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Gangs are considered to be a serious threat to society. Rather than one individual robbing a merchant, for example, gangs are structured and arranged to achieve a specific end. Accordingly, law enforcement agencies have put a lot of effort into mitigating the effect of gangs. One way in which this is accomplished is through the compilation of gang databases, such as CalGang in California.
By focusing on known gang members, law enforcement is able to keep a closer watch on these individuals in an effort to keep society safe. However, in some cases, individuals may be put on CalGang without notice and without membership in a gang – they have slipped through the cracks. In these cases, it is imperative to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to implement a process for removal from the CalGang database.
Unfortunately, inadvertent inclusion on the CalGang database is not as far-fetched as one would think, as this article illustrates. As mentioned in the article, some have claimed that the database encourages racial profiling. A discussion of the CalGang database will follow below.
What is The CalGang Database?
CalGang, like most State gang databases, is a compilation of individuals who meet a number of criteria that, ostensibly, prove membership in a gang. Unfortunately, membership in a gang is a highly-subjective determination, and each county that participates in CalGang has differing categories for inclusion into the database.
This is actually a feature of the program, and not a bug, as law enforcement does not want gang members to hide certain aspects of their lives which would not get them placed on the database.
However, there are some factors that are common with most counties, and include the following:
Admission of gang membership;
Tattoos depicting gang affiliations;
Clothing consistent with gang membership;
Gang graffiti on personal property;
Identification as a gang member (from another gang member, a rival gang member, a reliable informant, a family member, or another law enforcement agency);
Association with known gang members, including prior arrests with such individuals; and
Attendance at gang functions or known gang hangouts.
What Can I Do to Get Removed from CalGang?
For instances in which an individual is improperly placed on CalGang, California law allows him/her to petition for removal. As set forth in the statute, the individual must first request removal from the law enforcement agency responsible for placing him/her on the database. This petition gives a court the authority to review the law enforcement agency’s denial. The petition must be filed within 90 days of the denial.
In its review, the court will look at the documentation provided by the law enforcement agency as its basis for denying the individual’s request for removal. If the court determines that the law enforcement agency has failed to establish, by clear and convincing evidence, the individual’s active, associate, or affiliate status of gang membership, the court shall order the law enforcement agency to remove the name of the individual from the gang database.
Speaking to an experienced criminal defense attorney can help ensure that an individual’s petition is viable, and will use their skill to ensure that the information in front of the court gives the individual the best chance at success.
Speak to a Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have recently discovered that you are listed on the CalGang database, and are curious as to what this means, as well as how and whether you can get yourself off the database, contact the criminal attorneys at Manshoory Law Group, APC as soon as possible.
The attorneys at our office have years of experience in criminal defense matters, including an understanding of what is involved with someone’s name being added to the CalGang database.
The attorneys there are available 24/7 to take your call. Contact our lawyers today for an initial consultation.
Being convicted of a crime, and serving out a punishment, unfortunately, is oftentimes not the end of an individual’s ordeal. A criminal conviction is a public record that can be accessed by anyone, including potential employers, landlords, licensing agencies, and professional organizations, by simply searching a database. Having a criminal conviction on one’s record can mean a much tougher experience in obtaining a job, receiving a business license, or applying for credit, as well as any number of other barriers that society has deemed necessary.
Fortunately, California provides a procedure by which certain individuals convicted of a crime can have their records expunged. This process will take the conviction off a person’s record, and allow him/her to truthfully and legally tell an employer they have no criminal record. This is a fairly easy process once it is determined a person qualifies, but it should be noted that, unlike other states, California does not completely erase the criminal conviction from the state record system. Instead, the case is reopened and is listed as “dismissed in the interests of justice.”
While this may seem like a hollow victory, potential employers are not allowed to use this type of record against an applicant or even reference it in the interview. As the vast majority of individuals will need to undertake this procedure only once, it is especially important to retain the services of an experiencedcriminal defense attorney to assist in the expungement process, as the process is complex, and the failure to adhere to all nuances could mean denial of a petition.
However, although California has recently expanded the offenses which are eligible for expungement, as well as streamlining the process, it still is time-consuming. As a recent article illustrates, a group advocating for those who are able to have their records expunged has developed an algorithm to assist in doing just that.
What Crimes Are Eligible for Expungement?
