When is The Punishment Just Too Great For a Juvenile Crime?
When is The Punishment Just Too Great For a Juvenile Crime? A 17 year old was recently convicted of committing a forcible sex act with two minors. There is no doubt that the juvenile committed a horrible act that caused pain and suffering to the two minors. However, the judge sentenced the minor to 40 years to life in state prison. This means that he will not be eligible to…
Read MoreHow Does The Juvenile Justice System Work In California?
How Does The Juvenile Justice System Work In California? While young people think they are invincible, the law thinks otherwise. If your child faces criminal charges, all of the usual stress turns into fear. And with that fear, you probably have an endless list of questions. To try to help you, the attorneys at Wallin & Klarich will explain how the juvenile justice system works. Maybe we can ease some…
Read MoreCourt Rules That Police Can Refuse Minor’s Request To Speak To Parents Before Questioning Him/Her About A Crime
Court Rules That Police Can Refuse Minor’s Request To Speak To Parents Before Questioning Him/Her About A Crime In yet another blow for the rights of minors accused of crimes in California, a recent court of appeals decision has held that the police can ignore a minor’s request to speak to his parents before he is required to provide the police with a statement. The court further ruled that asking…
Read MoreIf I’m under 21, what crimes will result in me losing my driver’s license for a year?
If I'm under 21, what crimes will result in me losing my driver’s license for a year? If you are a teenager in Southern California, you can appreciate the importance of owning a car and the freedom of being able to drive. Now imagine losing your privilege to drive for a whole year. You would live a miserable existence. California law has a low tolerance for minors who commit crimes…
Read MoreGang Violence and Crime in Orange County
Gang Violence and Crime in Orange County In Costa Mesa, several juveniles and one young adult were arrested and have been charged with several felonies. The individuals are being charged with felonies, ranging from attempted carjacking, robbery, brandishing a firearm, conspiracy and criminal threats. The defendants are also facing a gang enhancement for alleged involvement with a gang. Police have not released the identities of the juveniles, but their ages range from 14…
Read MoreFederal Court Overturns Conviction Of Teen Convicted Of Mass Murder In 1993 Due To Inadequate Miranda Warnings And A Coerced Confession
Federal Court Overturns Conviction Of Teen Convicted Of Mass Murder In 1993 Due To Inadequate Miranda Warnings And A Coerced Confession Johnathan Doody was a 17-year-old high-school student when he confessed to participating in the 1991 murders at the Wat Promkunaram Buddhist Temple near Phoenix, Arizona. The nine victims, including six Buddhist monks, two nuns and a novice, were found lying face-down in a circle, each shot in the head. …
Read MoreI’m Facing Suspension And Expulsion In San Diego – What Should I Do Next?
I’m Facing Suspension And Expulsion In San Diego – What Should I Do Next? Approximately 20,000 students are expelled in California each year, and another 400,000 are suspended or face other disciplinary actions. Despite decades of studies, there is little evidence that expelling or suspending students makes schools safer. At the same time, the expelled students are more likely to get into serious troubles after their expulsion and less likely…
Read MoreMinors Cannot Prevent Police From Searching Their Bedrooms If Parents Consent
Minors Cannot Prevent Police From Searching Their Bedrooms If Parents Consent A person normally has their highest expectation of privacy when it comes to their own bedroom, which is viewed as a place of solitude and security. However, it is becoming increasingly susceptible to police searches. As a result of a recent decision handed down by the California Courts of Appeal, 1st District, police can legally search a minor’s room…
Read MoreTEEN JAILED FOR FIVE MONTHS DUE TO POLICE ERROR – P.C. 186.22; P.C. 245(A)
TEEN JAILED FOR FIVE MONTHS DUE TO POLICE ERROR – P.C. 186.22; P.C. 245(A) On November 11, 2010, prosecutors dismissed assault and gang charges against Emmanuel Martinez in the middle of trial after discovering that police mistakenly believed that an eyewitness told them that Martinez was the perpetrator. On June 1, 2010, a woman called police after a man flashed gang signs at her and threatened her with a knife…
Read MoreJuvenile Defendant In California Granted New Trial Where His Lawyer Provided Ineffective Assistance Of Counsel
Juvenile Defendant In California Granted New Trial Where His Lawyer Provided Ineffective Assistance Of Counsel A 17-year-old California juvenile who was convicted of lewd conduct and child molestation charges was granted a new trial after shocking revelations by his public defender who acknowledged that he was woefully unprepared and unable to properly defend the case. The juvenile, M, filed a motion for a new trial filed by his new lawyer…
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