Criminal Defense

The Basics of Entrapment

By San Diego Attorney on March 25, 2019

Enforcing the law, by definition, is what law enforcement officials are meant to do. It is their responsibility to investigate, not instigate criminal behavior. So, you might assume that if someone suggests you do something illegal, they cannot be law enforcement. That is not, in fact, the case. Officers may approach or invite you to engage in criminal behavior without hurting the case against you. But there are very specific and very strict guidelines for doing so, and if officers do not observe these you may be a victim of entrapment.

San Diego Pro Skater Charged with Intent to Sell Meth

By San Diego Attorney on February 20, 2019

In September 2018, pro skater Rob Lorifice was charged with federal drug crimes. The charges came after his home was raided, and law enforcement found heroin, Xanax pills, and methamphetamine. Lorifice was home that day, and was flushing drugs down the toilet at the time police found him.

Multiple DUIs: Is It Groundhog Day?

By San Diego Attorney on February 13, 2019

Being arrested for a first-time driving under the influence (DUI) offense can result in fines and jail time, if you are convicted. However, sentencing for a second, third, or fourth DUI may be even worse.

Anyone charged with multiple DUIs needs to speak to a San Diego criminal defense attorney who can help get the charges reduced, or dismissed altogether. When choosing your attorney, do not just seek the help of any criminal defense lawyer—speak to jD LAW, P.C. Our team specializes in multiple DUIs.

Say No to a New Year DUI

By San Diego Attorney on January 10, 2019

In 2015, 69 people were arrested for drunk driving in San Diego County alone during New Year’s Eve and the following Sunday morning. In total, California Highway Patrol arrested over 1,000 people on freeways and local streets during peak hours on New Year’s Eve, from 6:00 p.m. Wednesday to 6:00 a.m. the following Sunday.

Not only is the arrival of the New Year a big drinking occasion, but police are also creating more checkpoints to catch intoxicated drivers. If you were arrested in a checkpoint, you should hire an experienced SD criminal defense attorney at jD LAW, P.C.

California’s Three Strikes Law – Part Two

By San Diego Attorney on December 26, 2018

In 1994, Californians voted in the Three Strikes Law, but after decades of unfair and expensive punishments, Californians began to realize the problems that came with the law. In this second part of a two-part blog series, jD LAW, P.C., is examining how the law came to be amended.

California’s Three Strikes Law – Part One

By San Diego Attorney on December 19, 2018

Over 25 years ago, Polly Klaas was abducted from a slumber party at her home in Petaluma. After her disappearance, a fruitless search was conducted for two months. On December 4, 1993, Richard Allen Davis confessed to the murder and took police officers to where he had hidden the body. Davis is now being held on death row at San Quentin State Prison.

Holiday Fun in San Diego (Hold the DUI)

By San Diego Attorney on November 16, 2018

The holiday season is upon us! For many, that means going out and enjoying all San Diego has to offer. But whether that means attending a friend’s house party or hitting up one of San Diego’s many microbreweries, there is a good chance that alcoholic beverages will be part of that fun. And what starts out as “just one drink” can quickly turn into several, or many bottles of wine shared between friends.

When that happens, it is important to remember not to get behind the wheel of a vehicle, even if you think you are okay to drive. Chances are, you are not—at least, not to the San Diego police’s satisfaction.

Los Angeles County Erases Juvenile Detention Fees

By San Diego Attorney on November 9, 2018

Being sent to juvenile hall has many consequences in California. The one most people worry about is the fact that the child now has a criminal record, and that record is not always sealed after he or she turns 18 or 21. But there is another consequence to being held in a juvenile facility: the family must often pay for the incarceration. This burden can be a real hardship for many families, and California banned new detention fees in 2009.

In Los Angeles County, the Probation Department went one step further by erasing past juvenile detention fees across the board in one sweeping motion.

Watch Out for Public Intoxication Charges This Halloween

By San Diego Attorney on October 28, 2018

Halloween is right around the corner. For children, that means trick-or-treating and lots of candy, but it often means something else for adults. This is the time of year for parties, and alcohol is a big part of those parties.

While having a few cocktails with friends in costume is a great way to celebrate the holiday, there are some things you should watch out for in San Diego. One of those is public intoxication. California has statutes pertaining to being drunk in public, and those convicted of this crime may face serious consequences.

Legal vs. Illegal Search and Seizures in California

By San Diego Attorney on October 20, 2018

In California, law enforcement can search a person, vehicle, home, or other personal property if it is believed the person committed a crime. However, the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects all American citizens from unlawful search and seizure.

So, when can law enforcement conduct a search? When is a search and seizure considered illegal? And what happens to the contents found when a search has been conducted illegally?