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Recent Blog Posts
Criminal and Licensing Sentences
In seeking to defend a criminal case or a professional or occupational license matter, the initial step is to evaluate the degree to which the allegations can be established. There are vastly different standards of proof for the prosecution in criminal and administrative law cases. In that regard, it is far easier for the prosecution … Read More
Compelling and Cogent Legal Arguments
All of us from time to time have read magazines, newspapers and articles. It strains credulity, however, that far too much of what has been written is not sufficiently balanced to provide the reader with a true and accurate narrative. Even worse are long winded and/or rambling legal arguments some lawyers may assert to the … Read More
Statistics Show More Women and Minorities in Law Firms
The National Association of Law Placement (NALP) reported an increase in the percentage of women and minorities in law firms. Although the Report on Diversity in Law Firms on showed limited gains in 2017 over the previous reported period of time, the increase demonstrates that more women and minorities (Black African American) are choosing law as their … Read More
DISCLOSURE OF CONVICTIONS TO EMPLOYERS
Effective January, 1, 2018, employers in California with five or more employees cannot make employment decisions regarding convictions unless first performing an individualized assessment. The Assessment entails consideration of: [1] the underlying facts of the crime as they relate to the nature and seriousness of the conviction; [2] the period of time that has elapsed since the crime … Read More
Rehabilitation of Inmates and Prisoners
When we go back in history, there was a time when those incarcerated would receive vocational training, such as wood shop, electric shop, metal shop, upholstery, plumbing, gardening, and most importantly learn any other skill that would increase their basic knowledge, enhance their self esteem, provide an opportunity for a more positive transition to life … Read More
PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF VIDEO AND AUDIO RECORDINGS BY LAW ENFORCEMENT
In California, an increasing number of law enforcement officers are using body cameras [more commonly referred to as “body cams”], which are attached to their clothing to record the encounters and work they perform while on duty. Proponents claim the goal is to increase the public’s trust and confidence in all peace officers, including the … Read More
Common Legal Mistakes in Transactions
Clearly, many of us go about our lives without making legal mistakes. Fortunately, many of us never incur legal problems. However, that should not create a false hope in our mind to ignore the fact that legal issues can arise and we have the power to avoid legal mistakes in our transactions, whether routine or … Read More
Federal Judge Halts California Ban on 10 Bullet Gun Magazines
California has one of the strictest gun laws in the nation. After voters on November 8, 2016 passed Proposition 63, the state legislature concurred and the Governor signed into law a ban on possessing high capacity ammunition magazines (those that hold 10 or more bullets), which law was to go into effect July 1, 2017, … Read More
California Bail Policies
There are over one million adult arrested in California on an annual basis. Current statistics reveal that approximately one third of these individuals are bailed out, and only about three percent (3%) fail to appear in court for one or more legal proceeding. The Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees equal protection of the … Read More
Should a Lawyer Predict the Outcome or Result in a Case?
It is not uncommon for a prospective client and, for that matter, even an existing client, to inquire as to the likely result(s) in the handling of their case. It is simply unwise to predict an outcome or even worse to speculate on what can be expected. I do not predict the expected or anticipated … Read More