Monthly Archives: April 2012

Once known only to federal courts, namely the FBI, the use of covert search warrants has seen increased usage in California State Courts. A covert search warrant authorizes governmental agents to enter a a home or other building when nobody … Continue reading →

In the Trayvon Martin case, we saw the defendant George Zimmerman ask for bail in order to be released from jail.  How does California treat criminal offenders with respect to bail?  According to the Judge’s Benchguide, Zimmerman would have a right … Continue reading →

In criminal law cases are very rarely thrown out on appeal, in murder cases it is almost unheard of, according to Torrance Criminal Attorney  Matthew Ruff.   In a very brief opinion, the US Supreme Court (8-1) reversed a conviction for five counts … Continue reading →

Every year California adds new penalties for Drunk Driving convictions.  The following is a summary of the most common punishments set forth in the CA Judge’s Benchguide.  It is important to understand that these sentencing guidelines can be imposed, however, … Continue reading →

It has been an age old problem in criminal defense, the police claim your client confessed but the only evidence of this is the cop’s word. To combat the coercive techniques used by some detectives, some states have passed legislation requiring … Continue reading →