Many California drivers think they automatically have to comply if a police officer asks them to do something during a traffic stop. While there are certain requests you should immediately obey, such as exiting your vehicle if a patrol officer asks you to do so,...
Police pulled you over under suspicion that you were driving while impaired. You consented to a roadside breath test, and police were surprised to see no alcohol registered in your blood. You may think the next step is for officers to hand you your license...
In California criminal cases, one of the elements the prosecution is generally required to prove beyond a reasonable doubt is the defendant's mens rea. This is a Latin term for "guilty mind." While a careless action may have resulted in harm to a person, carelessness...
In the movies and on television, the "bad guy" isn't necessarily under arrest until the cop slaps on the handcuffs. That makes for great cinema, but are handcuffs the hallmark of an arrest in real life? Not necessarily. Anytime a police officer has control over your...
If you have ever left your social media page open, you may have been surprised when a prankster friend changed your status to something strange or shocking. It was all in good fun, but you may have learned your lesson about logging out when you...
Some may think graffiti and other types of vandalism are just harmless pranks young people engage in when they are bored or feeling rebellious. The fact is that these types of vandalism can cost property owners and government agencies a great deal of money. Painting...
There's one night you've looked forward to for months. It's not date night or your birthday or the premiere of the new Gilmore Girls revival. It's girls' night. The kids are at home with your significant other or a babysitter, and you get to unwind...
In the movies and on television, the "bad guy" isn't necessarily under arrest until the cop slaps on the handcuffs. That makes for great cinema, but are handcuffs the hallmark of an arrest in real life? Not necessarily. Anytime a police officer has control over your...
California residents who are accused of committing crimes have the right to a fair trial under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The Sixth Amendment also states that all criminal defendants have the right to be represented by an attorney. Attorneys are expected...
If you have ever left your social media page open, you may have been surprised when a prankster friend changed your status to something strange or shocking. It was all in good fun, but you may have learned your lesson about logging out when you...