Civil rights advocates in California and around the country are likely to be disappointed by a recent Supreme Court Ruling. In an 8-1 decision, the justices ruled that a police officer in Kansas acted within boundaries laid down by the U.S. Constitution when he pulled...
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San Jose, California Legal Blog
Troubling truths about eyewitness identification
There is a lot of discussion about the reliability of eyewitness identification. It still remains one of the most compelling forms of testimony in jury trials in California. However, research suggests that memory is not infallible, and it often morphs over time as it...
High school finance clerk sentenced for embezzlement
A 64-year-old California woman has pleaded guilty to embezzling $709,084 from a high school in Orange County. After entering the guilty plea, she was sentenced to 14 years in state prison for 222 counts of felony embezzlement and misappropriation of money by a public...
Options for getting out of jail following arrest
If authorities have reason to believe that you have committed a crime, you may go to jail following an arrest. However, this does not necessarily mean you will remain in jail for an extended period. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to arrange for your...
Charitable giving and estate planning
When it comes to supporting a charitable organization, philanthropically minded individuals have many options from which they can choose. Some people wish to donate their time or expertise while other people wish to donate their assets, be they financial or otherwise....
Is a joint will revocable?
Interesting issues come up every day in estate planning. One of these issues is whether or not joint wills are enforceable between a husband and wife. You and your spouse may execute your will, and both your wills may have the same thing that happens to the remaining...
Understanding the role of an executor
Creating a will is a crucial part of estate planning. You need to develop a written document of how you want your assets distributed, among other things. However, another critical part of this process is deciding on the executor of your will. This person has...
Can you be charged with drug possession if you overdose?
According to the CDC, in 2019, over 62,000 people died from a drug overdose. While this number has reduced over time, there is a concern among people using drugs that when they overdose, they may also get arrested for possession because of it. This may be a reason...
What is a misdemeanor versus a felony?
Being charged with any crime can be a jarring experience. You may have many questions about the criminal justice process ahead, as well as what potential penalties and other consequences you face. In California, you likely face either misdemeanor or felony charges....
How serious is vandalism as a crime?
In California, there are laws in place to prevent vandalism. Unfortunately, it still occurs. Vandalizing property is a common crime among youths who do not understand the severity of it. However, just how serious are criminal charges for vandalism? First, it is...