In California, there are two main statutes criminalizing conduct that results in a fire. An individual may be prosecuted for committing the crime of arson or the crime of recklessly causing a fire. A person is guilty of arson when he or she willfully and maliciously sets a fire, burns, “Supreme Court Explains the Mental State Requirement for Arson in California”
California Makes it Harder for “Lifers” to Parole
The primary purpose of a “lifer” parole hearing is to determine whether an individual is suitable for parole while serving a life sentence that allows for parole. The initial decision on the inmate’s suitability has to be made by the California Board of Parole Hearings, which evaluates various circumstances related “California Makes it Harder for “Lifers” to Parole”
The California Supreme Court Authorizes Warrantless Searches of Cell Phones
The California Supreme Court recently ruled that law enforcement officers are authorized to conduct a warrantless search of cell phones obtained from a defendant after arrest. The Court granted review to determine whether the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution was violated when approximately 90 minutes after lawfully arresting “The California Supreme Court Authorizes Warrantless Searches of Cell Phones”
Juvenile Offenses Can Be Used as Strikes
Juvenile adjudications (convictions) can be used against adult criminal defendants under the “three strikes” law even though juvenile defendants have no right to a jury trial. The California Supreme Court, in People v Nguyen, held that prior juvenile adjudications that qualify as serious or violent felonies (“strikes”) can used to “Juvenile Offenses Can Be Used as Strikes”