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Recent Blog Posts
Update on the Right to Carry a Concealed Weapon
In the recent case of Edward Peruta vs. County of San Diego, 10-56971, (February, 2014), the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals held a private citizen may carry a firearm in public for self-defense pursuant to the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. As a general rule, one previously could not carry a concealed … Read More
Senate Committee Approves Eliminating and Reducing Certain Criminal Sentences
On January 30, 2014, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill that would abolish mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenders who do not have a prior criminal history, as well as reducing by 50% mandatory minimum sentences for specified nonviolent drug offenses. The proposed law among other things eliminates mandatory minimum sentences if there is … Read More
Handshake or Fist Bumping – Which Do You Prefer and Why?
Most of us will agree a handshake is the best way to express a connection with another person. It is a way to send a message; whether in addition to a verbal “hi” or “hello” it is most often deemed a sign of thoughtfulness &/or affection. Although many individuals may not like to be touched, … Read More
What are the Rights of Transgender Students in California?
Effective January 1, 2014, transgender students in kindergarten through the 12th grade must be accommodated. The new law prohibits public schools from discriminating on the basis of gender, gender identity and/or gender expression. This means public school students must be allowed to play on sports teams, participate in extracurricular activities and choose which bathrooms and … Read More
Former BP Engineer Convicted of Obstructing Justice
In New Orleans today, there was a jury verdict after the U.S. Department of Justice charged Kurt Mix, a former BP engineer, of deleting hundreds of text messages from his iPhone, thereby thwarting the investigation of the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Although none of the top executives of BP have … Read More
Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriffs Charged with Corruption and Civil Rights Violations
Charges were filed yesterday that involve approximately 17 current and 2 former deputies who have been accused of beating inmates and visitors, falsifying reports, as well as obstructing justice, conspiracy and corruption. The criminal complaint and grand jury indictments contain, among other charges against the deputies, allegations that records were falsified, visitors to and inmates … Read More
Did San Diego Sheriffs Use Excessive Force When They Killed a Suicidal Suspect?
On December 2, 2013, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in the case of CHELSEY HAYES V. COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO, Case #09-55644 , heard this civil rights Complaint brought under the Federal statute 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and California law wherein a minor daughter alleged violations of her 14th and 4th Amendment rights and … Read More
Should You Sign Up for a Store Credit Card (this holiday season)?
Have you ever purchased an item at a store and the salesperson asks “would you like to apply for a (name of the store) credit card? If so, you can save (they will stipulate anywhere from 5%-20%) on this purchase.” One issue to consider is whether you should first survey credit cards in the open … Read More
Be Safe and Vigilant During This Holiday
This is the time of the year when there are many holidays and we will be celebrating, most often with family and friends. However, the period of time between Thanksgiving and the New Year can also be the most dangerous days and nights of the year, whether on the neighborhood streets &/or highways. Unfortunately, we … Read More
What Evidence is Required to Establish Aiding and Abetting a Crime?
On November 12, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Rosemond v. United States, #12-895, on Petition for a Writ of Certiorari to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, heard oral arguments. The underlying case involved the issue of whether the jury instructions were adequate and the offense of aiding … Read More