Dublin California Criminal Law Blog

Drug crimes: New California law may expunge convictions

On behalf of The Law Office of Christopher A. Lamiero posted in drug crimes on Thursday, November 8, 2018.

Being arrested and facing criminal charges can be an embarrassing and humiliating thing for any person to experience. Those who have been arrested on suspicion of drug crimes can have their entire lives ruined. These types of charges will show up on background checks and can hamper any attempts at future employment. The state of California has been pretty tough on drug offenders in the past, but a new law may make it easier to omit previous convictions.

Law changes that were recently passed by California legislators allow those who were convicted on charges related to marijuana to have their current sentences reduced or their record cleared. The recent legalization of marijuana in California is driving this change. According to some leaders, it was unfair for those convicted on these types of charges to have their lives continue to be affected by these convictions.

DUI Defense: Glendale police receive grant to help enforcement

On behalf of The Law Office of Christopher A. Lamiero posted in dui defense on Thursday, October 25, 2018.

It's common knowledge that getting behind the wheel while intoxicated is never a good idea and possibly one of the most dangerous things a person can do. In the state of California, those suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol can face serious charges and potential jail time. In recent years, police forces across the state have stepped up efforts to crack down on drunk driving, which can make DUI defense extremely difficult. However, those who have been charged have options at their disposal.

To help combat the drunk driving problem, the Glendale Police Department recently received a $425,000 grant. The grant was from the California Office of Traffic Safety. Reportedly, the money will be used for enforcement activities such as increased patrols and DUI checkpoints, as well as education.

Drug crimes: Woman facing charges after arrest at a business

On behalf of The Law Office of Christopher A. Lamiero posted in drug crimes on Thursday, October 11, 2018.

Those who are arrested on drug charges in state of California can face tough consequences as well as many sleepless nights filled with worry and anxiety. The penalties for these charges can mean months of jail time, not to mention irreversible damage to permanent records and reputations. Unfortunately, drug crimes are happening more and more across the country.

Police in Beaumont recently arrested two people at a business that they say was also a drug sales operation. According to reports, the business was a tanning salon on Beaumont Avenue. Police said they executed a search warrant and found marijuana along with methamphetamine and heroin in the building.

The circumstances of your theft determine your penalties

On behalf of The Law Office of Christopher A. Lamiero on Friday, October 5, 2018.

In California, three types of theft exist that impose strict punishments on those convicted. Theft, or larceny, as well as robbery and burglary all constitute severe crimes, but the circumstances of the alleged crime will determine an individual’s charge and associated penalties. Should you face conviction of theft, robbery or burglary, you must immediately seek the expertise of an attorney. These acts can imprison you or put you in significant debt, and you want to ensure you have the best defense of your actions in court.

Understanding federal drug crimes for traveling with marijuana

On behalf of The Law Office of Christopher A. Lamiero posted in drug crimes on Friday, September 28, 2018.

As Californians work through the ins and outs of marijuana legalization, many questions arise. One of these is whether people can travel with the substance, or if they can even bring it into a secure airport in California. According to recent reports, people may legally bring cannabis into Los Angeles International Airport, but those who attempt to carry it on a plane can be charged with federal drug crimes.

Contradictions between federal and state drug laws are one of the most challenging legal aspects of marijuana legalization such as that in California. Those attempting to travel with a substance are at particular risk for federal charges. The high security at airports and seriousness with which the federal government takes trafficking charges should deter a Californian from trying to travel with marijuana.

New law means lifetime firearm ban for domestic violence convicts

On behalf of The Law Office of Christopher A. Lamiero posted in domestic violence on Thursday, September 13, 2018.

Lawmakers in California are looking into ways to limit re-offences in cases involving violence in the home. To this end, a bill has been passed by the California legislature limiting gun ownership for anyone convicted of domestic violence in the state. If signed into law by the Governor, the current ten-year ban on gun ownership for those convicted of such crimes will be extended to a lifetime ban.

The move would add an additional lifetime consequence for those found guilty of domestic assault in the state. The goal of the bill is to ensure firearms are not given to individuals at high risk of being violent. Additional gun regulation bills have also been presented to the governor for signing, including increased requirements for concealed-carry permits.

Changes to felony murder law may open criminal defense options

On behalf of The Law Office of Christopher A. Lamiero posted in criminal defense on Thursday, August 30, 2018.

People are often aware of the criminal consequences for individuals who commit violent offenses. However, what about those present at the crime but do not commit any violence themselves? Currently, individuals present at a crime resulting in death in California can be convicted of first degree murder, even if they did not intend to kill. This controversial law, known as the felony murder law, is being reviewed by lawmakers. If the law is changed, it could open new criminal defense options for those imprisioned under the law.

The measure they are reviewing, Senate Bill 1437, would make it so that a person can only be charged for first-degree murder if they themselves committed the act. This would be a major shift from the current legal situation. The change would have a big effect on young people, as the average accomplice who is sentenced through the felony murder law is 20 years old.

The showdown has finally arrived over California’s bail reform

On behalf of The Law Office of Christopher A. Lamiero on Thursday, August 16, 2018.

The state Senate began considering a bill yesterday that would eliminate the bail bond system in California. Supporters of the California Money Bail Reform Act (SB 10) say that the bail system is systematically unfair to poor defendants, and is solely based on an ability to pay rather than reasonable determination of flight risk.

The Los Angeles Times reports that changes to the rules governing pretrial release have been considered, and rejected, in the Legislature for decades. The status quo has prevailed each time, but now the subject is up for debate again. Advocates for reform have some influential people on their side – Governor Jerry Brown and state Supreme Court Chief Justice Tami Cantil-Sakauye. Both call for reform as the existing rules are "unsafe and unfair."

Technology is a game changer for many domestic violence cases

On behalf of The Law Office of Christopher A. Lamiero posted in domestic violence on Wednesday, August 15, 2018.

New technology is making people more connected than ever. The growing use of smart home technology can allow people to control their appliances, vehicles and other parts of their homes remotely from their devices. While this technology can help many California families live with more convenience, it also raises questions about how abuses of this connection could play into domestic violence law.

There are many ways technology could be involved in a criminal accusation for harassment, stalking or domestic abuse. For example, someone could use security cameras or remote recording equipment to spy on someone. Individuals could also control objects in the home as a way to scare, control or confuse a victim.

California police now training for domestic violence program

On behalf of The Law Office of Christopher A. Lamiero posted in domestic violence on Thursday, August 2, 2018.

Across the country, many police and law makers are working to better address the issue of domestic violence. Recently, California passed a law expanding the enforcement training on domestic violence. The new training aims to help officers identify whether a situation could become fatal. It will also help officers understand how to better reach out to alleged victims.

The legislation, known as Senate Bill 1331, was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown in late July 2018. Under the new legislation, police will be trained to identify individuals who may be at risk of serious injury or death due to domestic violence and to connect them with resources. This shifts the police focus from simply arresting people on domestic violence to supporting families and preventing more serious situations.

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