Drones are unmanned flying platforms. From these flying vehicles missiles can be launched, cameras installed so they are aerial surveillance vehicles, and listening devices activated. Developed for the battlefield, they are deadly when used against targets while not endangering their human pilots. The drones are controlled remotely from across the…
The recent shootings in Connecticut have been used to call for gun reform. The critics of the Right to Bear Arms guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment are calling for the abolition of gun owners’ right to own firearms. Restrictions on gun ownership are sought in an effort to curb gun…
The police reports pain an ugly picture. They clearly show that the Defendant is guilty. What to do? How does your attorney get the District Attorney to reduce or dismiss the charge against you? The experienced trial attorney tries to paint a picture that accurately shows the client for who…
A defendant has a right to a jury trial in most misdemeanor trials and in all felony trials. Many times the case is won or lost in jury selection. A prosecutor told me the other day that he won the case in jury selection after the case was concluded. He…
Who hasn’t heard that lawyers like to hear themselves talk? Lawyers like to talk. Lawyers like to think they give brilliant oratory. Lawyers are “wordsmiths” fashioning eloquent arguments for their clients to receptive juries that don’t even need to discuss the facts or the law in deciding the fate of…
When the police arrive at a crime scene the yellow tape goes up securing the scene. We’ve all seen it on the television show, CSI. In fact, according to CSI Los Angeles, Miami, Navy and everywhere on television it’s the science of the crime scene investigation which solves the crime.…
There are some cases that can be subject to a resolution process called Deferred Entry of Judgment. This is commonly referred to as DEJ. The process involves the Defendant pleading guilty to the charge(s), continuing sentencing, undergoing some type of education, and staying out of trouble for a specified time.…
Ambien is a commonly used sleep aid. What isn’t commonly known is that there are a significant number of reported cases of people “sleep driving” after taking Ambien. In the recent case of People v Mathson a California Court of Appeal, for the first time, has ruled on a defense…
Many of our veterans have returned from service to our country with mental and physical disabilities. Sometimes these service related disabilities result in criminal charges being filed. The search for justice in the criminal justice system for our veterans can be difficult. Many prosecutors give lip service to the returning…
Many prosecutor’s offices, including the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, now have special Deputy District Attorneys who are designated to prosecute Driving Under the Influence of Drugs cases. The violation of California Vehicle Code Section (CVC) 23152(a) can consist of a combination of alcohol and drugs causing impairment in a…