New laws in California are nothing new, but it’s significant to criminal defense and justice to note how this new California law can reduce sentencing post conviction. The new law of note is Assembly Bill 600 (AB 600), which is effective January 1, 2024. It
Some legal terminology can be confusing — almost like the legal community is speaking another language — so it’s always good to clarify what a specific term actually means … for example, what are “low-level drug offenders”? The term “low-level drug offenders” often refers to
Drug-related offenses are a complex and nuanced area of the law, and the question of when does possession turn into a charge of drug trafficking can hold significant legal implications. The distinction between drug possession and drug trafficking is crucial for individuals facing potential legal
Non-violent drug offenders represent a significant portion of individuals in the criminal justice system, so you may be wondering what is an example of a non-violent drug offender. What, exactly, does that term mean? In the most simple terms, a non-violent drug offender is someone
Within criminal law, there are three main categories of offenses, so what is the difference between felony, misdemeanor, and infraction? The differences lie in the severity of the crime and the potential consequences if convicted. Understanding the key distinctions between these categories is crucial because
As a landmark California law takes effect, criminal records cleared, and an automated review process implemented, millions of people are finding themselves newly able to do things that their records previously held them back from. For example, when you have a criminal record, you may
The California Senate, Public Health Committee, and Assembly Health Committee all have approved SB-58, so are hallucinogenics like LSD, Ecstasy and Magic Mushrooms legal in CA now? Not yet. But, like cannabis before them, they may be in the future. California Senate Bill 58 California
Law enforcement officers have certain fundamental obligations to maintain when interacting with the public they serve, but — legally — do police need to identify themselves when asked during an encounter? People should be able to confirm the identity of a law enforcement officer in
While it’s generally an illegal invasion of privacy to record a private conversation, there are exceptions … so when is it admissible to record someone without their consent in California? Before we get to the exceptions, it’s important to know that California follows a “two-party consent” law,
Drug crimes can be prosecuted at the state or federal level, so when are drug crimes considered federal offenses? It’s an important distinction because federal penalties and consequences can be higher. While most drug crimes fall under state jurisdiction, certain circumstances can elevate them to
