When a police officer starts to question you, your first instinct may be to cooperate. For example, they might tell you that you could have information that could help them solve a crime or protect the local community. They might also tell you that you won't face...
Criminal Law
Will I lose college financial aid for a criminal conviction?
Getting into college takes years of preparation. Maintaining a specific GPA in high school and securing competitive scores on standardized tests like the ACT and SAT are key components to gaining admission to college. Of course, securing entry is only the first hurdle...
What influences sentencing when a person is convicted of a crime?
People who are facing criminal charges usually hope that they can either be found not guilty or not have to face a serious sentence. There are sentencing guidelines in place that help to determine what sentences are possible for specific convictions. The court will...
Do the police need a warrant to search your vehicle?
Police officers have a duty to keep their jurisdictions safe. One way that they do this is through traffic stops. When you’re stopped, do the police need a warrant to search your vehicle? The answer to this depends on the circumstances, but it’s fully possible that...
Caught with cocaine? Here’s what to expect
Getting caught with any kind of illicit drug can mean you’re in deep trouble with the law, but there are specific laws that will apply based on the specific drug you had in your possession and what you intended to do with it. California has two kinds of possession...
Supreme Court ruling addresses warrantless entry after pursuing someone for a misdemeanor
When police are in “hot pursuit” of a person they believe has committed a felony, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that they can follow the person to their home and enter it without a warrant. However, what if the person being followed is suspected of a less serious...
A conviction for a crime of moral turpitude can result in your deportation from the U.S.
You came here to the U.S. in search of a better life than what your home country could offer you. You now find yourself facing criminal charges. If you haven't yet secured U.S. citizenship, then you might be at risk of not ever being able to do so. You may even be...
Can I lose my Green Card if convicted of a crime?
There is a lot to worry about if you get arrested. When you're an immigrant, you may immediately wonder how your arrest will affect your permanent resident status or green card. One of your responsibilities as a permanent resident is to obey the law, so failing to do...