Scott D. Hughes Law Blog

California Felony Sentencing just got easier to calculate with the new Iphone App which includes the 2011 Sentencing for California in your pocket. The sentencing Application available in the ITunes Store called Cal Felony tells you whether the offense is a “wobbler” and gives the sentencing ranges as well as a brief description and whether the offense requires registration.

Cal Felony, California Felony Sentencing App is available in the Read More

In the Supreme Court’s 2009 decision in Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts, the Court ruled that crime laboratory reports are only admissible against criminal defendants at trial if the analyst responsible for creating the report makes himself available for cross-examination and provides testimony. Thus, prosecutors could only introduce lab reports as evidence in a criminal trial if a live witness was available and competent to testify as to the veracity of the statements pursuant to the... Read More

Under the terms of a Pretrial Diversion Program, in California, criminal charges are usually dismissed following the successful completion of a therapeutic program.  Usually in Orange County, this will also require a donation of DNA to the Orange County Crime Lab.  However, last week, the Appellate Court in San Francisco, held that all pretrial offers, including pretrial diversion programs, expire on the day of trial unless some extraordinary circumstances are present.   Read More

If you have been injured as a result of using a product for its intended purposes, here are a few tips to remember:

Seek immediately medical attention for your injuriesBe sure to save the product that cause your injury and try not to alter it in any wayTake pictures of your injuries and any damage that the product may have causedDocument the timeline of events that led to your injuryObtain the names and contact information of any people... Read More

California Law requires a person who is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol to submit to a blood or a breath test to determine their blood alcohol concentration.  Read More... Read More

After treatment for most injuries, symptoms disappear and the patients might be feeling better.  However, the injured areas suck as the neck and back may be left more susceptible to reinjury, a new injury, or the development of disabling conditions such as arthritis.  Read More...... Read More

If you obtain uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM or UIM) and an uninsured or underinsured driver hits you and causes personal injury, you will be able to obtain coverage for up the limits that you purchased.  Read More from Orange County Personal Injury Lawyer...... Read More

Cal Codes Iphone App is perfect for the California Criminal Defense Lawyer!  It contains the complete Penal Code, Evidence Code, and Vehicle Code.  ... Read More

As of January 1, 2011, 725 new laws took effect in California.  Here is a list of some important laws this year:

Increased penalty for sex offenders

Fining parents of children

Changes to marijuana laws

Malicious impersonation

Insurance companies

No trans fats

New laws for California drivers

For a detailed description of the new laws and a copy of new statutes, visit my Read More

Section 5150 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code allows a qualified officer or clinician to involuntarily confine and conduct a mental health evaluation for up to 72 hours of a person considered to be a danger to himself or others.  In California, this 72-hour hold results in a total loss of the right to own or possess firearms for 5 years and if taken into custody under section 5150, law enforcement can seize any firearms you owned or possessed.   Read More