According to a crime study by the American Psychological Association, about 18% of 429 analyzed crimes were directly or mostly related to the defendant’s mental illness symptoms. In a California criminal trial, the prosecutor must prove action and intent in order to convict a defendant.
According to the Crime in California report, there were 541,368 total larceny-theft arrests statewide in 2021. In the state of California, it is an offense to enter an open business and steal an item. A defendant convicted of shoplifting could be facing possible fines, imprisonment, a criminal record, and other severe ramifications.
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a crime charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. In the United States, those investigated or arrested for crimes, no matter what they are, have certain rights. It is a good idea to know what those rights are, particularly with more ubiquitous crimes such as DUI.
In California, you don’t have to exhibit any type of impairment to be convicted of a DUI charge. All it takes is for your blood alcohol content (BAC) to test over the legal limit.
According to a recent study, about one in every three American adults (77 million) have a criminal record. Having a criminal record can have devastating, immediate, and life-long consequences.
Eyewitness testimony is one of the most critical pieces of evidence used in criminal cases. In some cases, testimony presented by eyewitnesses may be the only piece of evidence that the prosecution has against the defendant.
The strength of a criminal case rests heavily on the amount of evidence presented by the prosecution. There are different categories of evidence that may be used against you to convict you of a crime, including but not limited to physical evidence and witness statements.
According to a 2021 National Firearms Survey, more than 81.4 million Americans aged 18 and over own firearms. Of these, approximately 31.1% of gun owners have used a firearm to defend themselves or their property. California laws allow you to protect yourself, your property, and others from possible harm using force.
According to a Crime in California Report, there were 13,439 total rape crimes statewide in 2020. In the state of California, it is unlawful for an adult to engage in sexual activity with a minor, regardless of whether the sex was consensual.