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”
Sentencing: California Felony Convictions Increase Punishment under Federal Law
It is a federal crime for a convicted felon to be in unlawful possession of a firearm, and the ordinary maximum sentence for that crime is 10 years of imprisonment. However, under the Armed Career Criminal Act (Act), a convicted felon unlawfully in possession of a firearm is subject to “Sentencing: California Felony Convictions Increase Punishment under Federal Law”
Supreme Court: BAC Reports Subject to the Sixth Amendment Scrutiny
Recently, the United States Supreme Court has ruled that the prosecution is prohibited from introducing a forensic laboratory report containing a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) certification through the in-court testimony of a scientist who did not sign the certification or perform or observe the test reported in the certification. The “Supreme Court: BAC Reports Subject to the Sixth Amendment Scrutiny”
California Allows Prison Inmates to Earn Work Time Credits While Incarcerated
In California, defendants convicted of a crime and sentenced to a determinate term in the state prison are generally required to serve their entire sentence imposed by the court except for a reduction in the time served as a result of their performance in work, training or education programs organized “California Allows Prison Inmates to Earn Work Time Credits While Incarcerated”
Defending Wobbler Offenses in San Diego
There are three categories of offenses in California: those that are punished as a felony, misdemeanor, or an infraction. A felony is a crime which is punishable by death or imprisonment in the state prison. Every other crime or public offense is a misdemeanor except those offenses that are classified “Defending Wobbler Offenses in San Diego”
California Imposes Life Sentences for Specified Sex Crimes
In California, many people are familiar with the terms “three strikes” or “multiple strikes” convictions. Such terms refer to a California law that has dramatically increased punishment for individuals convicted of felony offenses who have previously been convicted of one or more serious or violent felonies. Persons with two or “California Imposes Life Sentences for Specified Sex Crimes”
Plea Bargaining Resolves Most Criminal Cases in San Diego
Plea bargaining or case settlement is usually referred to negotiation between the prosecution and defense in order to resolve a criminal case without going to trial. Typically, during plea bargaining the defense agrees to plead guilty or no contest to one or more of the charged offenses in exchange for “Plea Bargaining Resolves Most Criminal Cases in San Diego”
Internet Protocol Numbers may be Disclosed to Police
A computer hacker unlawfully enters a computer network of one of the San Diego school districts. The hacker then gains control of the district’s routers, and transmits the data located on the district’s network to the hacker’s computer. As a result, the hacker obtains access to payroll and employee records, “Internet Protocol Numbers may be Disclosed to Police”
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 Constitutionality of San Diego DUI Checkpoints
Residents of San Diego often encounter various DUI checkpoints located in Pacific Beach, Imperial Beach, Coronado, El Cajon, South Bay, Poway, or Vista. These temporary checkpoints are usually put in place by the San Diego Sheriff’s Department on Friday and Saturday nights between 8 P.M. and 2 A.M. to remove “The Constitutionality of San Diego DUI Checkpoints”