As mentioned above, only certain crimes are eligible for expungement under the current procedure. Specifically, expungement is not available for the following crimes:
Statutory rape, which prohibits sexual intercourse between persons who are 21 years and older and persons younger than 16;
Any offense involving child pornography;
Forcible penetration with a foreign object; and
Additionally, if an individual served time in State prison, that individual would only be eligible for expungement if the underlying crime is one that would qualify for a sentence to serve time in a county prison at the time of filing the petition for expungement.
Who Is Eligible To Have Their Records Expunged In California?
Expungement isn’t available to everyone, only certain individuals can receive this benefit. If you are unsure whether or not you qualify for having your record expunged, talking to a Southern California criminal defense lawyer who can examine your criminal history is a good place to start.
These legal professionals are going to check your history against the following measures:
Your conviction occurred in a state court, not a federal court
You did not go to state prison
You did go to state prison when you could have served your time in county jail if your crimes occurred after Realignment in Proposition 47 was passed
You meet the requirements to be eligible for a certificate of rehabilitation and expungement
You finished your probation or you were able to have your probation terminated early via a petition
You successfully completed all of your conviction requirements such as classes or community service
You are not facing any other charges for a criminal defense
Who May Not Have Their Record Expunged In California?
Those who have any of the following, are not able to have their records expunged:
You are looking at charges for a criminal offense
You are currently on probation for a criminal offense
You are currently serving a sentence for a criminal offense
You are convicted of certain sex crimes against children
When Can Someone Apply?
A person can request an expungement as soon as probation is completed or he/she receives an early termination of probation. Unlike many other legal procedures, expunging a criminal record is a fairly quick process that usually takes one to two months.
While expungement can help with employment and obtaining professional licenses, there are certain things it cannot do, including:
overturn a driver’s license suspension or revocation;
restore gun rights;
end a duty to register as a sexual offender; or
eliminate the conviction from being used toward sentence enhancements under the three-strikes law for any future criminal offenses.
How Does Expungement Work?
To have a record expunged, an individual who meets the above eligibility requirements, as well as the above crime requirements, may petition the State for expungement. In doing so, he/she will need to acquire a copy of his/her criminal record, and submit it for review by the ruling judge.
If all the required elements are met, then, thanks to the new process for expungement, the judge is given no discretion on whether to grant the request and, instead, is required by statute to expunge the individual’s record.
Accordingly, speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney before beginning the expungement process will serve to ascertain whether a case is eligible for expungement.
What Happens After Your Record is Expunged in California?
There are several benefits to expungement but it doesn’t alleviate all issues that are connected with a criminal conviction in California.
This is what expungement will do:
Adjust the court record to indicate that your case was dismissed.
Provide more flexibility to answer no regarding your conviction when you apply to most jobs. You should answer yes regarding your conviction when you are pursuing a government job. The same is true for professions where it is necessary to have a license, certificate, permit, or any level of security clearance but you can also disclose that you had your conviction expunged.
Unless you are facing trial for another offense, you will be able to testify in court as a witness.
Potentially allow you to get a pardon if your expungement was for a felony.
An expungement in California will not do the following:
Your criminal history will still show your conviction and expungement that the state of California, as well as the FBI, can see.
If your conviction resulted in making it unlawful to have a firearm, expungement doesn’t reinstate that right.
You will still have to register as a sex offender if you were convicted of sex crimes.
If you require a government-issued license you have to indicate that you were convicted of a crime.
Seal your case from the public.
If you are arrested for another crime, your expunged crime can still be used to increase your sentencing.
Licensing agencies can still revoke or deny you a professional license.
The Immigration and Naturalization Service may still consider your conviction when determining your status.
How To Get Help With Expungement In California?
Despite its limitations, individuals who qualify for expungement can improve their quality of life and reclaim their future for the better after a criminal conviction. The Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys at the Manshoory Law Group can provide you with the legal guidance you need to learn about how expungement works and if your case is applicable.
Contact the California criminal defense attorneys at the Manshoory Law Group today to schedule your free case evaluation at (877) 977-7750 today.
As science and technology become more integrated with society, it seems inevitable that fictional crime dramas on television will eventually become reality. In these shows, many accused are convicted on the basis of DNA evidence. What the dramas do not illustrate is that DNA evidence is not the be-all-end-all and that its veracity can be contested and, in some cases, its applicability invalidated.
