California’s New AI Chatbot Laws: What Parents Need to Know About Protections for Children
Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday life. Children and teenagers are using AI to answer homework questions, ask for advice, talk through personal problems, and sometimes simply have someone, or something, to talk to. California lawmakers are now confronting a difficult question: What happens when an AI chatbot stops functioning like a tool […]
Your Phone Was Near a Crime Scene. Does That Make You a Suspect?
Your phone connected to a cell tower near a crime scene—but does that make you a suspect? Not necessarily. In California, law enforcement generally cannot obtain broad cell phone location data without complying with strict warrant requirements under the California Electronic Communications Privacy Act (CalECPA). This article explains what a cell tower dump is, why these searches raise privacy concerns, and how an overly broad or unlawful warrant may affect the admissibility of evidence in a criminal case.
California Supreme Court Just Narrowed the Felony Murder Rule Again: What People v. Morris Means
On May 4, 2026, the California Supreme Court decided People v. Morris, S284751, and the ruling could change the future for thousands of people serving life sentences in California prisons under the old felony murder rule. If you have a loved one convicted of first degree murder as an aider and abettor, where they were […]
I do not like my public defender or appointed attorney
What must a California criminal defendant show to successfully obtain substitution of appointed counsel under a Marsden motion, and how should such a motion be presented to maximize the likelihood of relief. Short Answer A Marsden motion will be granted only where the defendant makes a specific, factual showing that appointed counsel is providing constitutionally […]
Clearing Your Record in California: What Expungement Really Does and Who Qualifies
A criminal conviction can follow someone long after a case is over. It can affect job applications, housing opportunities, and even immigration status. California law provides a path forward through expungement, but many people misunderstand what it actually does and who qualifies. Understanding how expungement works is critical for anyone trying to move forward after […]
Conviction Overturned After 32 Years: What Racial Bias Can Mean for a Criminal Case
A California court recently set aside a conviction and death sentence after more than three decades, ordering a new trial for Franklin Lynch. The ruling came after findings that racial bias affected key parts of the original case, including jury selection and statements made during trial. This situation highlights a critical issue in criminal law: […]
When Child Support Is Filed in California but Custody Is Decided Abroad
A recent situation involving Luka Dončić highlights a legal issue that confuses many families: child support and custody are not always decided in the same place. In this matter, a request for child support and legal fees was filed in California, even though the children live in Slovenia with their mother, Anamaria Goltes. One child […]
What California’s SPARE Act Means for Service of Process
If you are involved in a case, do not assume service was done correctly just because paperwork says it was. And if you are bringing a case, make sure it is done right the first time.
When Threats Cross the Line: What a Recent Federal Case Says About Custody Disputes and Criminal Law
Family court cases can be some of the most emotional legal disputes people experience. Issues involving children, custody, and parental rights often create intense stress and frustration for everyone involved. But when anger turns into threats of violence, the situation can quickly move beyond family court and into federal criminal court. A recent case involving […]
When Parents Agree on Custody in Domestic Violence Cases: What California Law Still Requires
In many family law cases, parents reach agreements about custody. Lawyers often turn those agreements into written stipulations and submit them to the court. This can save time and reduce conflict. But when a case involves domestic violence, California law does not allow custody decisions to be handled that way alone. Family Code § 3044 […]