What to Expect at a Preliminary Hearing
What to Expect at a Preliminary Hearing If you are accused of a felony offense, there will be a step in the criminal process called the preliminary hearing. Also referred to as a “probable cause” hearing or a “trial before the trial,” the preliminary hearing is where the judge will determine if the evidence presented by the prosecution is sufficient to move forward with your case. It is important to…
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Is it a Crime to Lie to a Police Officer? (PC 148.5)
Is it a Crime to Lie to a Police Officer? (PC 148.5) Little lies are often harmless. You might lie to your spouse about where you were when you were buying his or her birthday present. You might lie to your child about the existence of the Tooth Fairy. Usually, those kinds of lies are told with the intent that the person you lied to will one day know the…
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Supreme Court Rules Government Can’t Track Your Location Through Your Cellphone Without a Warrant
Supreme Court Rules Government Can’t Track Your Location Through Your Cellphone Without a Warrant Do you go anywhere without your cellphone? These days, your cellphone is your life. Many people could not imagine leaving their homes without their phone. But what if you knew that the government would be able to find out where you were at all times through your cellphone? Would you still bring your phone along with…
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How a Judge’s Ruling Led to Bill Cosby’s Sexual Assault Conviction
How a Judge’s Ruling Led to Bill Cosby’s Sexual Assault Conviction Comedian Bill Cosby was found guilty on three counts of sexual assault in Montgomery County Courthouse in Pennsylvania on Thursday. This was Cosby’s second trial on the same charges. In the first trial, the jury could not reach a verdict. The jury that found Cosby guilty of sexual assault on Thursday reached that verdict in a relatively short period…
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Is the YouTube Female Viagra Prank the Crime of Date Rape?
Is the YouTube Female Viagra Prank the Crime of Date Rape? On YouTube, a new “prank” gained popularity recently. This “prank” involves a person slipping a “female Viagra” product to his significant other and recording her reaction. The trend seems to have gone viral after YouTube personality Ryan Hamilton claims to have slipped something in his girlfriend's drink. In the video, it appears as though his girlfriend becomes aroused after…
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Most Common Legal Defenses to Corporal Injury on a Spouse Charges (PC 273.5)
Most Common Legal Defenses to Corporal Injury on a Spouse Charges (PC 273.5) Inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant under California Penal Code Section 273.5 is a serious crime. If convicted under PC 273.5, you face up to four years in prison and fines of up to $6,000. That is why it is crucial that you contact an experienced domestic violence attorney who can help defend you against…
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New California Law Allows Arrest Records to Be Sealed (PC 851.91)
New California Law Allows Arrest Records to Be Sealed (PC 851.91) Every year, there are more than one million people arrested in California. Many of these cases do not result in a conviction. Yet, the person who was arrested will have to live with the negative social stigma and embarrassment that comes with having an arrest on his or her record. For this reason, California lawmakers recently passed a law…
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How to Beat a Probation Violation Accusation
How to Beat a Probation Violation Accusation Probation gives you the opportunity to serve your sentence without spending time in custody. However, you need to understand that probation is not easy. You will be required to follow a strict set of probation terms, which could include frequent visits to a probation officer, entering drug or alcohol treatment programs, and/or attending anger management counseling. If you do not comply with all…
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Key Differences Between Statutory Rape and Lewd Acts with a Minor (PC 261.5 and PC 288)
Key Differences Between Statutory Rape and Lewd Acts with a Minor (PC 261.5 and PC 288) In some cases, the crimes of statutory rape and lewd or lascivious acts involving a minor could seem interchangeable. Both crimes involve sexual activity with a person under the age of 18. However, there are significant differences between these two crimes. Let’s explore the differences between statutory rape and lewd acts with a minor.…
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Can a Rape Victim Drop Charges? (PC 261)
Can a Rape Victim Drop Charges? (PC 261) Rape cases are often “he-said/she-said” circumstances where the only evidence against the defendant is the word of the alleged victim. Even in cases that don’t come down to “he-said/she-said,” the alleged victim’s statements are important pieces of evidence. So, what happens when an alleged victim wants to take back his or her allegations of rape? Can the alleged victim have rape charges…
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