When people hear the word “conspiracy,” they typically think of some crackpot theory you might read online. Under California Penal Code section 182 (PC) though, a conspiracy occurs when two or more people work together to plan or commit any crime. Conspiracy allegations are drastically different than most criminal charges, as a person accused of […]
Is Suicide Illegal In California?
Suicide isn’t an easy discussion topic for most people, but it’s also subject to several myths when it comes to the law. For example, many people think it is a crime to kill yourself in California and that you can be charged with attempted suicide if your attempt fails. In actuality, suicide (and attempted suicide) […]
Is Lying to the Police a Felony in California?
You can’t be charged with obstruction of justice if you refuse to speak with the police, no matter how many police procedurals say otherwise. But while you have the right to remain silent (as long as you do it right by properly invoking your Fifth Amendment rights) and to have a lawyer present when you […]
What Happens if a Conjoined Twin Commits a Crime?
English jurist William Blackstone famously stated, “It is better than ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.” That line of thinking is what makes it so fascinating to contemplate what penalties would be fair if one conjoined twin breaks the law. After all, punishing the guilty twin would invariably mean punishing the innocent […]
Understanding the Gang Enhancement Law of California
California is home to some of the nation’s longest-running and most deadly street gangs. In 1988, to curb the violence associated with these criminal organizations, the state enacted Penal Code section 186.22 (PC), known as the California Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention (STEP) Act. Unfortunately, these measures ended up being disproportionately used against minority communities […]
What Are the Penalties of A Drive-By Shooting Under 26100 (PC)?
While some believe only the shooter is criminally liable in a drive-by shooting, that is far from the truth. Under California law, Penal Code section 26100 (PC) says if your vehicle was used for a drive-by shooting, but you were not present, you could be convicted if the prosecution can prove that you knew your […]
Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor Defense Attorney
Contributing to the delinquency of a minor is a rather broad charge that can cover all sorts of activities that involve aiding or abetting someone under 18 to commit a crime. While the most common actions that result in this charge are giving cigarettes or alcohol to a minor, these are by no means the […]
Aiding and Abetting Vs. Being an Accessory After the Fact
If you encouraged or helped someone to commit a crime, you may be accused of aiding and abetting, sometimes called being a “criminal accomplice,” under California Penal Code section 31 (PC). On the other hand, helping someone avoid the police after they committed a crime means you may be charged with being an accessory after […]
What Kind of Charges Could Skyler From Breaking Bad Face?
While we don’t know how the show will end yet, season five has made it clear that Breaking Bad’s Skyler White is willing to work with Walt -as long as it means keeping their kids safely away from the mess. She’s terrified of him and if she were arrested for her role in Walter’s business, […]