Retaining the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney can be crucial to negating the effects of this evidence, by persuading the judge or jury that the evidence is false, unreliable, or the like. Recently, California authorities arrested a man on suspicion of being the Golden State Killer, a serial rapist-murderer from a decades-long cold case, based on “Family Tree Forensics” – comparing the DNA collected at the crime scenes with the DNA submitted by family members to various private laboratories, and developing an educated match to the individual who is ultimately accused of committing a crime.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
DNA is a molecule, present in every organism, which carries the unique genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of that organism. Essentially, DNA is the ultimate fingerprint – identifying information that is unique to every individual. An individual’s DNA is inherent in every aspect of his/her being. Thus, when an individual is at a crime scene, even portions of his/her skin that naturally falls hold DNA information. Law enforcement uses collected DNA to compare it against known samples in the state and federal databases.
Any juvenile convicted or adjudicated for a felony in California;
Any individual convicted or adjudicated of a misdemeanor, if he/she has a prior felony in any state;
Any individual in custody or on any supervised release after a conviction for any California felony committed prior to November 3, 2004;
Any individual currently on any supervised release for any offense, but having a prior felony in any state; and
Any individual is required to register as a sex or arson offender.
Challenging DNA Evidence
When done properly, DNA testing is incredibly accurate. This is because the only real possibility of two people sharing the same DNA is in the case of identical twins. However, to be done properly, the collection of DNA evidence must be done under the proper circumstances, such as when one can obtain a large amount, when there is a clear chain of title, and when the processing laboratory is mistake-free.
This happens, however, in only a few circumstances. In reality, DNA evidence will almost certainly have some degree of ambiguity, and, as a result, can be challenged on any number of factors including the following:
Bad sampling. DNA is collected at the crime scene, which is not a clean environment and can result in the contamination of DNA from other individuals. Further, some collections are less reliable than others, such as that from a door, which will almost certainly contain traces of many individuals.
Improper lab procedures. Some crime laboratories handle many samples at one time. Accordingly, strict procedures are needed to prevent mistakes. However, mistakes do happen, and a DNA sample may be improperly stored, labeled, or analyzed. Additionally, the chain of title – a documentation of the DNA and its possessor every step of the way from collection to courtroom – may be incomplete.
Travelling DNA. Even if a match occurs, it is not dispositive as to whether the accused individual was at the crime scene, as there is no known way to determine how DNA travels. Further, DNA can linger for months after an individual has visited a locale, further clouding the accuracy of the evidence.
Speak to a Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been arrested on suspicion of committing a crime and DNA evidence will likely be used against you, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Manshoory Law Group, APC as soon as possible. Time is always of the essence in responding to criminal allegations, so it is crucial to avoid delays.
The attorneys at our office have years of experience in criminal defense and can use this to challenge any DNA evidence that the prosecution may intend to use against you. Contact the Los Angeles criminal defense firm today for an initial consultation.
Dealing with law enforcement, whether officers or prosecutors, is a very intimidating experience. Unfortunately for the accused, this is a feature, not a flaw, of the American justice system. In an effort to allow law enforcement to investigate and, if necessary, punish individuals for committing crimes, society has effectively armed law enforcement with tactics that may seem harsh. However, the end result – taking a criminal off the streets, preventing him/her from committing a further crime – is why society allows such tactics.
Nevertheless, our justice system also allows for rights for the criminally accused, and retaining the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney is the best and most effective protector of these rights. Part of the collection of rights available to criminal defendants is the ability to block certain testimony at trial as privileged from disclosure.
One prime example is the confessional privilege. However, a State Senator is introducing a bill hoping to abolish this established right, effectively quashing a long-held legal tradition rooted in the common law. A discussion of the confessional privilege, and the current law in the California Legislature, will follow below.
Senate Bill 360
As mentioned above, an effort is afoot to eliminate the confessional privilege, albeit only in cases involving child abuse or neglect. Current State law, per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act, requires certain individuals, including clergy, to report to authorities whenever they, in their professional capacity, have knowledge of or observe a child whom the cleric knows or reasonably suspects has been the victim of child abuse or neglect.
An exception is made when the cleric acquires this knowledge or reasonable suspicion during a penitential communication. SB 360 would eliminate that exception.
The Confessional Privilege, Historically
The confessional privilege is a traditional and contemporary rule of evidence that forbids judicial inquiry into certain communications (spoken or otherwise) between clergy and members of their congregation. This privilege, like others, is based on the recognition of certain communication as not subject to otherwise obligatory disclosure. For example, this often applies to communications between lawyers and clients.
