California residents have certain rights when dealing with the authorities. Having a basic understanding of your legal rights under California law can help you protect yourself if you are arrested, accused of a crime, or simply stopped by the police. Individuals have different rights depending on whether they are in…
A 37-year-old swim coach has pleaded guilty to multiple offenses involving sex with a minor. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the Irvine man was sentenced in Orange County Superior Court to 16 months in state prison for having sex with a 15-year-old female student. Officials…
If you cause a DUI collision in the city of Westminster, you could be slapped with a bill as high as $12,000. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the City Council voted unanimously to make an addition to an existing ordinance clarifying the types of situations…
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has announced that it will conduct two sobriety checkpoints in Hollywood this weekend, which precedes Halloween, according to a City News Service report. Obviously, all law enforcement agencies, including the LAPD, are ramping up operations knowing very well that Halloween is a holiday when…
Two brothers, ages 33 and 35, have been accused of lewd acts with young girls in Orange County. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, the alleged sex crimes occurred between May 2010 and August 2011 in Fullerton. Officials say that the two brothers allegedly committed these…
It is a crime in California to drive under the influence of drugs (DUI). The term “drugs” covers all substances that may affect a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle, including drugs that fall under the “recreational” category, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter drugs that may induce drowsiness. In fact,…
A 38-year-old Ventura County man has pleaded not guilty to sex crimes involving a child under the age of 14. According to a news report in The Ventura County Star, the man pleaded not guilty to all charges including committing a lewd act on a child and copulation of a…
Individuals charged with driving under the influence of alcohol face a number of consequences if convicted. One of those consequences is the requirement to wear an alcohol monitoring device. SCRAM stands for Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor. It is a small device worn like an ankle bracelet that helps determine…
Since medical marijuana in California became available, marijuana dispensaries have become a billion dollar industry. According to an October 8, 2011 report by Bloomberg, federal officials have promised to crack down on marijuana dispensaries in Southern California by going after property owners who allow these businesses on their properties. Federal…
If you have been arrested in Los Angeles for driving under the influence of alcohol, you will face a license suspension by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Following the arrest, the officer responsible for making the arrest will send notice to the DMV for an automatic suspension or revocation…