Imagine you’re enjoying a cup of coffee at your favorite café when, suddenly, you’re approached by law enforcement asking for your cell phone. It’s a frightening scenario that many of us wouldn’t want to face. Your cell phone holds a wealth of personal information like texts, emails, photos, and more that you wouldn’t want falling […]
Being pulled over by the police is something most drivers in San Diego have experienced at least once. Whether it’s for a broken taillight or going a few miles over the speed limit, traffic stops can quickly go from routine to stressful. But what happens when that stop crosses a line? What if an officer […]
The question of whether you can film the police while they’re making an arrest is a common one. Many people wonder about their rights in these situations, especially when tensions can run high. It’s important to know that as a citizen, you have the right to record police officers while they are performing their duties […]
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, […]
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, […]
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 […]