Similar to the spousal communication privilege, the confessional privilege exists because society has deemed communication between a cleric and a confessor to be sacrosanct, and above reproach. If, for example, a husband could not confide in his wife without fear of reprisal, the marriage would lose any semblance of trust and, in many cases, fail. In a similar way, the relationship an individual has with leaders in his/her church is granted a level of trust and honor that exempts it from use at trial. Failure to protect this communication would almost certainly result in fewer confessions and the loss of important societal support for many.
It should be noted that this privilege is not completely similar to another form of privileged communication – the attorney-client privilege. The purpose of that privilege is so that a client can receive the best possible legal defense (another time-honored tradition of our legal system). To require an attorney to report communications from his/her client would necessarily mean that the client would have to withhold information from the attorney, information that could exonerate him/her from the charges against him/her.
Speak to a Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have recently been arrested, or are facing an upcoming criminal trial, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Manshoory Law Group, APC as soon as possible. It is never wise to attempt to defend yourself against a criminal charge – even attorneys know this. Not only do prosecutors have many tools at their disposal, but they also have years of experience in convicting individuals.
The attorneys at our office can counter this experience. After an analysis of the circumstances of your crime, we will work to get you the best possible outcome. The attorneys here are available 24/7 to take your call. Contact the Los Angeles criminal defense firm today for an initial consultation.
Is a Confess to a Crime Alone Enough to Convict a Defendant?
When an individual is arrested for committing a crime, he/she is usually brought to a nearby police station for questioning. Unfortunately for the arrestee, the procedure used by law enforcement for questioning a suspect is extremely one-sided. In an attempt to ascertain the events which led to the crime, law enforcement will intimidate, harass, and pressure the arrestee into making a confession. While these actions are completely legal, confessions are sometimes coerced.
Retaining the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney can be crucial to having a coerced confession thrown out at trial. However, even if a judge rules that the confession can be introduced at trial, a legal principle known as corpus delicti is still applicable, which prevents the prosecution from relying exclusively on the confession of the arrestee for conviction, and requires the state to also introduce evidence linking the arrestee with the crime.
Recently, ostensibly in an effort to protect victims of human trafficking, the California Assembly introduced a bill that would allow an individual to report the occurrence of certain crimes, and be granted immunity from arrest, including sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking, robbery, assault, kidnapping, threats, blackmail, extortion, and burglary. A discussion of confessions, and when they cannot be used at trial, will follow below.
What is a Coerced Confession?
In California, all criminal defendants have the right to not be required to be a witness against themselves. In other words, no criminal defendant is required to provide the prosecution with evidence to convict him/her, such as being forced to confess to a crime.
Rather, the prosecution must prove the defendant committed the crime through other evidence. It should be noted that this right concerns the defendant being forced to confess to a crime; there is nothing against the defendant voluntarily confessing to committing a crime.
How can a Confession be Thrown Out?
The issue thus becomes – what is and what is not a voluntary confession?The standard for an involuntary confession is whether law enforcement used tactics that undermined the suspect’s ability to exercise his/her own free will. This is a high standard and a difficult one for a defendant to meet without effective assistance of counsel. The key to establishing an involuntary confession is showing that some sort of improper interrogation tactic overcame the arrestee’s free will.
Evidence that shows an obvious overcoming of the arrestee’s free will includes torture or depriving the arrestee of food and/or water for an extended period of time. Other, less obvious, means which can be used to overcome an arrestee’s free will typically require an inquiry into the circumstances involving the confession.
For example, courts will look at the following factors to ascertain whether an arrestee’s free will was compromised:
Whether law enforcement read the Miranda warnings to the arrestee prior to his/her arrest;
The location of the questioning (a police station is typically considered more intimidating than at the scene of the crime);
The length of the interrogation (the longer the interrogation, the more coercive it will be considered);
Whether the arrestee requested an attorney, and, if so, whether law enforcement honored the request;
Whether the arrestee decided to remain silent, and, if so, whether law enforcement respected that decision;
Who initiated the conversation (a defendant who freely and voluntarily interacts with law enforcement may not be able to show coercion); and
The arrestee’s age, level of maturity, mental/physical health, and experience with the criminal justice system.
As is clear, evidence other than putting pressure on the arrestee must be shown for a judge to rule a confession to be coerced. Speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney will help to ensure that this evidence is brought to the judge.
