Improper “Kill Zone” Jury Instructions Could Result in Your Conviction Being Overturned
Improper "Kill Zone" Jury Instructions Could Result in Your Conviction Being Overturned In every criminal trial, one of the most critical yet often overlooked components is the set of instructions given to the jury. Before deliberation begins, the judge provides the jury with carefully worded instructions that explain the relevant laws, define legal terms, outline the elements of each charged offense, and describe how to properly evaluate evidence. These instructions…
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Ninth Circuit Strengthens Digital Privacy Rights in Landmark Ruling
Ninth Circuit Strengthens Digital Privacy Rights in Landmark Ruling In a decision reinforcing Fourth Amendment protections in the digital age, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled on an important case concerning warrantless searches of electronic files. The court's decision in United States v. Holmes sets a crucial precedent for digital privacy rights and law enforcement procedures. Our skilled criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich can guide you…
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Department of Justice and Orange County District Attorney Reach Settlement Over Jailhouse Informant Violations
Department of Justice and Orange County District Attorney Reach Settlement Over Jailhouse Informant Violations The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) recently reached a landmark settlement addressing the mishandling of jailhouse informants. This resolution stems from years of alleged violations that undermined the rights of accused individuals, raising significant concerns about transparency and fairness in the justice system. This settlement not only highlights critical…
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Recent Orange County Jail Bookings and Their Link to Prop 36
Recent Orange County Jail Bookings and Their Link to Prop 36 Proposition 36, the voter-approved initiative addressing theft, drug-related offenses, and homelessness, has been in effect for one month. According to the County Sheriff's Department, within the first 30 days of its implementation, Orange County law enforcement agencies recorded 540 bookings into the Orange County jail on Proposition 36-related charges. Of these bookings, 105 were from areas patrolled by the…
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Understanding Recent Changes in Public Carry Laws: A California Perspective
Understanding Recent Changes in Public Carry Laws: A California Perspective Recent Legal Developments Recent court filings have brought California's gun regulations back into the spotlight. A gun show promoter has petitioned the Supreme Court to review California's restrictions on firearm sales at state-owned properties, challenging the 9th Circuit Court's decision that upheld these regulations. This latest legal battle highlights the ongoing tension between state-level gun control measures and constitutional rights…
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California DMV Changes Law for Drivers Over the Age of 70
California DMV Changes Law for Drivers Over the Age of 70 California has always been at the forefront of change and innovation, and it's no different when it comes to road safety and driving laws. Recently, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) enacted a significant change in legislation that affects drivers over the age of 70. Starting October 1, 2024, seniors renewing their driver's licenses no longer need to…
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IF YOU WANT TO WIN YOUR CASE YOUR LAWYER NEEDS TO KNOW HOW TO GET THE BEST EVIDENCE BEFORE THE JURY OR JUDGE
IF YOU WANT TO WIN YOUR CASE YOUR LAWYER NEEDS TO KNOW HOW TO GET THE BEST EVIDENCE BEFORE THE JURY OR JUDGE Improper Character Evidence Improper character evidence is information used in court that makes it seem like a person has a tendency to commit crimes like the one they are on trial for. In the courtroom, this type of evidence is generally inadmissible due to its potential to…
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Understanding Recent Changes in Public Carry Laws: A California Perspective
Understanding Recent Changes in Public Carry Laws: A California Perspective Recent Legal Developments Recent court filings have brought California's gun regulations back into the spotlight. A gun show promoter has petitioned the Supreme Court to review California's restrictions on firearm sales at state-owned properties, challenging the 9th Circuit Court's decision that upheld these regulations. This latest legal battle highlights the ongoing tension between state-level gun control measures and constitutional rights…
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Child Services Agencies Have to Follow Up After Child Removal Proceedings
Child Services Agencies Have to Follow Up After Child Removal Proceedings In a significant ruling that highlights the importance of proper procedure in child welfare cases, a California appellate court recently reversed a juvenile court's decision to remove two minors from their father's custody. This case gives insights into the legal standards required for child removal and the crucial role of reasonable efforts by child welfare agencies. Background of the…
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California Proposition 36 Could Lead to More Deportations
California Proposition 36 Could Lead to More Deportations Imagine a world where immigrants can be deported for shoplifting. A new proposition, referred to as Proposition 36 (“Prop 36”), aims to reshape California's criminal justice landscape. This proposition, which focuses on altering the approach to criminal justice and sentencing, has sparked concerns about increased criminal deportations. As this new measure unfolds, understanding its implications is important for those facing criminal charges.…
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