Many people are stopped by store security staff and asked to show the contents of their bags. Others face an even worse humiliation. They are accused of stealing from the store and made to wait while the police are called. While it is understandable that stores need...
Month: February 2018
Do I have to unlock my phone if the police ask?
If the police believe you may have committed a crime, or know something about one, they may ask you to unlock your phone so they can take a look. Knowing how to respond could save you a lot of trouble. You are under no obligation to unlock your phone simply because...
3 errors that could complicate your white collar case
Once you believe that you are the target of an investigation of a white collar crime, it is important to act smart. Acting in a panic could complicate your situation. Here are three things you need to avoid: Destroying evidence It might seem like a good idea to...
Can private browsing protect you from criminal charges?
One of the first places the police may want to look if they suspect you of a crime is your cellphone or your laptop. Police constantly look for information on these devices to help them secure convictions. Knowing this is half the battle. Yet many people who want to...
What separates manslaughter from murder in California?
Homicide is the most serious crime. Criminal homicide is the technical term for one person causing the death of another. There can be some confusion, however, about homicide offenses. Some people may assume that all homicide crimes are similar. California recognizes...
What are the penalties for embezzlement?
Embezzlement is a serious crime that can lead to stringent penalties. Understanding this charge and the potential consequences is vital for anyone accused of embezzlement in California. What is embezzlement? Embezzlement occurs when someone takes money or property...
California Penal Code 415: When your fun disturbs others’ peace
You may have been there; you’re having a great time until someone yells, “Keep it down or I’m calling the cops!” In California, that might not just be an empty threat. Thanks to Penal Code section 415 (“disturbing the peace”), loud or rowdy behavior can actually get...
3 things that can affect eyewitness reliability
If you are facing criminal charges, one thing that the prosecution can employ against you is eyewitness testimony. While they can be compelling, they are not always as reliable as people believe. Here are some things you should look at if you want to challenge an...
How does entrapment work as a defense?
Persons facing criminal charges may believe that law enforcement officers tricked them in some way. The police are permitted to use cunning and guile, and they can even outright lie to you. However, if they cross certain lines, it could open up a potential line of...
The differences between state and federal charges in California
There are many ways for a law to be broken. There are so many criminal statutes that many people don't even realize that they may have done something illegal. Individuals accused of breaking the law in California might find themselves facing either federal criminal...




