Information on New Criminal Defense Laws in California
Blog - Page 10 of 16
What is Human Trafficking?
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The Term human trafficking describes the recruitment, transportation, harboring, transfer, and receipt of people through fraud, force, and coercion to exploit them for profit. Human traffickers often use violence and fraudulent employment schemes to lure their victims into their traps. Human trafficking can happen in any community, and victims could be from any age group, gender, religion, or race. In most cases, victims of human trafficking fail to seek help due to language barriers, fear of law enforcement, and the fear of their traffickers. Most traffickers will study the victims beforehand, and they mainly prey on individuals who are susceptible to economic hardships, emotional vulnerability, psychological distress, and social instability. In most cases, trafficking involves forced labor or commercial sexual exploitation. While there are obvious signs of... Read More
Concealing Drugs in a False Compartment Laws in California
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While it's normally allowed to set up and use hidden compartments to keep valuables and other goods, it is unlawful to use hidden compartments to hide drugs. Concealing any drug in the false compartments of your car is a serious crime under California laws, and those convicted face severe consequences. In this blog, we delve deeper into what constitutes drug concealment in a false compartment. Understanding Drug Concealment in a False Compartment Under California Law The use of false compartments to conceal drugs is prohibited by California HSC 11366.8. This section makes it illegal for people to do two things. To begin with, it is illegal under California HSC 11366.8 (a) to: Have, use, or operate a false compartment, and Have a goal of concealing, storing, transporting, or smuggling drugs inside the compartment Secondly, it is illegal under HSC 11366.8 (b) for... Read More
How is Child Endangerment Different from Child Abuse in California?
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The terms child endangerment and child abuse are oftentimes used interchangeably. They do, nonetheless, mean and depict different scenarios defined by California laws. California outlaws both forms of these acts under separate provisions, California PEN 273a and California PEN 273d PC. This blog takes a deeper look into how child endangerment differs from child abuse. California Child Endangerment VS. Child Abuse Charges The simplest way to understand the differences between child endangerment and child abuse is by looking at the terminology of the laws themselves. In California, child abuse law explicitly forbids any physical abuse of a child. The law gives parents a lot of freedom when it comes to disciplining children. However, no parent, family member, stepparent, or caretaker should injure the minor. Any form of injury can be used as evidence in a child abuse... Read More
What is Assault by Means Likely to Produce Great Bodily Injury in California?
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California PC 245(a) (4) criminalizes the act of assault and assault that is carried out in a manner likely to produce great bodily injury. Assault is an unlawful attempt to inflict violence or injury on another person. It is important to understand that you can be arrested for this crime even when the alleged victim did not suffer injury from your actions. Violation of PC 245(a) (4) is a serious offense resulting in lengthy jail or prison time after a conviction. Additionally, a conviction for this offense as a felony will leave behind a criminal record that could affect your life long after you have served your prison sentence. Understanding the nature of the crime and potential penalties will help you build a strong defense to fight the charges. The circumstances surrounding the crime of assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury are complicated.... Read More
When Does Sexual Assault of a Child Become Aggravated in California?
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California Sex Crimes Laws cover a range of offenses that attract varying penalties. Among the most serious crimes is aggravated sexual assault of a child. Penal Code 269 describes the offense as having certain types of sexual contact with a minor younger than 14, where the age difference between the juvenile and defendant is seven years or more. The severity of this sex crime puts the penalties at the harsher end of the spectrum. State and federal laws ensure zero-tolerance of violent crimes against minors. A mere accusation is enough to have the law enforcement, prosecution, and even child protective services investigating your case to ensure justice for the young victim. Your freedom, reputation, and welfare are at stake, making it imperative to seek reliable legal counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney. Penal Code 269 Defined Under Penal Code 269, a... Read More
What is Considered an Attempted Crime in Los Angeles?
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California’s Penal Code Sections 21(a) and 664 define attempted crimes laws. An attempted crime is the offense of making a direct step towards committing a crime. It is a distinct crime on its own, and it attracts one-half of the penalties of the complete crime or a unique set of penalties if accused of attempted murder under Penal Code Section 664. Common attempted crimes charged under Penal Code 21(a) include attempted robbery, battery, burglary, rape, or theft. There are legal consequences for attempting a crime, even if you are unsuccessful. An attempted crime is classified as an “inchoate” (incomplete) crime. The defendant violates the law by taking a punishable step towards committing a crime, only that these steps are ineffective or unsuccessful. Attempted Crime Defined An attempt to commit a crime is a criminal offense, even if an attempt fails. The law... Read More
