BAIL REFORM??
With very few exceptions, anyone who is arrested is entitled to be released with some sort of bail. The purpose of bail is to assure that the accused will appear in court and to protect the community from a potentially dangerous person. While I have always understood how posting bail assures that people come to court, I have never really understood how simply posting a money bond protects the community. For instance, if a person has been arrested for repeated drunk driving, putting up money for bail does not do anything to address the drinking issue that may be present …
Sex Offender registration – Light at the end of the Tunnel?
California is only one of 4 states that have lifetime sex offender registration for any offense in which you are required to register. While there are a few very limited offenses for which it is possible to be relieved of the duty to register, the vast majority of sex offenses are specifically excluded from any relief by Penal Code section 290.5.
The California Sex Offender Management Board was developed in 2006. It is made up of primarily law enforcement persons who are tasked to review sex offender laws and develop recommendations for improvement.
In its most recent report “A Better …
Prop 64 from the Small Farmers Association Point of View
Fascinating interview with Julia Carrera, spokesperson for the Small Farmers Association, on why they are opposed to Prop 64. Following article explains more about why this small but important demographic does not like this proposition.
https://www.latimes.com/local/abcarian/la-me-abcarian-cannabis-twins-20161020-snap-story.html…
California Proposition 57 Explained
The Public Safety and Rehabilitation Act of 2016 pros and cons discussed.
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…California Proposition 63 Explained
Learn more about Prop 63 – “Safety for All” gun control, with special guest Adam Richards, attorney who focuses on gun control legal issues.
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…The Three Branches of Our Government: Implications to the Coming Elections
A fascinating look at why our founding fathers designed the government into three branches and how it works in today’s politics.
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…APS Hearings Explained
Mike and Negad discuss the potential consequences to your driver’s license when arrested. They touch on the importance of timing, knowing the process and what to expect at the “APS” Hearing (Administrative Per Se Hearing).
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Yes Means yes – Sex on Campus in 2016
In my opinion, college is a great time to experiment. You try new things, push the envelope and develop in many ways. Meeting different people and figuring out where you fit in socially is a big part of the college experience, including sexual experimentation.
Things have changed a lot since I went to college. Nowadays, kids still experiment with sex but the attitudes and policies about sex on campus, have changed dramatically. Generally, I think this is a good thing. In the past, too often young women/men were taken advantage of and no one was ever held accountable. Often, this …
The Limitations to Record Clearance, According to an Expungement Attorney
While expungement clears your previous convictions, keep in mind that expunged records are not totally erased or sealed forever. Depending on the state where you live and the reason for the request for disclosure, your expunged criminal records may be disclosed. Here are circumstances when sealed criminal records will be shown again.
Asking for another Expungement
Some states grant an expungement only once. This is why it’s best to try expunging all eligible cases at one time, since you will no longer be eligible for expungements of succeeding convictions. If you apply for another one, the court will see your …
California’s Bail System
There is growing concern in California that its bail system is unjust and many in the legal community are calling for reform. The average bail amount in California is five times that of the national median amount. This gross disparity has many in the legal community concerned that the current bail system results in undue monetary punishment and unjust guilty pleas.
The problem with having a bail amount in California that is more than five times the national average is twofold. First, high bail amounts create great pressure for even innocent people to plead guilty just so that they can …