forthcoming even...
Concerns regarding some forensic evidence
Forensic evidence is vital to California criminal investigations, often serving as a cornerstone for identifying perpetrators and securing convictions. However, recent developments have shed light on significant issues surrounding certain types of forensic evidence....
Is there a penalty for rejecting a plea deal?
If you are charged with a crime by California authorities, it's possible that you will receive a plea deal. Plea deals are typically offered as a method of resolving cases quickly so that court dockets don't become severely backlogged. Although you are not required to...
Cocaine possession and distribution penalties in California
Cocaine is considered a Schedule II controlled substance in California, which means the penalties for distributing or trafficking the drug can be severe. However, most people arrested for possessing cocaine in the Golden State do not spend time behind bars. This is...