Articles Posted in California

Misusing a California Handicap Parking Placard has always been punishable with a fine, but did you ever think about facing a $1000 fine and also being charged with petty theft? What many people forget is that not only does the California handicap placard allow you to park in convenient spots, you are also allowed to…

In today’s economic environment many people are seeking employment and new career paths. Oftentimes job seekers are surprised to learn that prospective employers will not only secure a credit report on the applicant, but also a criminal record report. Employers become very selective and may never give an applicant a second glance if a criminal…

Two months ago, I was cited in Orange County for using my cell phone while driving. I was written up for a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 23123 and given a court date on which to appear. This Vehicle Code Section went into effect on July 1, 2008. This law prohibits the use of…

30-year-old Fidel Galindo was arrested on October 22nd for attempting to break into an off-duty deputy’s SUV in Laguna Niguel. The deputy chased Mr. Galindo down after seeing him near his SUV. When he finally caught up with him, he held him until Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputies arrived. Mr. Galindo was booked and is…

The San Francisco Chronicle reported, November 4th, that state court officials have recommended Los Angeles and San Diego counties as possible sites for the murder trial of former Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) police Officer Johannes Mehserle. Mehserle resigned as a police officer in Oakland, California, after shooting 22-year-old Oscar Grant, who was unarmed on…

California was one of the first to adopt the Three Strikes Law in 1994 – the law which can send a repeat offender to prison for 25 years to life when he/she is convicted of a third strike. The Three Strikes law significantly increases the prison sentences of persons convicted of felonies who have been…

As Angels’ fans basked in a 4-run lead against the Yankees in the American League play-offs on Thursday night, October 23rd, there was a little more action off the field. Hoping to see Angels’ left fielder Juan Rivera do some good during his at-bat an exuberant fan was seen walking around the rock fountain area…

In California a common charge involving assault is Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Penal Code Section 245); if a person points a gun (or other dangerous weapon) at another person then he can be charged with assault with a deadly weapon. Even if the gun was not loaded and even if the person holding the…

Domestic Violence occurs when one person physically strikes another person without consent and the two people are married, in a dating relationship or otherwise romantically involved. This crime can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. If charged as a misdemeanor the maximum jail time possible is one-year. If charged as a felony the…

Six-year old Falcon Heene, better known as “Balloon Boy”, floated away in a saucer-like balloon last Thursday in Colorado. At least that’s what his father told officials. However, two hours after the whole ordeal began, the balloon landed in a field 50 miles away without the boy inside. The six-year-old was later located in the…