In California, dogs are often cherished family members. Still, there are times when these valued companions can pose a threat to people or other dogs. Although the law criminalizes animal cruelty, there are a few specific circumstances when it is legal to put a dog to sleep. Committing harm or killing a dog without a valid legal reason may result in animal cruelty or property damage charges. So, what actions are available when facing a dangerous dog? Is shooting a dog for self-defense a valid option? When is killing a dog justifiable? The law offers extensive protections for animals, especiall ..read more

If a California court convicts a person of driving under the influence (DUI) of either alcohol or drugs, the penalties are severe even for a first offense. Apart from a fine, convicted drivers face up to 48 hours of imprisonment in county jail and a suspension of their driving privileges. But what happens if you’re convicted of a second DUI offense? The penalties increase for a second offense Per state law, if a person faces a DUI conviction within 10 years of a previous violation, they’ll face enhanced penalties. Those punishments include a county jail sentence between 90 days and one year an ..read more

After a challenging school year far from home, the thought of a relaxing vacation or seeing your family again may be especially appealing. Traveling outside the United States is one sure way to maximize your well-earned break. However, you should know the requirements to maintain your F-1 status before making plans. Here are some essentials to keep in mind. Considerations before traveling outside the U.S. Before booking a flight, make sure your travel documents are in order. Your passport, for instance, should be valid at least six months after your planned return to the U.S. Take time to revi ..read more

There are many ways that getting arrested can affect someone’s finances. Financial penalties are common regardless of the type of offense alleged, as many criminal statutes allow judges to impose fines. They can also order defendants to pay others restitution in some cases. Many people also experience career setbacks related to criminal convictions. While many people may have the initial impulse to plead guilty to a pending criminal charge, their instincts might lead them the wrong way. People worry about missing work for trial and may believe that a guilty plea limits the attention drawn by c ..read more

There is often some confusion about entrapment. For instance, people think of entrapment as any situation where they feel tricked or deceived by the police. For example, if someone tried to sell drugs to an undercover police officer and was then subsequently arrested, they may claim it was entrapment because that officer did not make it clear that they were a law enforcement officer. But that is not necessarily true, and undercover policing is usually not an example of entrapment. The police don’t have to be honest, and they’re even legally allowed to lie to suspects in most cases. So how does ..read more

Amid a packed crowd in a buzzing bar, two customers get into a heated argument. Seconds later, their trash talk turns into a full-blown fight. The usual charge for a bar brawl is simple assault. But who gets an assault charge – the one who landed the first punch or the other party who provoked the fight by taunting? The answer is both. An unlawful attempt to harm another person According to the California Penal Code, assault is an unlawful attempt to cause a violent injury on another person. In addition, there must be a “present ability” to commit such injury. In simple assault cases, there is ..read more

When a police officer suspects that someone is driving under the influence of alcohol, the officer can give them a breath test. This may be a portable breath test that can be used on the side of the road, or it may be a Breathalyzer that is administered at the police station. Either way, the test gives a reading of that person‘s blood alcohol concentration, showing whether or not they are over the legal limit. However, this can’t be done for marijuana – at least not yet. Some scientists are working on what they call the “foundation” of marijuana breath tests, but the device doesn’t exist yet ..read more

In the United States, noncitizens have opportunities to seek citizenship, but it often takes a considerable amount of time and effort based on their situation. Considering their citizenship status, they can face risks of deportation if they commit specific offenses. These violations may include crimes associated with getting into a fistfight, even if they were only defending themselves. Most violations involving violence and physical harm can be crimes involving moral turpitude (CIMT), which have a significant impact on immigration cases. However, it might only be relevant if the CIMT is eligi ..read more

If the police charge you with driving under the influence (DUI), you shouldn’t just accept the charge. It’s a criminal offense with severe consequences, including a criminal record.  Yet many people do just accept it in a way they probably would not for other criminal accusations. As with any criminal charge, there is always a chance to beat a DUI. Here are some possible ways to do so: 1. Challenge the stop and arrest procedures The police must follow specific rules when pulling people over, operating a sobriety checkpoint or making an arrest. Yet sometimes, they don’t. Even one procedura ..read more

Crypto enthusiasts tend to be intrigued by decentralizing trade. Others seize the opportunity to use disruptive technology to – allegedly – fund illegal activities. As global governments continue to identify the pros and cons of peer-to-peer financing, it may be difficult to define its legal limitations. Criminal cases, however, seem abundant. Friendly, but unforgiving? Reports suggest California is not the “most crypto-friendly state,” ranking third behind Nevada and Florida. Residents of the Golden State simply initiate more Google searches about the topic than other Americans. The lack of a ..read more