How a Judge’s Ruling Led to Bill Cosby’s Sexual Assault Conviction
How a Judge’s Ruling Led to Bill Cosby’s Sexual Assault Conviction Comedian Bill Cosby was found guilty on three counts of sexual assault in Montgomery County Courthouse in Pennsylvania on Thursday. This was Cosby’s second trial on the same charges. In the first trial, the jury could not reach a verdict. The jury that found Cosby guilty of sexual assault on Thursday reached that verdict in a relatively short period…
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Is the YouTube Female Viagra Prank the Crime of Date Rape?
Is the YouTube Female Viagra Prank the Crime of Date Rape? On YouTube, a new “prank” gained popularity recently. This “prank” involves a person slipping a “female Viagra” product to his significant other and recording her reaction. The trend seems to have gone viral after YouTube personality Ryan Hamilton claims to have slipped something in his girlfriend's drink. In the video, it appears as though his girlfriend becomes aroused after…
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Most Common Legal Defenses to Corporal Injury on a Spouse Charges (PC 273.5)
Most Common Legal Defenses to Corporal Injury on a Spouse Charges (PC 273.5) Inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant under California Penal Code Section 273.5 is a serious crime. If convicted under PC 273.5, you face up to four years in prison and fines of up to $6,000. That is why it is crucial that you contact an experienced domestic violence attorney who can help defend you against…
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New California Law Allows Arrest Records to Be Sealed (PC 851.91)
New California Law Allows Arrest Records to Be Sealed (PC 851.91) Every year, there are more than one million people arrested in California. Many of these cases do not result in a conviction. Yet, the person who was arrested will have to live with the negative social stigma and embarrassment that comes with having an arrest on his or her record. For this reason, California lawmakers recently passed a law…
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How to Beat a Probation Violation Accusation
How to Beat a Probation Violation Accusation Probation gives you the opportunity to serve your sentence without spending time in custody. However, you need to understand that probation is not easy. You will be required to follow a strict set of probation terms, which could include frequent visits to a probation officer, entering drug or alcohol treatment programs, and/or attending anger management counseling. If you do not comply with all…
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Key Differences Between Statutory Rape and Lewd Acts with a Minor (PC 261.5 and PC 288)
Key Differences Between Statutory Rape and Lewd Acts with a Minor (PC 261.5 and PC 288) In some cases, the crimes of statutory rape and lewd or lascivious acts involving a minor could seem interchangeable. Both crimes involve sexual activity with a person under the age of 18. However, there are significant differences between these two crimes. Let’s explore the differences between statutory rape and lewd acts with a minor.…
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Can a Rape Victim Drop Charges? (PC 261)
Can a Rape Victim Drop Charges? (PC 261) Rape cases are often “he-said/she-said” circumstances where the only evidence against the defendant is the word of the alleged victim. Even in cases that don’t come down to “he-said/she-said,” the alleged victim’s statements are important pieces of evidence. So, what happens when an alleged victim wants to take back his or her allegations of rape? Can the alleged victim have rape charges…
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Can You Have a Felony and Not Go to Jail? (PC 1170(h))
Can You Have a Felony and Not Go to Jail? (PC 1170(h)) Most people assume that if they are convicted of a felony, they will be sent to prison. In many cases, this is true. However, California law allows judges to offer alternative sentencing for some felony offenses. Alternative sentencing includes probation, pre-trial diversion and other programs designed to reduce the number of people being held in jail or prison.…
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5 Black Friday Crimes That’ll Make You Wait for Cyber Monday
5 Black Friday Crimes That’ll Make You Wait for Cyber Monday On Black Friday, hordes of people flock to stores across America right after they clean their plates in hopes of getting the best deals on products for themselves and everyone on their holiday shopping lists. Black Friday has become so big that many stores now open and begin slashing their prices on Thanksgiving day. The hysteria of this day…
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California Extends Miranda Rights to Children 15 and Under
California Extends Miranda Rights to Children 15 and Under Your child is accused of an incident at school. The police come to the school and take your child to the police station. You are not informed that your child is being questioned by police. Authorities use interrogation tactics to get your child to confess to committing a crime he or she may not have actually committed. Unfortunately, this nightmare scenario…
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