Forensic science is best known for solving murders, but forensics can also be used during a rape examination to collect proof that a sexual assault occurred. These examinations reveal evidence, including DNA samples, fiber fragments, fingerprints, and more. But just because the rape kit indicates that sexual intercourse occurred between two people doesn’t always mean […]
The Good Samaritan Bystander Law in Seinfeld
In one of the most famous season finales in television history, George, Elaine, Jerry, and Kramer are all charged under a “Good Samaritan Law” for watching someone get carjacked and failing to offer assistance. But over 25 years later, countless fans still wonder if the Latham, Massachusetts Good Samaritan law in Seinfeld even exists. […]
California Search and Seizure Laws
For you to be charged with a crime, police must find enough evidence to indicate your guilt. For the charges to result in a conviction, the evidence must be strong enough to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. While the California and US Constitutions protect citizens from illegal and unreasonable search and seizure, police […]
It is Not Illegal to Wear a Mask in Public in California
Maybe it’s because of Hollywood or perhaps it’s just because California loves Halloween more than other states, but our state’s mask laws are pretty relaxed overall. In fact, whereas some states make it illegal for people over 16 to wear masks and others ban their use outside of October, wearing a mask is legal for […]
What are the Best Criminal Defenses in CA?
If you are charged with a crime, you will be asked to plead guilty or not guilty. If you plead not guilty, you and your criminal defense attorney will need to present a defense to show the prosecutor does not have enough evidence to prove your guilt. To do this, you and your criminal lawyer […]
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 […]
CSI in Real Life Vs TV: 8 Common Myths
Crime shows like CSI, NCIS, Dexter, Law & Order, and Criminal Minds have allowed the public to explore the work of forensic science labs. The only problem? What makes for good television doesn’t reflect the realities of crime scene investigation units. Many investigation techniques seen on screen are exaggerated or outright fabricated. Unfortunately, many jurors […]
Is an IP Address Enough to Convict Someone of a Crime?
As the internet has become a standard part of our lives, judges have tried to figure out how our existing laws and precedents apply in the digital age. The courts must balance law enforcement’s need to investigate crimes with the Constitution’s protections against unreasonable search and seizure. Similarly, they must balance the government’s interest in […]
Is Jury Nullification Legal in California?
Sometimes the law is unjust. The law itself may be morally reprehensible, the penalties may be too harsh for the crime, or an ordinarily reasonable law may seem unfair in a particular case. In these cases, jurors may sometimes resort to a practice known as jury nullification, meaning they base their verdict not on the […]
Can You be Charged With Attempted Murder if the “Victim” was Already Dead?
Murder is the taking of another person’s life, so naturally, attempted murder is the attempt to take someone’s life. So would it be murder if someone attempts to take the life of someone who it turns out has already died? It’s an interesting legal question that has appeared not only in law schools and detective […]
