Recent Blog Posts
California Legislators Propose Additional Laws to Reform Juvenile Justice
Last year on this blog, we shared news about changes to California’s sentencing laws that altered how inmates who were under age 25 would be considered for parole. These changes were signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown prior to the end of 2017 along with a number of other laws targeted at preventing… Read More »
What You Should Know about Violating a Restraining Order in California
Restraining orders, also known as protective orders, are often used by courts and law enforcement to protect alleged victims of domestic violence or harassment from additional abuse or threats of violence. Restraining orders can be imposed with little warning, and they can result in a major disruption of your normal routine. If you’re facing… Read More »
What Factors Influence Your BAC?
The best way to avoid getting a DUI in California is not to drink before you drive. If you are planning to have a drink before getting behind the wheel of your car, however, it’s very important to understand the factors that do—and don’t—affect your blood alcohol content (BAC). Below, find out more about… Read More »
California Residents Convicted of Marijuana-Related Offenses May Be Able to Clear Their Records
In November of 2016, California voters passed Proposition 64, the law that permits the sale of marijuana for recreational use. Most people know that sales of marijuana to individuals over age 21 from licensed dispensaries will begin on January 1, 2018. What many don’t know is that the law also includes provisions which can… Read More »
Numerous Criminal Justice Reforms Signed into Law by Gov. Jerry Brown
California’s 2017 legislative session resulted in numerous laws geared toward reforming criminal justice in the state and improving the lives of those convicted of a crime, and Gov. Jerry Brown recently signed a number of the bills that were passed by the legislature into law. Read on to learn about some of the new… Read More »
Bill Would Ask Parole Boards to Consider Age of Inmates
Two new laws would change how California parole boards consider the inmates standing before them, based on their ages. The laws, now awaiting signature by Gov. Jerry Brown, would also have the effect of further reducing the California prison population. Senior inmates would be considered for parole One potential new law would ask parole… Read More »
California to Consider Statewide Bail Reform Measures
For many individuals currently locked up in jail in California, it isn’t proof of guilt that’s keeping them behind bars; it’s an inability to make bail. In recent years, a number of states have begun to reform their bail systems so that arrestees facing trial don’t spend months behind bars simply because they can’t… Read More »
Detecting Marijuana Use among Drivers Not an Exact Science
In November, California joined the states of Colorado and Washington in legalizing recreational marijuana use. According to law enforcement, this shift in the law has resulted in an uptick in the number of arrests for and accidents caused by pot intoxication while drivers are behind the wheel. These increased arrests may be due in… Read More »
Your Miranda Rights, and How to Invoke Them
If you’ve watched a police procedural show like Law and Order, you’ve heard Miranda rights recited to fictional arrestees enough times that you could probably recite them yourself. But do you know what rights they offer you when you’ve been arrested in California? More importantly, do you know how to invoke these rights to… Read More »
Tiger Woods DUI Arrest—A Cautionary Tale
You’ve doubtless seen the news (and accompanying mug shots)–legendary golfer Tiger Woods was recently arrested for driving under the influence. However, you may have also heard that Mr. Woods blew a 0.00 when completing two separate breathalyzer tests, showing no measurable amount of alcohol was in his system at the time of the arrest…. Read More »
