There are many relationships given special confidentiality protections in the courts: lawyer/client, therapist/patient, spousal, priest/confessor and doctor/patient. Like all of these protected communications, there are many rules that cover how physician confidentiality works when it comes to the criminal courts, including the nature of the information and how it will be used. Not Everything You […]
Putting an End to Police Pretext Stops in Vista and San Diego
Police can stop motorists for many reasons, including minor issues such as not using a turn signal, having a broken tail light, having window tinting on your windows, or similar issues. These stops for small infractions are considered “pretextual” stops because police usually use these issues as a pretext to hopefully find evidence of some […]
Maybe Rabbits Shouldn’t Be Police Officers in the World of Zootopia
The world of Zootopia is an inspirational tale about overcoming prejudice and stereotypes to make a better, more inclusive world. But when the protagonist is the city’s first bunny police officer, who happens to break the law and put the public at risk more often than not, it undermines the positive message she should be […]
A Definition of Juror Misconduct Along With a Few Examples
The American criminal justice system is based upon the ability of a defendant to present his case before an unbiased jury of his peers. But jury misconduct may occur if a juror fails to follow the law or a judge’s instructions. While these acts could negatively affect a defendant’s right to a fair trial, the […]
Citizen Arrest Laws in Vista, California: CA Penal Code 837 (PC)
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is a citizen’s arrest a real thing?” after watching a TV show depicting one, you’ll be happy to know you’re not alone. In California, they are absolutely real and legal as long as they follow the rules set forth under the law. Citizen’s arrests are an important part of the […]
Are DUI Sobriety Checkpoints Legal in Vista, California?
If you have been charged with drunk driving after going through a DUI checkpoint, I can help you fight the charges.
Vista, California Rioting Laws: Penal Code 404 (PC)
Vista and the rest of San Diego County are pretty laid-back, which means riots are, fortunately, a rarity here. But on occasion, they do happen. If a riot breaks out around you, avoiding the fray is not just a good idea from a safety standpoint but also from a legal perspective because participating in a […]
Can Two People be on Trial at the Same Time in Vista, California?
Most people charged with a crime settle things in a plea bargain. When things aren’t settled this way, they go to trial. While most people go through their trials alone, some co-defendants facing charges from the same circumstances are tried together. While these joint trials save court resources and make it easier for witnesses, they also […]
What to do When You are Being Investigated & Signs it’s Happening
In television and movies, the suspect almost always knows the police are investigating them and acts accordingly. But in real life, things are rarely so obvious. You do not legally have to be informed of an investigation, and police often prefer not to notify someone that they are a suspect until they formally charge them […]
If Drugs are Found in a House, Who is Responsible?
One of the most common things people say when police confront them with drugs found in a search is, “those aren’t mine.” While drug possession lawyers suggest never talking to the police without an attorney present, you can sometimes successfully fight drug charges on the grounds that they weren’t actually yours. This defense is a good option […]
