On October 11 California Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill sponsored by the ACLU of California into law that will impact sentencing for felons convicted of crimes in which a firearm was used. Is the new law a good thing or a bad thing? It really depends on your own…
Southern California Criminal Lawyer Blog
Potential New Felony Murder Rule SCR 48 Awaits California Governor’s Signature
SCR 48 (Senate Concurrent Resolution 48) is a bill that is intended to reform the Felony Murder Rule in California, authored by Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) and awaiting Governor Brown’s signature as it has passed in both the California State Assembly and California State Senate. Ultimately, SCR 48 is a…
One Dead, Six Injured in Coronado Crash – DUI Suspected
On August 20, six people were injured and one killed as the result of a crash that took place in Coronado. According to reports, two of the injured victims were children. The accident occurred on Silver Strand State Highway after a Jeep crossed the center line near Pomona Avenue, crashing…
What is a Commutation of Sentence?
Many people are curious about a commutation of sentence, and what it actually means. Basically, there is no impact on whether a defendant is guilty; it is simply a reduction in the sentence given a defendant by the governor of the state. A type of clemency, a state’s governor may…
Risperdal – One Drug Johnson & Johnson Likely Wishes Would Just Go away
Lawsuits involving potentially dangerous or defective drugs are extremely common today. One example that’s been in the news recently is Risperdal, a drug manufactured by Johnson & Johnson for the treatment of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and the irritability that can result in those with autism. Countless lawsuits have been filed…
Bernie Sanders’ Tweet, and the Sad Reminder That Even on Thanksgiving, Families are Divided Due to Immigration
Just over a week ago, Vermont Senator and presidential candidate Bernie Sanders tweeted a sad Thanksgiving message reminding voters that thanks to immigration policies in the U.S., not all families get to spend Thanksgiving together. Sanders had just released an immigration plan two days prior to the tweet, which calls…
Downey Police Officer Shot to Death, Three Arrested in Botched Robbery Attempt
On Wednesday November 18, a 29-year-old Downey police officer was shot to death while sitting in his own car. According to news reports at Fox News, Officer Ricardo “Ricky” Galvez, a former Marine, was in plain clothes and sitting in his own vehicle when two men ran up and opened…
Halloween is Tomorrow – Avoid Finding Yourself Facing DUI Charges
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or driving in a reckless manner can leave you facing criminal charges at any time of year, however the odds greatly increase on a holiday such as Halloween. While Halloween is a fun time for not only children and teen but…
Police Searching for Man Who Allegedly Sexually Assaulted Six-year-old Riverside Girl
Over the Labor Day weekend, Riverside police began searching for a man after a six-year-old girl claimed she was sexually assaulted by the man, whom she let into the home. According to one news report at ABC 7, police were called to a home near an elementary school in the…
Long Beach Man Arrested in Connection with July 4 Murder of Roommate
On Friday July 10, Long Beach Police Dept. detectives arrested a man in connection with the July 4th murder of 38-year-old Allen Estes who was found stabbed to death at Anaheim Street and Dawson Avenue. According to news sources, 24-year-old Norman Matthew Perdon, Estes’ former roommate, is accused of the…