Let Your Lawyer Do The Talking
If you have been arrested on suspicion of committing a crime, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Manshoory Law Group, APC as soon as possible. It is important that you resist every attempt to confess to any crime.
The attorneys at our office have years of experience in criminal defense law, including an understanding of your individual rights and responsibilities. If you inadvertently, or under coercion, confessed to committing a crime, we will do our best to mitigate the situation.
The Los Angeles attorneys here are available 24/7 to take your call. Do not wait, contact us today for a case analysis.
Being stopped by police is no joke and can result in arrest and criminal charges if certain facts and actions are present. However, merely engaging with law enforcement is unnerving. What makes the experience so unnerving is the lack of familiarity with the criminal justice system, especially from the point of view of law enforcement.
Law enforcement has a greater depth of understanding of the criminal justice system because they deal in that arena on a daily basis. As a result, most individuals may not know specifically what their rights and responsibilities are. Retaining an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help level the proverbial playing field because he/she is also well versed in this arena, in most cases, also on a daily basis. Looking at the specific circumstances of a stop or conversation with a police officer, many may be unaware whether cooperation must be provided to law enforcement.
To this end, a California law, from the frontier days of the State, maybe get an overhaul. Currently, it is a misdemeanor to refuse to comply with a call for assistance by law enforcement, but a California Assemblyman is looking to repeal that 1872 law. A discussion of law enforcement’s power of arrest, and what cooperation is required to be provided to law enforcement, will follow below.
Why Should You Stay Calm and Cooperate with the Police?
California law allows law enforcement officers to arrest an individual in one of the following situations:
Pursuant to a warrant; or
Without a warrant, if one of the following is true:
The officer has probable cause to believe that the individual has committed an offense in the officer’s presence;
The individual has committed a felony, whether or not in the officer’s presence; or
The officer has probable cause to believe that the individual has committed a felony.
Thus, in cases where there is no warrant for an individual’s arrest unless law enforcement is absolutely certain that the individual has committed a felony, the officer will typically have to rely on probable cause to arrest the individual. This reliance is routinely supported by questioning the individual.
Can you Refuse to Speak to California Police?
It is important to understand that, as the warning set forth in the U.S. Supreme Court case of Miranda v. Arizona, anything said to law enforcement can and will be used against the speaker. Inherent in this statement is the Federal Constitution’s guarantee against self-incrimination – that any individual will not be required to say something which could implicate him/her in a crime. As a result, it is important to understand what is required when interacting with law enforcement.
Miranda also notes that all individuals have the right to remain silent. This right should be exercised as much as possible, although there are times in which this right can be waived, such as in the case of mistaken identity or to provide an alibi.
As an example, if law enforcement is accusing an individual of committing a crime at a specific time and at a specific location, and the individual can prove that he/she was not in the location at that time, speaking to law enforcement may avoid the formal filing of charges against the individual. Nevertheless, it is also important to understand the consequences of exercising this right. As an example, while it is an individual’s right to refuse to provide identification to law enforcement if requested, such refusal may result in an arrest.
Once an arrest is made, however, it is never advisable to speak to anyone without first consulting with a criminal defense attorney. Their understanding of the law will ensure that nothing is said which could act against the interests of the arrestee.
Best Practices When Dealing With the Police
If you have been arrested on suspicion of committing a crime, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Manshoory Law Group, APC as soon as possible. The attorneys at our office have years of experience in criminal defense law, including an understanding of your individual rights and responsibilities. We can advise you of your legally-required responsibilities, as well as what information is not required to be provided to law enforcement.
We are available 24/7 to take your call. Do not wait, contact us today for a case analysis.
How Does Mental Illness Play a Role in the Criminal Justice System?
Being arrested turns lives upside down, and includes a future of an investigation into their alleged wrongdoing, as well as a trial in which details of their life become public knowledge, and a potential long-term future of incarceration. Retaining the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney can be instrumental to minimizing the effect of these issues. In most cases, the arrestee knows and understands the situation – that he/she is being accused of committing a crime.
However, some members of society may not truly comprehend the present situation, and, may not even comprehend that the act he/she is accused of committing was wrong. A recent article in the Chico Enterprise-Record illustrates the increasing percentage of inmates in California jails and prisons who are mentally incapacitated, making the California penal system a de facto mental institution.
California does provide a Diversion Program for those with mental incapacity, and a discussion of this Program will follow below, along with a discussion of the legal defense of insanity.
What is Competency to Stand Trial?
