People who are being detained or interrogated by police officers have very specific rights that must be complied with. One of these requirements is that cops read the individual their Miranda rights. This is a list of specific rights that are contained within the...
Criminal Defense
Why doesn’t computer crime modeling work?
In an effort to predict where crimes will occur, some police departments have turned to computer models. This is often referred to as predictive policing. The algorithm looks at the data and predicts what types of crimes will occur and where they will take place. This...
When can you claim self-defense?
All kinds of situations can lead to charges of assault and battery – and the defenses available to you can be just as variable, but claims of self-defense are common. Before using this as your defense strategy, there are a few things to know about California law and...
What’s the price of a plea bargain?
It’s scary to be charged with a crime when you’re facing an uncertain future. When an offer for a plea deal comes through from the prosecutor, it may seem like a bargain in comparison. At least your ordeal will be over, right? Not so fast. Most people don’t realize...
Remember that the police can lie to you
When the police question you, they expect you to be honest with them. You may assume that this expectation goes both ways. You also expect the police officers to be honest as the two of you talk about the situation that has occurred. But this is a dangerous assumption...
How do police officers show cannabis impairment at the wheel?
California has been a leader in progressive cannabis policy for decades. As one of the first states to legalize cannabis both for medicinal and recreational use by adults, California has had to implement laws to protect the public. These have included laws against...
Do you have to let the police into your home?
People often assume that they simply have to go along with a police officer whenever they’re given an instruction. If the officer comes to your house and tells you that they want to come inside, you assume that they’re in charge and you have to let them in. But do...
Can you get a DUI after a religious service?
As you may know, there is an exemption for people under 21 who drink alcohol as a part of religious services. People under 21 could partake in a small glass of wine, for example, during a Catholic service and not be in violation of the underage drinking laws. What...
Will a victim recanting affect domestic violence charges?
Domestic violence is one of the most prevalent forms of interpersonal violence. It occurs within families or between those who live together. It is so common that in many jurisdictions, it is one of the top kinds of calls that local police departments receive. It can...
What constitutes a legal search by the police?
The constitution protects you from unlawful searches and seizures by law enforcement. However, many people are not aware of these rights when interacting with law enforcement. For instance, the police cannot pull you over and search your vehicle just because you are...
