If you’re facing a criminal charge in California, there’s a high chance you’ll be offered a plea deal if you haven’t been yet. It’s how the vast majority of criminal cases are resolved. The deal may involve pleading guilty to a lesser charge or receiving a lighter...
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San Diego County Criminal Law Blog
Can the police search your bag?
If the police stop you, you may wonder whether they can search your handbag, holdall, or backpack. In California, the law sets clear limits on when a bag search is legal and when it is not. These limits are based on your constitutional rights under the Fourth...
Insider trading and why it matters to you
You live in a community that values hard work, fairness and opportunity, and farthest from your mind is the thought of somebody committing insider trading in your city. You might think that insider trading only happens in big cities or on Wall Street. However, this...
Can you refuse to take a breath test in California?
If a police officer suspects that you’re impaired and pulls your car over, they may have you take certain tests to determine that impairment. These could start with field sobriety tests, such as the one-leg stand. But the officer may then ask you to take a breath...
What’s considered drug paraphernalia in California?
When people hear about drug paraphernalia, they may automatically think about things like bongs and pipes, but those aren’t the only items that fall under the umbrella of drug paraphernalia. Anything that’s used in relation to illegal drugs can be considered drug...
Are field sobriety tests accurate?
A field sobriety test is something an officer may ask a driver to do if they suspect that they are impaired. The one-leg stand is a common example, as is the walk-and-turn test. Another is the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, which measures movement in the eye. The...
How do you fight a false accusation of a crime?
Being accused of a crime you didn’t commit can be overwhelming, but it’s important to stay calm and know your options. False accusations happen more often than you might think, and it’s crucial to understand how the legal system works to defend yourself. If you are...
Why search warrants must be executed properly
When the police violate a person’s rights during a search, they may disqualify any evidence that they find from a subsequent court case. This is because of the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine. It’s important to keep this in mind because excluding evidence can be...
The punishment for cocaine-related offenses
Facing drug charges can be a daunting experience, especially when it involves cocaine-related offenses. The stakes are high, and the consequences can be severe. However, understanding the potential punishments and having the right defense strategy can make all the...
Could you be under investigation for tax fraud?
Tax fraud investigations can start long before you get a formal notice. The California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) often gather evidence quietly for months. Spot early warning signs to give yourself time to plan a defense. Know these...