A Perspective on Ja Morant’s Suspension: Understanding the Legal Implications in California In a surprising turn of events, NBA player Ja Morant has been suspended for 25 games after publicly displaying a firearm on Instagram Live. This incident raises important questions about potential legal consequences, particularly in California, where Morant’s actions may have violated firearm…
California Penal Code Section 1001.95 grants judges the authority to provide diversion options to individuals facing misdemeanor charges. This alternative procedure can lead to a complete dismissal of charges or require completion of a program for expungement of the arrest record. For up to 24 months, judges can temporarily halt proceedings, allowing participation in counseling,…
Former Orange County Deputy Pleads Guilty to Felony Burglary and Grand Theft In a recent case that has caught local attention, a former Orange County Deputy has pleaded guilty to a series of crimes involving the theft of credit cards from deceased victims. This incident highlights the importance of upholding the high standards expected of…
In the 2022 Academy Awards, there was a notable incident involving a confrontation between Will Smith and Chris Rock. While giving a monologue on stage, Chris Rock made a comment about Jada Pinkett Smith, which initially seemed to amuse Will Smith. However, shortly after, Smith unexpectedly walked on stage and slapped Rock in front of…
What is an Expungement? An Expungement, also known as PC 1203.4, provides a means for individuals convicted of a crime, but not sentenced to State Prison, to petition the court for the dismissal of their case. Rather than showing a conviction, the record reflects the dismissal under “Dismissed Pursuant to PC 1203.4.” While expungements do…
I “SUPER STRIKES” “Super Strikes” refer to extremely serious felonies, including murder, rape, and assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer. Committing these crimes makes an individual ineligible for certain recent changes in sentencing and re-sentencing laws under the “Three Strikes Law”. The specific felonies listed as “Super Strikes” can be found in…
I What is sentencing under PC 1170(h)? In 2011, California implemented a new law, known as PC 1170, to address the issue of overcrowded jails and reduce the prison population. Under this law, judges now have the authority to suspend or divide prison sentences for individuals convicted of crimes that would typically result in State…
1 What is a Preliminary Hearing? In the state of California, a preliminary hearing is a crucial phase in a felony case. It occurs when the prosecution and defense fail to reach a plea bargain, necessitating the progression of the case towards a Jury Trial. Essentially, a preliminary hearing serves as a condensed trial with…
I When do my Gun Rights get Restricted? In California, there are various ways in which individuals can lose their 2nd Amendment Right to bear arms under the United States Constitution. One such way is through a lifetime ban on firearm ownership or possession for those convicted of any felony offense. Similarly, individuals convicted of…
I What is Serna Motion? A Serna motion, also known as a motion to dismiss, is a legal filing made by your attorney in order to have your criminal case dropped. This motion is typically submitted and argued when there has been a violation of your constitutional right to a speedy trial. Generally, an individual…