In early November, California authorities arrested a man after he allegedly broke into a pizza restaurant and made himself a meal as he robbed the place. The incident took place in Orange County. Hungry burglar breaks into pizza restaurant According to local media...
Criminal Defense Blog
Governor Newsom signs probation reform bill
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law on Sept. 30 that reduces the amount of time offenders in the Golden State will spend on probation. Assembly Bill 1950 limits probation to one year for misdemeanors and two years for felonies. Under previous laws,...
California governor signs justice reform bills
In October, the governor of California signed several bills that represent the state's answer to equality from law enforcement. The specific actions facilitated by the group of assembly bills include shorter probationary terms for misdemeanor offenders, the ability of...
Over 120 alleged members of a darknet drug ring arrested
Over 120 people in California have been arrested and charged with drug trafficking through a massive online ring known as "Stealthgod." The ring reportedly operated on the darknet, which uses special software to keep users' identities anonymous. The group is accused...
Plea bargain most likely outcome for criminal case
The criminal court system in California resembles systems in other parts of the country in that the majority of cases are resolved without the need for a judge or jury. Statistics show that 97 percent of the criminal cases in the state end in plea bargains. The plea...
When does DUI become a felony?
A DUI is a serious offense in California and in all states, but first-time offenses are commonly misdemeanors. However, a driver could face felony charges in some cases depending on each state's law. Drivers may undergo an assessment to determine their drinking habits...
Why drug charges may be reduced or thrown out
If you are facing a drug charge, it doesn't mean that your case will go to trial. This is true because you may accept a plea deal, or a California judge finds that there wasn't probable cause to charge you with a crime. Evidence may be suppressed or otherwise thrown...
Man charged with DUI homicide pleads not guilty
A California man who is accused of striking and killing a pedestrian while under the influence of alcohol on during the early morning hours of Jan. 26 has pleaded not guilty to charges of homicide, drunk driving and gross vehicular manslaughter. The 32-year-old man...
Pro skateboarder sentenced on drug charges
A skateboarder from who turned professional at the age of 16 and went on to win four X Games medals has been sentenced on federal drug trafficking charges, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California. On Aug. 7,...
Reforms in the criminal justice system
Prosecutors in California do have discretion during the performance of their duties. Discretion sometimes allows a prosecutor to negotiate a plea bargain agreement or take a case to trial. In Santa Clara County, the District Attorney's Office decided to use its...