The State is not permitted to try and convict a person of a crime if he/she is incapable of understanding the proceedings against him/her or is unable to meaningfully participate in his/her own defense. This determination is made after criminal charges are filed and does not depend on person’s state during the time of the alleged crime.
This right is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution as part of receiving a fair trial. However, convincing a court that a criminal defendant is incompetent can be tricky, and a defendant must prove he/she does not have the ability to rationally or factually understand the proceedings, or assist his/her attorney with preparing for trial.
Mental illness can cause these types of cognitive difficulties, and as long as the accused is incapable of understanding what being tried for a crime really means, the case cannot proceed. But, if competency is later restored, the State could choose to pursue prosecution at that time. If incompetency is found, the accused will be required to undergo psychiatric treatment and/or be committed to a treatment facility so doctors can attempt to control and manage any existing mental illness.
What is a Mental Health Diversion Program in California?
California’s Mental Health Diversion Program, a pretrial diversion program, allows some criminal defendants to receive mental health treatment when they are accused of a crime. Pretrial diversion, which may be requested at any point in a criminal proceeding before a defendant is sentenced, allows an eligible defendant to postpone further action in his/her case in order to participate in a treatment program.
Upon the successful completion of a pretrial diversion treatment program, the charges against the defendant will be dismissed. The record of the arrest will be sealed, and it will be as if the arrest had never happened.
To be eligible for the Mental Health Diversion Program, the defendant must provide evidence of each of the following conditions:
He/she must have been diagnosed with a mental health condition other than an antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, or pedophilia;
The diagnosed mental health disorder must have played a significant role in the commission of the charged offense;
Based on the opinion of a qualified mental health professional, the defendant would respond to mental health treatment;
He/she not only consents to the diversion program, he/she waives his/her right to a speedy trial and agrees to comply with the mental health treatment; and
The court believes that he/she will not pose an unreasonable risk of danger to public safety.
Probably the biggest obstacle of the elements noted above is being able to prove that the defendant has been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. To successfully show this element, the defense must present evidence of a recent diagnosis by a qualified mental health expert.
The expert may rely on any relevant evidence, including his/her examination of the defendant, the defendant’s medical records, and even the arrest report, which may illustrate the state of mind of the defendant.
What Does Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity Mean?
If the pretrial program is not available, the defendant can offer a legal defense of insanity, which, if accepted, means that he/she cannot be found guilty of a crime because he/she was legally insane when alleged to have committed it.
Under California’s insanity defense, a defendant is considered legally insane if either he/she:
Did not understand the nature of the criminal act; or
Did not understand that what he/she was doing was morally wrong.
Again, mental health evidence, most likely from a mental health professional, will help to establish the defendant’s perception of reality, both at the time of the crime and during the criminal trial.
What is an Alternative Sentence?
Because mental illness can significantly affect a person’s ability to control his/her actions or understand the implications of what he/she is doing, it is possible to receive a sentence that foregoes time in jail in favor of a combination of probation and psychiatric treatment.
This option focuses on addressing the root of the problem – mental illness – instead of imposing sentences that will not fix the situation. An experienced criminal defense attorney will know how to argue in favor of this outcome to the prosecutor and court so the mentally ill defendant receives rehabilitation and not just punishment.
Speak to a Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been arrested on suspicion of committing a crime, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Manshoory Law Group, APC as soon as possible. The attorneys at our office have years of experience in criminal defense law, including how mental incapacity affects the ability of the arrestee to understand the circumstances of his/her arrest. After understanding your specific circumstances, we will work to provide the most effective defense possible.
The attorneys here are available 24/7 to take your call. Do not wait; contact us today for an initial consultation.
Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – Yelp – Reddit. Each of these online sites, along with many others, allows individuals to express themselves, verbally and pictorially. And while these sites were ostensibly begun to allow individuals to offer opinions and commentary, some posters have, unfortunately, tended toward personal attacks, defamation, libel, and argumentative statements. In some cases, threats have been made online.
Even though the online world is a new phenomenon in today’s society, laws nevertheless apply. Consequently, an individual making a physical threat online can receive the same repercussions as a physical threat made in person. As a result, it is extremely important to be cognizant of what one posts online for the world to see. Failure to do so may result in criminal charges.
Recently, a California man was arrested for making threatening statements, via Instagram, to relatives and friends of those killed last year at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. According to the complaint, the individual used several Instagram accounts to send harassing messages to the families, such as “I killed your loved ones ha ha ha.”
