Local attorneys and judges are mystified as to why San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis ordered her prosecutors to file peremptory challenges in all criminal cases assigned to the Honorable Judge John S. Einhorn. Judge Einhorn is known as a tough, smart judge who routinely handles complex, high-profile criminal matters. “D.A. Boycotts San Diego Criminal Trial Judge”
Sexual Assault Lab Kits Remain Untested for DNA
Over 6,000 rape kits from active investigations of sex crimes remain untested throughout the country. Experienced criminal defense lawyers know that innocent persons are prosecuted when police selectively test some evidence while ignoring other items of crucial evidentiary value.
Are Juveniles Lawfully Subject to Life without Parole?
The United States Supreme Court will entertain oral argument today on the issue of whether a life sentence without parole for a juvenile offender convicted of a non-murder offense violates the Eight Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. The Court has already decided that juveniles are not subject to “Are Juveniles Lawfully Subject to Life without Parole?”
Criminal Court Diversion for Combat Veterans
The San Diego County Public Defender’s, together with private criminal defense lawyers and local veterans groups, is reportedly putting together a legislative proposal for the diversion of criminal cases for combat veterans. The Penal Code already provides for alternative sentencing for combat veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, “Criminal Court Diversion for Combat Veterans”