April 2024

How In-Custody Defendants Should Prepare For The Pre-Sentence Probation Interview

Court Procedures, Court Sentencing, Court Trial, Criminal Defense, Criminal History, Criminal Justice, Criminal Law, Criminal Trial, Other Legal Issues, Probation /

In-custody defendants should prepare for the pre-sentence probation interview by reviewing the charges and case facts, gathering mitigating records, and coordinating closely with counsel before speaking with probation. This interview heavily influences the probation report and sentencing recommendations the judge will rely on. This article explains what probation will ask, what documents to collect, what […]

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Missing Adults

Criminal Law, Kidnapping /

Kieran A. Murphy, 59, was last seen Dec. 14, 2001 in San Francisco, and his sailing vessel disappeared from Oakland’s Jack London Square on Dec. 15, 2001. Police consider the 5-foot-11 white male with gray hair missing along with his wife, Ornaith. This article summarizes the timeline and key identifying details in the missing adults

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DNA GOES TO COURT – ll

Assault, Attempted Crime, Court Hearing, Court Procedures, Court Sentencing, Criminal Defense, Criminal Justice, Criminal Law, Criminal Trial, DNA, Forensics, Manslaughter, Murder, Other Legal Issues /

DNA has been used in law enforcement since 1985 to identify individuals through unique genetic profiles. In court, it can strongly link a suspect to evidence, but experts still dispute interpretation, lab practices, and statistical certainty. This article reviews those debates and how DNA testimony impacts criminal prosecutions. Second Of A Three-Part Series By John

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DNA Gets Criminal

Criminal Law, DNA, Murder, Other Legal Issues, Rape, Sex Crimes /

DNA became a near-certain identification tool in 1985 when it helped identify Josef Mengele’s remains. The article explains how DNA evidence quickly expanded from scientific labs into criminal investigations and courtroom proof. This first installment traces early milestones and sets up a three-part series on DNA’s legal impact. First Of A Three-Part Series By John

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Unveiling the Truth: Kobe Bryant's Legal Battles and Their Aftermath

Kobe Bryant: What Really Happened, and Where Does It Go From Here?

Assault, Civil Law, Court Hearing, Court Procedures, Court Trial, Criminal Defense, Criminal History, Criminal Justice, Criminal Law, Criminal Trial, District Attorney Prosecutor, DNA, Forensics, Other Legal Issues, Personal Injury, Rape, Sex Crimes, Social Media /

Kobe Bryant was charged with sexual assault in 2003, and the criminal case was dismissed in 2004 after the accuser declined to testify. The article reviews the allegations, media coverage, and legal aftermath, including civil-settlement context. It also features Bill Bickel’s interview with Jeffrey Scott Shapiro about his book “Kobe Bryant; The Game of His

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Felons In The Workplace

Criminal History, Criminal Justice, Criminal Law, Domestic Violence, Drug Treatment, Felony, Fraud, Health and Safety, Insurance, Kidnapping, Misdemeanor, Other Legal Issues, Prison, Theft /

In most states, employers can hire people with felony convictions, but many roles are limited by background-check rules and industry licensing laws. Federal and state protections may also restrict how and when employers can consider criminal records, especially for older or unrelated convictions. This article explains employer rights and duties, common job restrictions for felons,

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Can I get Drug Diversion For My Second Arrest?

Arrest, Criminal Defense, Criminal History, Criminal Justice, Criminal Law, Drug Manufacturing, Drug Possession, Drug Sales, Drug Trafficking, Drugs, DUI, Felony, Misdemeanor, Other Legal Issues, Police, Traffic Violations /

Maybe—California drug diversion can still be available after a second arrest if you meet the statute’s eligibility rules and the court approves. Prior diversion use, disqualifying priors, or ineligible charges can bar you, and Santa Clara County practices may affect outcomes. This article explains who may qualify, common disqualifiers, and what to ask your attorney.

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Cooking Up Salvation

Arrest, Court Sentencing, Criminal History, Criminal Justice, Criminal Law, Criminal Trial, Drug Manufacturing, Drug Possession, Drug Sales, Drug Trafficking, Drugs, Felony, Marijuana, Other Legal Issues, Parole, Prison /

Jeffrey Henderson, 37, says he “poisoned a whole generation” while becoming one of Southern California’s youngest, wealthiest crack cocaine dealers. The article contrasts his teenage excess—cars, women, money, and Las Vegas trips—with his later life in Las Vegas. It recounts his criminal rise and personal path toward salvation. By the editorial staff of Crime, Justice

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It’s Time For Me To Die: An Inside Look At Death Row

Court Sentencing, Criminal History, Criminal Justice, Criminal Law, Legal Theory, Murder, Other Legal Issues /

Michael Ross wrote this death row account in 1998 while awaiting resentencing after his original death sentence was overturned. The piece, introduced by the late editor Bill Bickel, reflects on life and mindset under a death sentence. This article republishes that firsthand narrative and its publication context. Forward by the late Bill Bickel – former

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Three Strikes Get a Second Look

Assault, Attempted Crime, Breaking and Entering, Burglary, Case Law, Court Procedures, Court Sentencing, Court Trial, Criminal Defense, Criminal History, Criminal Justice, Criminal Law, Criminal Threats, Criminal Trial, Drug Manufacturing, Drug Possession, Drug Sales, Drug Trafficking, Drugs, Felony, Marijuana, Misdemeanor, Other Legal Issues, Possession of Stolen Property, Prison, Shoplifting, Statutes, Theft, Theft/Larceny /

“Three strikes” laws impose life or near-life prison sentences after a third qualifying felony in many states, but courts and legislatures have increasingly narrowed who qualifies and how prior convictions count. Recent reforms and appellate decisions have expanded options to challenge strikes, seek resentencing, or reduce enhancements based on the nature of the offenses and

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