It happens once in a while: Your neighbor’s mail ends up in your mailbox. It may be because one piece of mail got stuck to another one or because the postal worker wasn’t paying close attention, but whatever the cause, you should intend to return that mail to sender....
Criminal Defense
When should you invoke your Miranda rights?
Being stopped by the police is a nerve-wracking experience, but it’s still one time when you really need to ensure that you’re thinking clearly. One thing that you should always do is remember that you have specific rights that you can invoke. The United States...
What happens following an arrest?
If you are accused of committing a crime, even one that you don’t think is serious, it’s still important to do everything you can to defend yourself. Something like accusations of driving under the influence or stealing from your employer could result in your...
Expert witnesses can make or break your violent crime defense
Like other states, California takes a severe approach to allegations of involvement in violent crimes. From assault to murder, prosecutors aggressively pursue a conviction in these types of cases. In defending your rights and freedom, criminal defense attorneys may...
Keep an addiction from ending your pharmacy career
Pharmacists work with controlled substances all day at work. This gives them a much better understanding than the general public has about the dangers that different drugs pose. However, understanding addiction in theory doesn't make someone less susceptible to it....
What can happen if a mandatory reporter fails to notify authorities of child abuse or neglect?
People in a number of professions are considered “mandatory reporters.” That means they have a legal obligation to report knowledge or reasonable suspicion that a child is or has been abused or neglected to the proper authorities. Failure to do so is a misdemeanor...
Prescription drug crimes can lead to harsh consequences in California
The unauthorized writing, forging or altering of a drug prescription is unlawful in all areas of the nation. Ever since the opioid epidemic began, drug enforcement efforts often focus on keeping illegal prescriptions off the streets. Often, doctors, nurses and...
When are you prohibited from possession of a firearm?
A criminal record -- even, sometimes, just pending charges -- can restrict your civil liberties in numerous ways, including your right to possess firearms. Federal law 18 U.S.C. § 921 et seq., known as the 1968 Gun Control Act, permanently forbids anyone convicted of...
When an officer wants to enter your home, ask one question first
A police car pulls up in your driveway and an officer knocks on the door. You answer the door, but you leave the screen door closed so that you can talk without letting them in. However, that doesn’t seem to be enough. The officer asks if they can come into your home...
When you work in the mental health field, a criminal conviction can really hurt
As a mental health practitioner, you’re likely aware of the role played by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). One of its primary responsibilities is to ensure that patients receive care from competent and “safe” mental health clinicians. If you're...
