Law Offices of Shaffer Cormell

SUPREME COURT RULES UNANIMOUS VERDICTS REQUIRED IN ALL CRIMINAL CASES The United States Supreme Court ruled Monday, April 20, 2020, that state court juries must be unanimous to convict defendants in criminal trials. The decision overturned a Louisiana second-degree murder conviction of Evangelisto Ramos. The 10-2 verdict resulted in a life sentence when a jury found him guilty. The Court pointed out that 48 states and, more importantly, federal courts already required unani...Continue reading

The California Judicial Council, in an emergency meeting Monday, set bail for all misdemeanors and low-level felonies at zero dollars because of the dangers posed by the coronavirus in crowded jails. The council, which is the policymaker for the state’s Superior Court system, decided violent crimes would not be eligible for the temporary bail reduction, which takes effect no later than 5 p.m. Monday. The bail measure was one of 11 emergency orders issued by the council Mond...ay as the state staggers under the global COVID-19 pandemic. The rules, which take effect immediately, also allow local courts to set up remote hearings via teleconference technology and for counsel to appear on behalf of defendants in pretrial proceedings. The council also adopted rules to prioritize juvenile proceedings and extend the statute of limitations for civil actions. These Judicial Council rules are designed to protect the public, court staff, and law enforcement by limiting the number of people in courtrooms and jails.

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Overturned big-rig near Desert Center causes I-10 nightmare Although both eastbound lanes have been reopened, CHP is still reporting major congestion, with motorists driving the wrong way and using the dirt shoulder to get past the still active scene. Riverside County News Source

Recent changes in California Law now allow for the sealing of arrest records if charges are not filed or the case is dismissed..

New Gun Regulations for California In 2019 California moves to tighten what are already among the strictest firearms regulations in the country. California Senate Bill 1100 raises the age limit for the purchase of long guns, such as rifles and shotguns, from 18 to 21. California already restricts handgun purchases to adults 21 and older. Assembly Bill 2103 requires applicants to undergo a minimum of eight hours of training and pass a live-fire shooting test to receive a conce...aled carry weapons permit. Under Assembly Bill 3129, anyone convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence going forward will lose his or her right to own a firearm. Senate Bill 1200 adds magazines and ammunition to the list of items that can be temporarily confiscated with a gun violence restraining order. Bump stocks, the rapid-fire device used in the 2017 mass shooting at a Las Vegas, are now explicitly banned in California because of Senate Bill 1346.

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May your Christmas be blessed! The Cormell’s