Does California Have Romeo and Juliet Laws? (PC 261.5)
Does California Have Romeo and Juliet Laws? (PC 261.5)
Does California Have Romeo and Juliet Laws? (PC 261.5) William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is a literary classic. The tragic tale of two teenagers from warring families who fall in love is taught in many high schools throughout the country. Yet, the tale of underage love celebrated in Shakespeare’s play is one that is illegal in California. That is because statutory rape laws under California Penal Code Section 261.5 apply…
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Certificate of Rehabilitation and the New Sex Offender Registry Law
Certificate of Rehabilitation and the New Sex Offender Registry Law Lawmakers passed legislation in 2017 that will lead to a major overhaul of the California sex offender registration system, changing lifetime registration to a three-tiered system requiring registration for 10 years, 20 years or life depending on the crime committed. However, the new sex offender registration system will not become effective until 2021. So, is there anything you can you…
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What You Need to Know About California’s Revenge Porn Law (PC 647(j)(4))
What You Need to Know About California’s Revenge Porn Law (PC 647(j)(4)) In 2013, California Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 255, which made it a crime to create and distribute “revenge porn.” Taking effect Jan. 1, 2014, California's revenge porn law amended California Penal Code Section 647 to include PC 647(j)(4). The revenge porn laws in California are very important. In the current day and age, you should be aware…
Read MoreOverturning Jessica’s Law in San Diego Leaves California Confused
Overturning Jessica’s Law in San Diego Leaves California Confused In a recent ruling, the California Supreme Court overturned Jessica’s Law, a law enacted in 2006 that prohibited convicted sex offenders from living within 2,000 feet of a school or park, in San Diego County. In re Taylor (S206143), the court ruled that blanket residency restrictions imposed by the law were unconstitutional. However, because the decision involved a case in San…
Read MoreBuying a Home as a Registered Sex Offender
Buying a Home as a Registered Sex Offender If you have ever found yourself in the market for a new home in California, you know how difficult and stressful the process of buying a house can be. Finding the right home can take months, and even after you find it, there are a number of hurdles to jump over before you can finally call the home your own – insurance,…
Read MoreCalifornia Supreme Court Overturns ‘Jessica’s Law,’ Sex Offender Residency Restrictions
California Supreme Court Overturns 'Jessica's Law,' Sex Offender Residency Restrictions The California Supreme Court recently overturned blanket residency restrictions for registered sex offenders. The law, deemed ‘Jessica’s Law,’ prohibited sex offenders from living within 2,000 feet of any school or park regardless of whether the offense involved a child victim. Four parolees challenged the law as unconstitutional, arguing that the law makes legal residence in San Diego nearly impossible for…
Read MoreFederal Appeal Court Rules Registered Sex Offenders Don’t Have to Report Internet Use
Federal Appeal Court Rules Registered Sex Offenders Don’t Have to Report Internet Use The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled that a law that requires registered sex offenders to report their Internet use is unconstitutional. Under the Californians Against Sexual Exploitation (CASE) Act, registered sex offenders in California were required to disclose what Internet service providers (ISP) they had used and provide the login information and passwords for any…
Read MoreIs Entrapment a Legal Defense When Sting Operations Were Used to Arrest Me?
Is Entrapment a Legal Defense When Sting Operations Were Used to Arrest Me? Before knowing if you can use entrapment as a legal defense when a sting operation was used on you, you need to know the difference between sting operations and entrapment in the eyes of the law. Sting Operation A sting operation is a carefully constructed plan used by the authorities to catch a person who is believed to…
Read MoreWhat Sexual Offenses In California Are NOT Barred by a Statute of Limitations (PC 803(f))?
PC 803(f) Extends the Limitations Period for Sexual Offenses Committed Against Minors According to California Penal Code section 803(f)(1), a criminal complaint may be filed within one year of the date of a report to a California law enforcement agency by a person of any age alleging that he or she, while under the age of 18 years, was the victim of a crime described in the following penal code…
Read MoreCan Police Search Your Computer if You Take it to a Repair Shop?
Can Police Search Your Computer if You Take it to a Repair Shop? Unless you are a tech wizard, you will likely take your computer to a repair shop when it breaks down. However, you may be worried about the repairman accessing your personal information. Will all your files be accessible? What happens if the repairman finds evidence of illegal activity? According to a recent court ruling, law enforcement cannot…
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