Category Archives: General Public Interest
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
VIZIO TV Settles Charges Of Tracking Viewers’ Data
In last month’s case of FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION et al v. VIZIO, INC. et al, the FTC obtained a stipulated (agreed) settlement with a permanent injunction against, and payment of over $2 million from, Vizio, which is one of the largest television manufacturers in the world. The FTC alleged Vizio acquired from the video displayed … Read More
CAUTION: You May Get An Email, Text or Pop Up And It May Not Be Authentic !!
One of the newer scams is pop ups; these are windows that automatically appear on your cell phone screen, desktop monitor, laptop, tablet or notepad. Originally they were intended and, therefore, designed as a form of online advertising to attract business to a website. More recently, some have become a tool to not only capture … Read More
California Recent Change to Marijuana Law
Under the ballot measure designated as Proposition 64 that was passed by 57% of the voters in the November 8, 2016 election that became effective November 9th: 1) those convicted of a felony as a result of possession, transportation &/or cultivation of marijuana can have it reduced to a misdemeanor; 2) the County Public Defender … Read More
Do You Know Whether You Are Using Fake Apps (Applications)?
Almost everyone uses a cell phone today. And, the number using a smart phone and/or any other mobile device, such as a tablet, is increasing daily. We know that cell phones can be used to send instant text messages, which for many are used more frequently than communicating in person, on the telephone or sending … Read More