A discussion of online harassment, as well as what typically qualifies as a criminal act, will follow below.
What Is Cyberstalking?
Generally, online harassment, sometimes known as “cyberstalking,” is stalking that takes place via an electronic communication device. Online harassment is not a new crime; rather, it is the same as the traditional crime of harassment, but instead of being performed in person or via print, it is harassment done through an electronic medium, such as the Internet.
In California, stalking or harassment laws prohibit one individual from making harassing or threatening statements to another individual to the point where the second individual fears for his/her safety and/or the safety of his/her family.When those threats or harassment are communicated via the Internet, through email, via text messaging, over the telephone, through fax, video message, or any other electronic device, the crime is more accurately referred to as online harassment.
The penalty for online harassment in California is imprisonment of up to one year and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Thus, online harassment is a misdemeanor. However, penalties are enhanced when the aggressor pursues the same individual in violation of a court restraining order, in which case the prison term now has a range of two to four years.
Additionally, individuals convicted of felony harassment also face stricter penalties if they continue to stalk their victims. Finally, in some cases, an individual convicted of online harassment may be required to register as a sex offender.
What are the Examples of Online Harassment?
According to the law, online harassment occurs when an individual willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or willfully and maliciously harasses another individual, and who makes a credible threat with the intent to place that other individual in reasonable fear for his/her safety, or the safety of his/her immediate family.
As this can be interpreted in an extremely broad manner, some common examples of online harassment include:
Sending manipulative, threatening, lewd, or harassing messages via an electronic medium;
Hacking into an individual’s online accounts, and changing the victim’s settings and passwords;
Creating false online accounts on social networking and dating sites, impersonating an individual, or attempting to establish contact with the individual by using a false persona;
Posting messages to online sites containing the individual’s personal information, such as a home address, phone number, or other identifying information, or posting messages which can be derogatory, lewd, or controversial, of which may result in a backlash to the individual according to internet fraud statistics;
Uploading unauthorized photographs or videos;
Disseminating false information, spreading rumors, and/or publishing defamatory or libelous statements; and
Signing up for online mailing lists and services using the individual’s name and e-mail address.
Speak to a Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with a crime, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Manshoory Law Group, APC as soon as possible. When criminal charges are pending, time is your worst enemy.
The criminal defense attorneys at our office have years of experience in California and federal criminal law, including knowledge of potential online crimes. After gaining an understanding of your specific circumstances, we will work with you to provide the most effective defense possible. The attorneys at our office are available 24/7 to take your call. Do not wait, contact us today for an initial consultation.
Being charged with a crime is oftentimes a stressful and harrowing experience. In many situations, the individual being charged with committing a crime will have had very little exposure to the criminal justice system and law enforcement, while those on the other side – law enforcement officers and prosecutors – understand the criminal justice system inside and out. This understanding gives them the ability to intimidate an individual with threats of fines and/or prison time. Retaining the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney is crucial to combatting not only the intimidation factor, but also the charges in general. Misdemeanors, especially, can be stressful on an individual. While society views misdemeanors as “petty” or “minor,” the fact of the matter is that having even a misdemeanor on an individual’s record can affect them in many ways, as will be described below. Further, with 80% of criminal cases in this country representing misdemeanor charges, it is extremely important to ensure that challenging law enforcement and prosecutors at every step of the way is done. As an example, a recent article discussed a new book about the misdemeanor system in this country and included an anecdote about a Texas woman who was actually put in jail for a short period of time following a traffic stop simply because her children were not wearing seat belts. A discussion of misdemeanors in California, including how they can affect an individual’s life, will follow below.
Misdemeanors, Generally
Misdemeanors are criminal offenses that are less serious than felonies, though many do involve violence. California does not classify misdemeanors based on their seriousness (i.e., degrees), but delineates misdemeanors as gross or aggravated, as follows:
Standard misdemeanors carry a sentence of no more than 6 months in county jail, and/or a fine up to $1000.
Gross or aggravated misdemeanors carry a sentence of no more than one year in county jail, and/or a fine of up to $1000 or more.
Typically, misdemeanors have sentences of a few days or months in jail or probation, coupled with community service and/or a fine.
The process for prosecuting a misdemeanor crime in most counties is generally a four-step process – arrest, arraignment, pre-trial proceedings, and the trial. Although this may sound simple, this process is filled with deadlines and various other procedures that must be followed. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help ensure that all requirements are met.
