What is the Difference Between Watson Murder and Vehicular Manslaughter?
What is the Difference Between Watson Murder and Vehicular Manslaughter? Southern California roads are filled with drivers, so it’s no surprise that car accidents happen every day. However, repairing car damage and higher insurance rates aren’t the only thing you have to worry about when it comes to car accidents. When vehicle collisions cause the death of a driver or passenger, it could lead to serious criminal charges. You may…
Read MoreWarning: Undefined variable $j in /home/staging_wklaw/www/wp-content/themes/twenty-twenty-one-child/archive.php on line 52
Can I Be Charged with Auto Burglary If I Broke into a Car but Stole Nothing? (PC 459)
Can I Be Charged with Auto Burglary If I Broke into a Car but Stole Nothing? (PC 459) You’re walking through a parking lot on a hot day and you see a dog left alone in a locked car with the windows up. With the car owner nowhere to be found, you decide to shatter a window to help the dog. Could you be charged with a crime? You see…
Read More
Is It Free Speech or a Hate Crime?
Is It Free Speech or a Hate Crime? A Redwood City man told police that he punched a gas station employee because he “wanted to hit a Mexican.” Students at Monte Vista High School in Danville found the words “colored” and “whites” written over the urinals in a campus bathroom. Mosques across the country received letters that heralded the election of Donald Trump and claimed that a Muslim genocide would…
Read More
When is it Time for File a Motion for a New Trial? (PC 1181)
When is it Time to File a Motion for a New Trial? (PC 1181) You are on trial for a crime you didn’t commit. While the jury is deliberating your fate, new evidence is discovered that proves you are not guilty. The jury has no way of knowing this, but it is too late to introduce new evidence. The jury comes back with a guilty verdict. Is there anything you…
Read More
What is the Difference Between Robbery and Theft? (PC 211 vs PC 484)
What is the Difference Between Robbery and Theft? (PC 211 vs PC 484) The act of taking something that isn’t yours is often referred to as “stealing,” but when it comes to legal terms, the words “robbery” and “theft” are not interchangeable with stealing. Though you might think the two terms mean the same thing, they are separate crimes under California law. That is why it is important to understand…
Read More
When Does Domestic Violence Become a Felony in California?
When Does Domestic Violence Become a Felony in California? For many crimes under California law, the prosecutor has the choice to charge the defendant with either a misdemeanor or a felony. The choice is generally based on the severity of the harm done to the victim, the use of a weapon, or other aggravating factors. This is true in domestic violence cases. Like with other crimes, whether you are charged…
Read More
Could Chewing Tobacco Lead to DUI Charges?
Could Chewing Tobacco Lead to DUI Charges? The tests law enforcement officers use to determine if someone has been driving under the influence of alcohol can often be the deciding factor in whether or not that person faces DUI charges. Because a DUI charge can have serious implications on your future, it’s important that these tests give accurate results. But with the current DUI testing technology being used, it’s possible…
Read More
The Point System and Your Driver’s License
The Point System and Your Driver’s License Getting points is usually a good thing. In basketball, the team with the most points wins. The more points you score on an exam, the more likely you are to pass. Scoring points with your boss by working hard and producing results can earn you a raise. However, one area of life where you want as few points as possible is on your…
Read More
10 Things Every Criminal Defendant Needs to Know
10 Things Every Criminal Defendant Needs to Know If you are accused of a crime, you can expect that the police are not going to give you helpful information beyond what they are constitutionally required to do. Law enforcement will often try to use your inexperience with the criminal justice system to their advantage. That is why you need to follow these helpful tips if you have been arrested. You…
Read More
It May Never Be Too Late to Withdraw Your Guilty Plea
It May Never Be Too Late to Withdraw Your Guilty Plea When you enter a guilty plea, you may think that your case is pretty much over. You will be convicted of a crime and face the penalties. However, what happens if you plead guilty to a crime but you wish to take the guilty plea back? Can you withdraw your guilty plea? You may have the opportunity to appeal…
Read More