Understanding Self-Defense as a Viable Defense in Murder Cases
Understanding Self-Defense as a Viable Defense in Murder Cases When faced with a murder charge, few things are as overwhelming as navigating the legal maze ahead. However, one argument that can be a lifeline for the accused is self-defense. This legal defense is built on the principle that individuals have a right to protect themselves from imminent harm—even if doing so results in another's death. Understanding how self-defense is viewed…
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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 Prejudicial Prejudicial evidence is anything in a trial that might unfairly make a jury or judge biased against someone. The legal system checks if this evidence is actually useful or if it will just cause prejudice. Courts have rules to make sure that evidence doesn’t cloud judgment,…
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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 Hearsay Hearsay is “evidence of a statement that was made other than by a witness while testifying at the hearing and that is offered to prove the truth of the matter stated.” Evidence Code § 1200(a). An example of hearsay is Sally tells Joe, "I saw Alice…
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The Importance Of Challenging Police Searches
The Importance Of Challenging Police Searches Navigating the criminal justice system can be overwhelming for anyone accused of a crime. Beyond the immediate stress and uncertainty, there is the critical matter of understanding your rights—particularly when it comes to police searches. Did you know that hiring a law firm with extensive experience in challenging the legality of police searches could be pivotal? It might even result in your case being…
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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 Insufficient Foundation In evidence law, "insufficient foundation" means that there hasn't been enough basic information or context provided for a piece of evidence to be considered reliable or relevant in a legal case. Think of it like a story without enough background; if you don't know the…
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How The Newly Passed California Proposition 36 Will Impact Repeat Offenders
How The Newly Passed California Proposition 36 Will Impact Repeat Offenders The measures in Prop 36 aimed to intensify penalties for repeat offenses, especially in theft and drug-related cases, are likely to disproportionately affect Black and Latino communities and economically disadvantaged individuals. These sentencing enhancements effectively penalize individuals twice—first for the original offense and then with mandatory extra years of imprisonment. Prop 36 will sustain a system that strains our…
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California Proposition 36 Just Passed … Now What?
California Proposition 36 Just Passed … Now What? California voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 36. As a result, there will be an increase in parent deportations and family separations due to convictions for minor offenses such as shoplifting and simple drug possession. Proposition 36 will not only overcrowd jails, divert funds from treatment programs, and impose financial burdens on taxpayers, but also facilitate the deportation of immigrants for low-level crimes. This…
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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 Rehabilitation Improper rehabilitation of a witness occurs when efforts to restore the witness's credibility in court are mishandled or conducted in violation of legal standards. This can involve introducing inadmissible evidence, such as prior consistent statements that do not meet the exceptions outlined in California Evidence…
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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 Impeachment Improper impeachment occurs when a party attempts to discredit a witness without following legal standards and procedures. This could involve asking questions that are irrelevant to the witness's testimony or attacking the witness's character without legitimate grounds. It might also include the use of inadmissible…
Read MoreIF 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 Relevance One of the cornerstone legal principles during trials is the relevance of evidence. According to Evidence Codes § 350 & 351, only relevant evidence is admissible at trial. To be relevant, the evidence “must have a tendency in reason to prove or disprove any disputed fact…
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