Criminal Defense Blog
Firefighter killed in alleged DUI motorcycle accident
The California Highway Patrol believe that a motorcyclist who lost control of his machine and crashed on the night of July 18 was likely under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time. However, initial accounts of the incident do not reveal what may have led CHP...
Men accused of having ecstasy mailed to California Post Office
Two men who were taken into custody in California on June 19 have been charged with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. A federal complaint filed on July 7 reveals that the men are accused of receiving packages containing MDMA, which is more commonly...
Drug convictions based on field tests are being overturned
Before they take suspects into custody on narcotics charges, police officers in California and around the country often perform chemical tests on suspicious substances using portable kits. These kits are issued to law enforcement officers because they are fast,...
Plea deal for drug charges impacted by California three-strikes
When confronted with criminal charges in California, a plea bargain might seem to be an appealing alternative to avoid the risk of a trial. However, there may be other issues that could impact the case such as sentencing laws based on previous convictions. This...
Illegally seized evidence may be excluded
California law enforcement does not always act appropriately when gathering evidence. The question is whether evidence that is improperly gathered can be introduced into court. This questioned is governed by a legal theory called the "Fruit of the Poisonous Tree"...
Man who drove into manure pond charged with DUI
A 45-year-old man is likely regretting his decision to get behind the wheel on Memorial Day. A social media post from the California Highway Patrol reveals that he found himself sinking in a pool of liquid manure after losing control of his SUV in southern Sacramento...
California couple charged with robbery and auto
A 28-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman have been taken into custody in California in connection with a convenience store robbery and a car . They are both being held at the El Dorado County Jail. The woman has been charged with possessing a stolen vehicle and...
Weight and timing of alcohol impairment level
Multiple internal and external factors contribute to the level of intoxication experienced by individuals who drink alcohol. The same number of drinks consumed by two different California residents may not necessarily result in the same blood alcohol concentration. A...
What is permitted as part of a legal search and seizure
When law enforcement in California needs to search an individual's property, there are certain laws they must follow. They are permitted to do a reasonable search and seizure, with "reasonable" defined as having a reason to believe that there will be evidence of a...
Man accused of selling stolen guns to police officers
A California man who once managed a gun shop owned by the Los Angeles Police Revolver and Athletic Club has been accused of stealing firearms and falsifying official paperwork. The 33-year-old man’s alleged activities are said to have come to light during an audit of...
