On behalf of Kosnett Law Firm posted in Property Crimes on Monday, December 17, 2018.
With the recent horrendous California fires, it goes without saying that you should be very careful indeed about what you do whenever you are outdoors. If you start a fire, you could find yourself charged with arson or aggravated arson. As FindLaw explains, the California Penal Code provides for two ways in which you could be held criminally responsible for any fire you start. Arson Elements and Penalties Should you find yourself charged with arson, understand that virtually all forms of this crime constitute a felony. To convict you of “basic” arson,…
On behalf of Kosnett Law Firm posted in Blog on Sunday, December 09, 2018.
Alcohol on college campuses is often a major part of student culture. In some university clubs and organizations, group drinking and partying events are common initiation or bonding practices. Students may feel like they have no choice but to participate in the campus alcohol culture. Even students who have not yet reached the legal drinking age may feel pressured to join in the over-consumption of alcohol. Unfortunately, there can be very serious criminal consequences for minors who drink on college campuses or at college parties. Possessing alcohol as a minor…
On behalf of Kosnett Law Firm posted in Felonies on Wednesday, December 05, 2018.
Wrongful convictions are not unheard of in the United States justice system. In fact, a number of people who are behind bars have been found innocent after further testing showed that they were innocent of committing a crime. Even more may be wrongfully incarcerated, serving life sentences or even sitting on death row. The Innocence Project, the Innocence Network and the International Association of Chief of Police joined together to educate judges, law enforcement officers and other professionals about human phenomenon that can lead to wrongful convictions. Certain psychological factors, including confirmation…
On behalf of Kosnett Law Firm posted in Dui on Monday, November 12, 2018.
Drunk driving takes numerous lives every year in California. This is why the law takes the offense so seriously. If you are caught drinking and driving, you can expect to face stiff penalties. The law is even harsher when it comes to underage drivers who are under the influence and on the roadways. The state has a zero tolerance law, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The zero tolerance law applies to all drivers under the age of 21. It makes it illegal for an underage driver to have a…
On behalf of Kosnett Law Firm posted in Dui on Wednesday, October 31, 2018.
In the event you have been convicted of a DUI and have met certain requirements under California law, you could be eligible to receive your driving privileges back, but in limited form. While you will have some ways to go before you can retrieve your full driving privileges, with a restricted license, you do have some ability to get around the Los Angeles area. The Department of Motor Vehicles for the state of California lays out the parameters for the use of a restricted license. These parameters allow you to fulfill key…
On behalf of Kosnett Law Firm posted in Dui on Sunday, October 21, 2018.
You are aware of the consequences that may arise from drinking and driving, which can include motor vehicle accidents and DUI charges. You might not know, however, that you could face similar consequences for driving after taking a legal prescription or over-the-counter medication. You and other California residents should understand the potential ramifications and how to avoid them. As the National Institute on Drug Abuse explains, many medications that you might consider harmless can dangerously affect your driving. Cold medicine, antihistamines, narcotic painkillers, anti-anxiety medication and sleeping aids are just a…
On behalf of Kosnett Law Firm posted in Blog on Thursday, October 11, 2018.
Every state has a unique approach to the criminal law firm. In other words, there are dozens of different statutes across the country regarding theft and other common crimes. The definitions for different forms of theft, as well as the consequences they carry, vary from state to state. However, it's important to understand that theft is a serious criminal allegation in any state. In California, there are specific rules in place that separate minor theft or petty theft from serious theft or grand theft. Understanding how California defines legal terms related…
On behalf of Kosnett Law Firm posted in Property Crimes on Friday, October 05, 2018.
The first important point to understand if you have been charged with criminal activity in Los Angeles is the need to comprehend exactly what type of crime you are being charged with. The general public might assume that crime is simply crime, yet from a legal perspective, there are crimes against persons, against public safety, and crimes against property. Knowing the type of activity you stand accused of might help you better comprehend why you are facing charges (if it is still unclear to you), and how to defend yourself…
On behalf of Kosnett Law Firm posted in Felonies on Monday, September 24, 2018.
While developing into adult human beings, teenagers experience a number of impulsive thoughts and engage in alarming activities, including crimes. The truth is, teenagers behave in ways that are irrational, dangerous, emotional, reactive to stress and impulsive. They have different ways of approaching social situations, solving problems and making important decisions. Furthermore, they are less likely to think about the consequences of their actions and change their dangerous behavior as a result. Although people may think of this as normal teenage behavior, there is actual scientific evidence supporting these behaviors. Researchers…
On behalf of Kosnett Law Firm posted in Felonies on Monday, September 10, 2018.
Scientific testing of evidence can be crucial in a criminal case. However, improper use of testing and misapplication of these tests is the second most common factor contributing to wrongful convictions in California and across the nation, according to the Innocence Project. Approximately 362 cases in the U.S. have been overturned after DNA evidence proved that the person convicted in the crime was not actually guilty. In half of all cases that have been overturned due to reprocessing of DNA evidence, the misapplication of forensics was involved. In some cases, tests were…
