San Jose, California Legal Blog
Police in California say driver in fatal crash was impaired
Police believe that drug use or alcohol consumption and reckless driving were the causes of a deadly motor vehicle accident in Perris on the night of July 20, 2020. An 8-year-old girl and a 75-year-old woman lost their lives in the crash. An unidentified man was taken...
Domestic violence in California
Domestic violence laws in California are designed to prevent in-home violence between family members and intimate partners. Courts across the country take domestic violence seriously, and a conviction for domestic violence could carry significant legal punishments....
The importance of estate planning while you’re young
While no one wants to face their own mortality, the concept of estate planning is something that everyone must think about at some point. It’s incredibly easy for young parents in California to assume that the need for early estate planning isn’t there, but it...
Portable drug-testing kits are known to be unreliable
Portable drug-testing kits are used by thousands of police officers each day in California and around the country because they are inexpensive and relatively easy to use. These kits have been used by law enforcement agencies for decades despite overwhelming evidence...
Pay attention to beneficiary designations
Many Californians understand the importance of a will. However, some may mistakenly believe that their will overpowers anything else that might determine the distribution of property and assets, such as the beneficiary designation forms for certain accounts. Both...
Who is permitted to challenge a will?
People in California who are writing a will might wonder who would be able to challenge it. Only certain people are permitted to do so. For example, a cousin, neighbor or friend who is not named in the will usually cannot do so even if they have reasons to believe...
The importance of an estate plan for those with brain conditions
Every California resident needs an estate plan, even if they do not think that it is necessary. Despite the common misconception, estate plans are not solely for the wealthy. The need for an estate plan is even greater when someone has a health condition that may...
Why you need an estate plan
Many across California and the rest of the country mistakenly believe that estate plans are solely for those with a high net worth. Of course, if you have significant property and assets, an estate plan is critical to plan for the future. However, an estate plan...
Things to consider when incorporating a trust into your estate plan
Though California is an expensive state in which to live, it is also home to plenty of residents who manage to acquire enough property and other assets to justify placing them in a trust. Revocable vs. irrevocable trusts There are several options when it comes to...
Legal limits on police searches and evidence exclusions
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution establishes that law enforcement officers may only search people and property when it is legally reasonable to do so. The law generally requires police to get a search warrant from a judge before seeking evidence from a...
