Blog

Case Law Court Procedures
Court Sentencing Criminal Justice Criminal Law Criminal Trial Other Legal Issues Restitution

Restitution Is Payback

March 18, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert
In California, restitution is mandatory after a criminal conviction and requires the defendant to pay the victim for proven economic losses. Courts set the amount based on documented expenses like medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, and it can be enforced like a civil judgment. This article explains what restitution is, how it’s ordered, […]
Read More
Arrest Assault
Attempted Crime Child Abuse Criminal Law Manslaughter Murder Other Legal Issues

MAN versus DOG

March 18, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert
“MAN versus DOG” is a legal dispute between a person and a dog owner or handler, most often arising from a dog bite or attack and typically decided under strict liability or negligence rules set by state law. Outcomes commonly turn on provable injury damages, the dog’s history, and any defenses like provocation or trespass. […]
Read More
Court Sentencing Criminal Defense
Criminal Justice Criminal Law Criminal Trial Juvenile Juvenile Court Murder Other Legal Issues

Executing Kids

March 18, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert
In most states, executing someone for a crime committed under age 18 is unconstitutional under the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2005 decision in *Roper v. Simmons*. That ruling reflects evolving standards of decency and recognizes adolescents’ reduced culpability and greater capacity for change. This article explains the history of juvenile executions, the legal doctrines that ended […]
Read More
Assault Court Hearing
Court Procedures Court Trial Criminal Defense Criminal History Criminal Law Criminal Trial District Attorney Prosecutor Domestic Violence Felony Other Legal Issues

The Dilemma of the Domestic Violence Victim

March 18, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert
Domestic violence victims in the U.S. can seek immediate protection through restraining orders, emergency custody, and safety planning, even when they feel trapped by finances or fear. Many cases involve a mix of physical harm, coercive control, and threats that make leaving dangerous and legally complex. This article explains key legal options, how to document […]
Read More
Civil Law Court Hearing
Court Procedures Court Sentencing Criminal Defense Criminal Justice Criminal Law Drug Treatment Health and Safety Human Rights Legal Theory Other Legal Issues Prison Prisoner Rights

Define “Likely” – The Sexually Violent Predator Law

March 18, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert
In sexually violent predator (SVP) proceedings, “likely” generally means a substantial—more than merely possible—risk that the person will commit future sexually violent offenses if released. Courts interpret the term through expert testimony and clinical risk evidence rather than a fixed percentage, and the standard can vary by state statute and case law. This article explains […]
Read More
Arrest Court Procedures
Criminal Justice Criminal Law Law Enforcement Other Legal Issues Search and Seizure Traffic Violations

How Probable Cause Allows You To Be Stopped, Detained, and Possibly Searched

March 18, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert
Police can stop you with reasonable suspicion, and they generally need probable cause to arrest or conduct many searches. The standard is based on specific, articulable facts—not a hunch—and the rules differ for traffic stops, pat-downs, and vehicle searches. This article explains when stops, detentions, and searches are lawful and what your rights are. By […]
Read More
Court Hearing Court Procedures
Court Sentencing Criminal Defense Criminal History Criminal Justice Criminal Law Criminal Trial Other Legal Issues

How To Seal Your Criminal Record

March 17, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert
In California, a PC 1203.4 dismissal does not automatically seal your record—it generally changes the conviction to “dismissed” and you may need a separate sealing petition. Eligibility and results depend on the charge, case type, and whether it appears in court, DOJ, or arrest records. This article explains the process, limits, and how to pursue […]
Read More
Case Law Civil Law
Court Hearing Court Procedures Criminal Justice Criminal Law Human Rights Legal Theory Other Legal Issues Prison Prisoner Rights

Wages of Sin – Profiting In Prison

March 17, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert
In most U.S. prisons, incarcerated people can be required to work, often for pennies per hour—or nothing at all. Prison labor generates revenue and reduces operating costs for governments and private contractors, raising persistent legal and ethical challenges. This article explains how prison work programs are structured, who profits, what laws and constitutional rules apply, […]
Read More
Criminal Law Jail
Mental Health Other Legal Issues Parole Prisoner Rights Probation Statutes

Working At Crime

March 17, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert
Working at a crime scene is legally permissible, but only for authorized professionals operating under strict access, evidence-handling, and safety rules. Unapproved entry can trigger criminal charges such as trespass or obstruction and can jeopardize an investigation by contaminating evidence. This article explains who is allowed on scene, the legal limits on their work, common […]
Read More
Arraignment Arrest
Court Hearing Court Procedures Court Sentencing Court Trial Criminal Defense Criminal History Criminal Law Criminal Trial District Attorney Prosecutor Drug Manufacturing Drug Possession Drug Sales Drug Trafficking Drugs Felony Other Legal Issues

Suppression of Evidence – The Basics

March 17, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert
A suppression of evidence motion asks the court to exclude illegally obtained evidence from being used against a defendant. In California, it commonly targets evidence from unlawful searches, seizures, or improper police stops. This article explains the basics of what suppression is, why attorneys file these motions, and what they aim to keep out of […]
Read More
Arraignment Arrest
Court Procedures Court Sentencing Court Trial Criminal Defense Criminal History Criminal Justice Criminal Law Criminal Trial District Attorney Prosecutor Drug Manufacturing Drug Possession Drug Sales Drug Trafficking Drug Treatment Drugs Felony Jail Misdemeanor Other Legal Issues Penal Codes Prison Prisoner Rights Probation

The Causes of Crime : Drugs

March 17, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert
Drug use and drug trafficking are major drivers of crime, frequently linked to theft, violence, and repeat offending. Illegal markets and addiction can increase offending by creating financial pressure, disputes over territory, and impaired decision-making. This article explains how drugs contribute to criminal behavior, outlines key legal consequences, and discusses prevention and enforcement approaches. By […]
Read More
Criminal Justice Criminal Law
Health and Safety Kidnapping Mental Health Other Legal Issues

Missing Children – Turning Tragedy Into Hope

March 17, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert
Rachel Cooke was 19 when she disappeared during a morning run near Georgetown, Texas. Her parents, Robert and Janet Cooke, initially had no clear place to turn for guidance or support. This article explains how missing-children tragedies can spark advocacy, resources, and hope for other families. By the late Bill Bickel – former Managing Editor […]
Read More
1 … 452 453 454 455 456 457
Scroll to Top