Stacie L. Patterson Law Blog

For many, sex and drugs or alcohol go hand-in-hand.  However, after the glow has worn off, it may be alleged intercourse was not consensual.  Here is San Diego Police Department's guideline regarding sexual assault, rape and sexual battery:  http://www.sandiego.gov/police/pdf/sacollegemen.pdf.

If you find yourself under investigation call Stacie Patterson. Read More

Sexting occurs when a sexually provocative image is sent or received by a cell phone text message.  If the receiver is a minor, a crime may have occurred.  California Penal Code sections 288.2 prohibits sending a message to a minor if the message is intended to arouse or seduce the minor.  The prohibition can apply to sexts or provocative text messages, emails, letters... Read More

CANRA is an acronym for the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.  Pursuant to it, each "mandatory reporter" is required to make a report whenever, in the scope of his/her employment or professional capacity, s/he observes a child who s/he reasonably suspects has been the victim of child abuse or neglect (including accusations of molestation or sexual assault against a child).  Even if the report is ultimately found to be unsubstantiated, the report can result in the... Read More

African-American defendants must take a proactive approach to criminal defense in order to ensure justice.... Read More

The United State Court of Appeal for the Ninth Circuit recently ruled in Humphries v. County of Los Angeles, 547 F.3d 1117 (9th Cir. 2008) that Counties must have a procedure for individuals to have their names removed for the California Child Abuse Central Index.  Law enforcement and social services agencies can cause a person to be listed on the CACI after a report of child... Read More