Most of us have seen those TV shows where a character gets arrested and an officer reads them their rights. You might even know the words by heart: “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law…” These are known as Miranda […]
Selecting the right legal representation can feel like a big decision, especially when your well-being could be at stake. Should you go with a public defender or hire a private attorney? Both options have their strengths, but what works for one person might not suit another. The key is understanding how each path can serve […]
Most people don’t think twice before hitting send on a work email. It’s just part of the daily grind, sharing updates, following up on tasks, confirming who’s handling what. But when your role includes decision-making or has any tie to public funds or corporate governance, that simple email could spark something bigger. Without realizing it, […]
Pleading guilty might feel like a simple step, especially when the facts appear clear. But it’s a weighty decision that carries lasting consequences. You’re not just admitting fault—you’re entering a legal process that can affect your future in ways you might not expect. That includes your job, your record, and your rights. Knowing what’s ahead […]
Introduction: Know Your Rights Before You’re Pulled Over Being pulled over is never pleasant; it’s even more stressful when a police officer asks to search your vehicle. In San Diego and throughout California, there are specific legal rules that determine when officers can and cannot conduct a vehicle search. Understanding these rules can protect your […]
On a weekly, and often daily basis, we hear from people incarcerated in this nation’s jails and prisons seeking help. We hear from people who are not receiving the medical care they need and who are terrified that they will suffer permanent injury from the jail or prison’s failures to properly provide necessary medical care […]
Ninth Circuit recognizes “prison to homelessness pipeline, ” upholds (in part) Seattle ordinance forbidding landlords from adverse action based on criminal history. This spring, the Ninth Circuit decided Yim v. City of Seattle, 63 F.4th 783, 787 (9th Cir. 2023), which despite being a Section 1983 case brought by landlords against the City of Seattle, […]
U.S. Supreme Court holds that Section 1983 procedural due process claim accrues when state-court litigation ends Reed v. Goertz, the Supreme Court granted certiorari to determine when a cause of action accrues (and thus when the statute of limitations period starts running) for a plaintiff’s claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 that his conviction violated […]
It’s sadly a common fact pattern: a member of the community is involved in an altercation with the police; the police use excessive force; but it’s the community member who gets charged with a criminal offense. As we’ve reported earlier here, a related criminal case presents a sticky wicket for litigants hoping to see civil […]
Multiple dwellings and probable cause for search warrants Blight v. City of Manteca, 944 F.3d 1061 (9th Cir. 2019) Manteca, California! Nestled about halfway between Modesto and Stockton off of Highway 99, it is the hometown of former NBA point guard and coach Scott Brooks – an undrafted, 5’11″ bundle of grit and inspiration. But […]
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