Author Archives: Crystal Ramos

Obstructing the Police in California

obstructing police laws

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, obstructing the police is, “The offense of hindering a police officer who is in the course of doing his duty (Police Act 1996 s 89). “Obstruction” includes any intentional interference, e.g. by physical force, threats, telling lies or giving misleading information, refusing to cooperate in removing an obstruction, or […]

Child Endangerment in California

child endagerment laws

California’s lawmakers believe that adults have a moral and legal responsibility to protect children. Failing to do so can put you on the wrong side of the law. The California Penal Code 273a PC deals with the issue of child endangerment. The interesting thing about Penal Code 273a PC is that while it deals with […]

Catching Police Officers on Film

recording police laws

Videos of police officers behaving badly have a history of going viral. This sheds a bad light on police officers throughout the entire state of California. Isn’t it interesting how videos of police officers doing good things never seem to make it onto the internet? If you plan on filming a police officer there are […]

Spring Break is Coming! Know What an Underage Drinking Charge Will Cost you

underage drinking laws california

Spring break is finally here! It’s time to cut loose, forget all about your studies, and have a good time. While there’s nothing wrong with relaxing and enjoying yourself, don’t forget that you’re not allowed to drink alcohol until you’re twenty-one years old. If you choose to ignore this, an underage drinking charge won’t just […]

The Cost of Ignoring School Zone Traffic Laws in California

school zone laws

Kids are finally starting to return to school in California which means it’s time for drivers to reacquaint themselves with school zone traffic laws. It’s extremely important that you not only know that the laws exist but also the consequences of breaking the school zone traffic laws. School zones are designated areas where there periods […]

Stay Out of Jail This Saint Patrick’s Day

california drinking and driving laws

Saint Patrick’s Day is a great holiday. It’s one of those fun holidays where you’re encouraged to cut loose and have a good time. The problem with Saint Patrick’s Day is that it’s also a time when many people get a little too relaxed and end up in jail. Happily, there are things you can […]

Texting and Driving in California

texting and driving laws california

It doesn’t matter how many images of horrific wrecks insurance companies and auto agencies put out to warn drivers of the dangers of texting and driving, we still do it. Each of us has this weird impression that surely sending a quick response to the most recent incoming text won’t do anything wrong. Since the […]

Is Being Homeless a Crime in California?

california homelesness

In theory, California isn’t a bad place to be homeless. Sure, the high cost of living makes it difficult to get back on your feet, but at least the weather is nice all year round so if you have to sleep outside a few nights a week, it shouldn’t be a big deal. Wrong! California […]

Criminal Charges Vs. Civil Charges

criminal vs civil cases

One of the things that makes the American legal system confusing is that we have both criminal charges and civil charges. Criminal charges are a straightforward part of the legal process. If you break the law, you’re arrested and criminal charges are filed against you. You have the option of pleading guilty to these charges. […]

Community Service in Criminal Cases

community services

Many people find that they have to complete a specific number of hours of community service as a part of their sentence. Some people love this because the community service can reduce fines and jail time. Others hate having to do so much work without getting paid. Judges have the right to make community service […]