Effects of Misdemeanors
Although serving the penalty for a crime means, from a legal and societal point-of-view, the individual’s debt has been paid, convictions unfortunately will follow a person for the rest of his/her life. Some of the ways a criminal record will follow a convicted individual include the following:
Background checks will most likely indicate an individual’s criminal record, which, depending on the job, may prohibit hiring.
Professional Licenses. Some licenses are revoked upon conviction, or, if in the application stages, the application may be denied.
Some loans can be denied based on the existence of a criminal record.
Renters are definitely susceptible to being denied as a result of a criminal record, as some landlords or complexes specifically refuse to rent to convicted individuals.
Most importantly, an arrest by itself is, in terms of society, embarrassing. Coupling an arrest with a conviction typically carries a social stigma that may be hard to escape.
Speak to a Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with a crime, even if a misdemeanor, do not hesitate, and contact the criminal defense attorneys at Manshoory Law Group, APC as soon as possible. The attorneys at Manshoory Law Group have a large body of knowledge and experience in California criminal law, including defending against misdemeanor charges. We will work with you to provide the most effective defense possible based on the specific circumstances of your case. Attorneys are available 24/7 to take your call. Contact the Los Angeles criminal defense firm today for an initial case analysis.
If an individual is charged with a crime, the possibility exists that, instead of a prison term, the court may order the individual to be placed on probation. While this possibility may seem like a desirable option, in most instances, it does come with mandatory conditions that must be satisfied to successfully complete the probation term.
Regardless of the potential sentence, though, once an individual has been charged with a crime, it is crucial to retain the services of a criminal defense attorney, to avoid combatting the government alone. One particularly pressing concern about conditions of probation is whether a probationer is able to post whatever he/she wants on his/her social media platforms, especially in light of the First Amendment’s protection of free speech.
However, as a California court noted, that right is legally curtailed by probation conditions designed to rehabilitate him and protect the victim. Specifically, the court noted that social media posts could endanger the victim and that there were other ways the probationer could communicate.
A discussion of the types of probation in California, as well as common conditions imposed on probation orders, will follow below.
How Does Probation Work in California?
In California, if you are convicted of a crime, you may be placed on probation, which is a suspension of a prison sentence and the order of a conditional and revocable release of the convicted individual to the community. Thus, when a convicted individual accepts probation, he/she will get a reduced or eliminated prison sentence, with the understanding that he/she will be eligible for additional prison time if the probation order is violated.
California offers two types of probation – formal and summary.Formal probation involves supervision by a probation department, whereas summary probation is supervised by the ordering court. In either case, however, violators will face being ordered to serve the balance of the sentence in prison/jail. Additionally, formal probation is intended to be an alternative to a prison sentence, whereas summary probation can be combined with prison, fines, classes, and/or community service.
What is the Condition of Probation?
If an individual is granted probation, there are typically various conditions that will be required for a successful completion of the probation order. The failure to follow or meet any of the conditions could result in the probation order being revoked, and the individual being sentenced to prison.
The following are some of the more common conditions included as part of probation order:
Probationers may not be permitted to leave the jurisdiction during the term of their probation. Additionally, in the case of sex offenders, probationers may be restricted as to how close to a school, park, or other place where children gather they may live.
As the case above illustrates, a probationer’s ability to communicate or post online may be limited.
Contact with Minors. Most often invoked in crimes of a sexual nature involving children, probationers may be prohibited from coming into contact with minors.
All probation orders require the individual to be employed and remain so during the term of the order.
Some probationers may be required to sit for a polygraph test to ascertain his/her mental state and recent actions.
Given the nature of this holiday, some probationers, particularly those convicted of sexual-related crimes, may not be permitted outside of their house on this day.
Warrantless Search. By being on probation, and most commonly in drug cases, a probationer agrees to submit to a search of his/her person or property without a warrant.
A court may impose a restriction on whom the probationer is allowed to associate while on probation. This is seen most common for gang-related crimes.
Speak to an Attorney About the Conditions of Probation
If you have been charged with a crime, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Manshoory Law Group, APC as soon as possible. Our knowledge and experience in California criminal law are extensive and can help ensure that any punishment ordered is as minimal as possible.
If probation is ordered, we can ensure that you know each of the conditions of the probation order so that violations are avoided. Our Los Angeles attorneys are available 24/7 to take your call. Contact us today for a free case analysis.
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