Wallin & Klarich Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney Jury Instructions

When Jury Instructions Misstate the Law: Understanding “Force” in California Sex Offense Cases

When Jury Instructions Misstate the Law: Understanding "Force" in California Sex Offense Cases In criminal trials, jury instructions serve as the foundation for how jurors understand and apply the law. When these instructions are incorrect or misleading, it can result in a wrongful conviction. A recent California appellate decision shows how proper jury instructions are in sex offense cases, particularly regarding the legal definition of "force." Our experienced criminal defense…

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Wallin & Klarich Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney Jury Instructions

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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