California was one of the first to adopt the Three Strikes Law in 1994 – the law which can send a repeat offender to prison for 25 years to life when he/she is convicted of a third strike. The Three Strikes law significantly increases the prison sentences of persons convicted of felonies who have been…
Continue reading ›A jury has convicted Jeffrey Woods of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence while intoxicated PC 191.5 (a) for the incident occurring in August of 2007. The truck Woods was driving crashed into the side walk and hit a 14-year old on his bike. Woods was on Vicodin and Xanax while also text messaging and driving…
Continue reading ›If you were an avid fan of Seinfeld or if you enjoy watching syndicated Seinfeld reruns, then you will probably remember the famous episode called “The Bookstore.” This is episode 173 from the 9th season, which aired originally April 9, 1998. Like all Seinfeld episodes, this episode had numerous plotlines, but who can forget when Jerry discovers…
Continue reading ›Have you ever been involved in a hit and run accident? Have you ever witnessed a hit and run accident and wondered what to do? A hit and run occurs whenever there is an accident and the individual leaves the scene of the accident without exchanging information with the person they hit or contacting the…
Continue reading ›Many times when we are watching television news or a crime drama we hear the phrases petty theft or grand theft. In most states the value of the stolen item(s) will determine what crime will be charged. In California the most common theft charge is Petty Theft (Penal Code Section 488); this can only be…
Continue reading ›On September 30, 2009–the eve of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, President Obama remarked how this violent epidemic “touches the lives of Americans of all ages, leaving a devastating impact on women, men, and children of every background and circumstance.” This month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Two different California code sections explain domestic violence. Under…
Continue reading ›As Angels’ fans basked in a 4-run lead against the Yankees in the American League play-offs on Thursday night, October 23rd, there was a little more action off the field. Hoping to see Angels’ left fielder Juan Rivera do some good during his at-bat an exuberant fan was seen walking around the rock fountain area…
Continue reading ›In California a common charge involving assault is Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Penal Code Section 245); if a person points a gun (or other dangerous weapon) at another person then he can be charged with assault with a deadly weapon. Even if the gun was not loaded and even if the person holding the…
Continue reading ›The LA Times and Orange County Register report that the Orange County crime lab and new DNA database will be reviewed in order to examine if there is a level of bias and to check productivity. John Moorlach a member of the Board of Supervisors commented that “if we’re doing all right they way it…
Continue reading ›Domestic Violence occurs when one person physically strikes another person without consent and the two people are married, in a dating relationship or otherwise romantically involved. This crime can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. If charged as a misdemeanor the maximum jail time possible is one-year. If charged as a felony the…
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