Most people agree that stealing is wrong, but taking ownership of something you know has been stolen can be a legal gray area. Whether the matter is ethical or not typically comes down to whether or not the individual taking the item knows if it was stolen. The law considers the issue similarly, which is […]
Sightseeing or Unauthorized Entry into an Emergency Area
When emergency personnel are called to handle a fire, hostage situation, car crash, or any other situation that threatens the public’s safety, they must be able to do their jobs without interference. It is for this very reason that California has instituted multiple laws to help protect first responders while they handle dangerous situations. These […]
What is the Penalty for Voter Fraud in California?
A democracy can only function when the electorate believes their votes will be counted accurately and fairly. To maintain the system’s integrity, voter and election fraud must be prevented, so California has instituted strong laws and punishments to prevent these crimes. If you have been accused of any crime related to interfering with an election, […]
What is Work Furlough in San Diego County?
To help minimize the populations of prisons and jails, state and county lawmakers have developed many alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders. One such program in California is the San Diego County Probation Department’s “Work Furlough (WF) and Residential Re-entry Center (RRC)” program, which allows inmates an opportunity to work and apply for jobs before they are […]
Shoplifting Laws in Vista, California: Penal Code 459.5 (PC)
Shoplifting is one of those terms, like assault, that is used differently by the public than by those in the justice system. Most people use the term to indicate that someone stole merchandise from a store, but it’s a little more complicated under the law. Similarly, many people assume the crime is not very serious […]
What You Should Know About Gun Storage Laws in CA
Wherever you stand on the political spectrum, there’s no denying that guns can and do kill people. To minimize the dangers of children and those prohibited from using firearms accessing these dangerous weapons, California has enacted many laws specifying how they should be stored and transported. The City of San Diego has even passed a […]
Is Proplifting a Crime in California?
Skilled gardeners know the best way to avoid spending a fortune on plants is to simply propagate new plants from seeds, roots, cuttings, and discarded or damaged plant matter. While there’s typically nothing wrong with propagating your own plants or accepting propagation materials from friends, family members, and neighbors, taking plant parts without permission, sometimes […]
What is The Difference Between Summary and Formal Probation?
Probation is one of the most common alternatives to incarceration and one of the most common sentences for both felonies and misdemeanors in California. But while people are usually familiar with the term, many don’t know what this sentence entails and how summary and formal probation differ. This overview offers a simple primer, but if […]
What is Aggravated Assault Under California Law?
Though assault and battery are frequently confused with one another, assault typically only involves the threat or attempt to use violence, not the actual use of force. When someone elevates this threat or attempts to use force, the assault is considered to be aggravated, making it a potential felony offense filed under California Penal Code section […]
It is Unethical and Illegal for a Therapist to Date Their Patient
When someone goes to a therapist or psychologist, they are often in a vulnerable state. As treatment progresses, they may start feeling attracted to their therapist, who comforts and supports them. But no matter how strong the attraction, psychologists, therapists, and other registered mental health professionals are expected to avoid engaging in sexual relationships with […]
