Criminal charges result from a law enforcement officer observing an individual in the act of a crime, such as in the case of a person driving while intoxicated, or as a result of an investigation into an alleged crime. People often make the mistake of believing that an attorney is “Under Investigation in California: Do You Need a Lawyer Before You Are Charged?”
Former Arizona Congressman Must Face Public Corruption Charges
Members of the United States Congress are generally protected from being criminally prosecuted for their “legislative acts” under the Speech or Debate Clause of the United States Constitution. Pursuant to the clause, members of both Houses of Congress are privileged from being arrested, except for treason, felony, or breach of “Former Arizona Congressman Must Face Public Corruption Charges”
Supreme Court Explains the Mental State Requirement for Arson in California
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”
Alleged Tucson Shooter Can Refuse Antipsychotic Medication
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled this week that Jared Lee Loughner, an individual who is charged with shooting Representative Gabrielle Giffords, could refuse taking forced antipsychotic medication while he appealed his treatment prescribed by prison doctors. Loughner, who has been prosecuted for the Tucson shooting, is currently facing “Alleged Tucson Shooter Can Refuse Antipsychotic Medication”
Former Illinois Governor Convicted of Trying to Sell Obama’s Senate Seat
Rod R. Blagojevich, the former governor of Illinois, has been found guilty of wide range of corruption charges including wire fraud, bribery, attempted extortion, extortion and bribery conspiracy, and of trying to sell Obama’s Senate seat in exchange for personal gain. A jury deliberated for 10 days and convicted the “Former Illinois Governor Convicted of Trying to Sell Obama’s Senate Seat”