There are two main tools that police officers in California use to determine if someone is impaired. The first is a breath test. There are both portable breath tests that some officers may carry and full Breathalyzer systems that are usually administered at the police...
If a police officer arrests you, you may be tempted to fume, mouth off and be argumentative because you know you are innocent. Although that reaction is very human, it’s not an approach that will help you. In fact, it could go strongly against you. According to...
“You are under arrest. You have the right to be quiet. Whatever you say can be used against you in court.” You have probably heard these words while watching your favorite crime movie or drama. But what exactly do they mean? At the most basic, the right to remain...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...