While California is known for having more relaxed drug laws than many other states, there are still numerous criminal charges that can be brought against those accused of possessing or selling drugs in California. Being found in possession of illegal drugs like cocaine, LSD, methamphetamine, or heroin can lead to heavy penalties and jail time.
If a large quantity of drugs were allegedly found in your property or otherwise in your possession, you may be charged with “possession for sale of a controlled substance.” If you are charged with this crime, it means that law enforcement and prosecutors believe that you intend to sell the drugs allegedly in your possession. The penalties associated with possession for sale are much harsher than those that apply to simple possession charges. If you have been charged with possession for sale, it is critical that you speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney right away.
Motorcycles are the epitome of American freedom, but they can also place riders at risk for catastrophic injuries. This danger is why there is an entire month dedicated to motorcycle safety, and why there are commercials and public service announcements that warn other drivers to “look twice.” Unfortunately, far too many drivers still fail to “see” two-wheeled vehicles. Learn more about the most common motorcycle crash injuries and what compensation you might be eligible for as a motorcycle accident victim with help from the following information.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by a sudden jolt or blow to the head. Either can occur even if the motorcycle rider is wearing a helmet. Yes, a helmet does reduce the risk, but it does not eliminate it completely. Symptoms of this type of injury can include persistent headaches, confusion, memory loss, difficulty sleeping, loss of consciousness, nausea or vomiting, slurred speech, agitation, dilation of one or both pupils, or clear fluids draining from the ears or mouth. Complications may include seizures, coma, permanent or temporary disability, and death.
Injuries can happen anywhere. Sometimes, they are simply accidents with no real traceable cause. However, a defective staircase, cracked sidewalk, falling object, wet or sticky floor, lack of security, or improper restraint of an animal is, most often, a case of premises liability.
When you are accused of a crime, it can seem like you have no control over your situation. The criminal justice system and the process can be confusing, and it can sometimes feel like a waiting game when you are in the middle of criminal proceedings. While you might have limited control over your situation when you are accused of a crime, there are certain rights that you do have. The United States Constitution guarantees specific rights to each and every U.S. citizen if they are ever accused of a crime. These rights were granted to citizens to ensure that each person has the same chance of a fair trial. It is important to understand your rights if you are facing any type of criminal charge in California.
When you are accused of a crime, you are presumed to be innocent. In California, the burden is on the state to prove that you are guilty of the crime for which you have been charged. This is where the widely known phrase “innocent until proven guilty” comes from. Going along with your right to presumed innocence, the prosecution must prove you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, which was put into place to try to prevent people from being incriminated on insufficient evidence.
Being involved in any type of car accident is a traumatic ordeal, but when you are hit by an uninsured motorist, the situation becomes even more concerning. In addition to substantial property damage, automobile collisions can also cause severe physical damage including traumatic brain injuries (TBI), head and neck injuries, whiplash, broken bones, internal organ damage, skin burns, and more. These injuries often require expensive medical treatment including surgery and long-term physical therapy.
When a motorist is involved in a car accident and the responsible party does not have auto insurance, the damaged individual may assume that there is no way to recover compensation for his or her losses. Fortunately, there are several avenues that may help you collect compensation for damages caused in an uninsured motorist car accident.
Abuse is something that no one should have to experience. It can leave lasting damage, physically, mentally, and emotionally. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, approximately 24 people per minute are victims of physical violence, rape, or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States. That equates to more than 12 million men and women over a year’s time. The term “domestic abuse” sounds physical, but it actually encompasses a number of different actions or behaviors. In other words, if you have engaged in any of the following forms of abuse, you could face criminal charges related to domestic abuse.
There are various forms of abuse that can lead to criminal charges, even if no physical altercations occurred. Before understanding which actions can lead to charges, one should know the different types of abuse, aside from physical abuse, to identify toxic behavior:
In the current landscape of automotive safety, millions of cars, pickup trucks, and other passenger vehicles are recalled by their manufacturers each year, often under pressure from government regulators. The motive, as one might imagine, is to reduce the number of defective or hazardous vehicles on the road, thereby reducing the number of resulting accidents, and increasing the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. However, researchers at Virginia Tech may have found another method for increasing roadway safety and the prevention of dangerous traffic accidents: data mining online forums for possible vehicle defects.
Alan Abrahams, an associate professor of business information technology at Virginia Tech, along with Patrick Fan and Alan Wang, examined the data mining process as a potential source for early warnings related to defective auto parts or vehicles. The team identified “smoke words” often used in relation to automotive defects or safety concerns and scrutinized online discussion forums related to high-volume automakers.
If you or someone you love has been arrested on charges of possessing a controlled substance in California, it may feel as though you have very few options. After all, you have been arrested, and the police found evidence of drugs—what more really needs to be said? In such a case, it is easy for you to believe that your entire future is about to come crashing down. Of course, being arrested for illegal drug possession is a very serious matter, but there is a good chance that things are not quite as bad as they seem. With the help of a qualified criminal defense attorney, you may even be able to find a resolution that limits the damage to your reputation.
In any criminal proceeding, it is up to the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty of the offense for which you have been charged. When it comes to the possession of an illegal drug, prosecutors in California must prove several separate elements, including:
Dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend, but in some situations, they can be aggressive and attack. Being bitten by a dog can be a traumatizing experience. It can also lead to permanent disfigurement, lost time at work, and expensive medical bills. Thankfully, victims do have the right to pursue compensation for their losses and injuries. Learn more about the dog bite injury laws in California, including why it is important to seek assistance with your personal injury claim.
Dog bite injuries in California are covered under Civil Code Section 3342. It states that a dog’s owner can be held liable for injuries sustained by victims. However, there are few important stipulations that must be taken into consideration before pursuing a claim under this particular law. These include:
Getting into a car accident can have devastating consequences for anyone riding in the vehicles involved. According to estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 36,000 people are killed in car accidents in the United States each year, and some 4 million more are injured enough to seek emergency medical treatment. Whenever a person gets into a car, he or she is taking a risk. Drivers can lessen the risk of an accident by taking steps to avoid some of the behaviors that are known to cause traffic crashes. There are many things that can trigger a car accident, but some causes are much more common than others.
Distracted driving has become a more serious problem every year. Having the world at our fingertips on a cell phone has made it more tempting than ever to take your eyes away from the road. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that 1.6 million crashes each year are caused by drivers who are distracted by their cell phones. In fact, cell phones are so dangerous that more than one in four crashes involve a driver using his or her phone. Other distractions such as passenger conversations, eating, drinking, putting on makeup, or brushing hair create additional dangers.