As of 2021, the California Governor's Office reported 33,676 people in state prison with a sentence of life with the chance of parole. The possibility of parole means a person may one day have the opportunity to live outside the prison. This punishment typically...
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Violent Crimes
Why eyewitness accounts are often inaccurate
Eyewitnesses to a crime often experience high levels of stress and anxiety. The traumatic nature of the events they witness can impact their ability to recall details accurately. Stress can lead to the narrowing of attention, causing eyewitnesses to focus on certain...
Breaking down assault charges in California
The Public Policy Institute of California reported that the police arrested over 793,000 people in 2021 for assault charges. California takes assault crimes seriously. If you or someone you know faces assault charges, you should understand the different degrees and...
Types of murder charges in California
One of the most serious charges a person can face is murder. Many might not realize that California recognizes several types of this crime, each with its own circumstances. First-degree murder Two factors can result in a first-degree murder charge. The first and most...
Can manslaughter ever be accidental?
Accidental manslaughter is a serious concern arising when a person unintentionally causes the death of another. Whether you meant to or not, causing a death has a lasting impact. Accidental manslaughter has legal consequences, though sentencing in these cases could...
How is manslaughter defined in California?
While most people understand the definition of murder, the legal concept of manslaughter is a bit murkier. In California, manslaughter entails unlawfully yet not maliciously ending another person's life. There are actually three different types of manslaughter, each...
What are the punishments for different degrees of robbery?
In California, robbery is a serious offense with the potential for hefty penalties. Understanding the different degrees of robbery and their associated punishments can help you comprehend the gravity of the charges if you or someone you know is facing them. The legal...
What happens if you hurt someone while defending yourself?
Defending oneself against an imminent threat is a basic human instinct. In California, individuals possess the right to protect themselves from harm within the boundaries of the law. However, it is essential to understand the potential legal implications that may...
How is a crime categorized as violent?
Violent crimes consist of the crimes that get the harshest penalties and punishments in the eye of the law. But what exactly makes a crime violent? How does the law itself define a violent crime? Specific crimes categorized as violent According to the California...
Difference between battery and assault
Assault and battery are examples of violent offenses that can lead to criminal charges. Because they often occur together, many people think that they consist of a single charge. In some jurisdictions this is true, but not in California. The California Penal Code...