Miguel Alexander Vargas, 28, on trial in Orange County for the most severe form of domestic violence or spousal abuse charges for murdering his common-law wife, was recently tackled by courtroom deputies at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana after the judge denied a motion to allow him to…
In Orange County (and all of California), crime victims with damaged or destroyed property are entitled to restitution. Criminal restitution requires that the defendant in a criminal case pay for the victim’s damages- he must replace or repair damaged property, pay for counseling, if necessary, and pay direct damages like…
In 2009, an elderly woman got nervous and dialed 911 when a woman outside her home repeatedly rang her doorbell. She did not recognize the person at the door and did not open it. The woman, Marcelina Diaz, eventually left, but soon returned with a large bag . Inside the…
Boyd Twin, a resident of South Dakota, was arrested and charged for assault with a dangerous weapon. The victim of the assault was his companion, also the mother of his children. The crime took place in front of the children, all of whom were under the age of nine years…
The adult film star Jenna Jameson allegedly crashed into a light pole in the Orange County city of Westminster recently. When officers arrived, she was showing signs of intoxication, so police conducted a field sobriety test, which she failed. Her blood alcohol content (BAC) was above 0.08, and she was…
Just two years ago the Orange County criminal inmate population was low enough that Orange County actually closed down a few criminal jail wards. Coincidentally, the State of California decided at that same time, that its prisons were overflowing and it enacted legislation to send a good percentage of state…
This week Marston Heffner, son of the Playboy founder Hue Heffner, was accused by girlfriend Claire Sinclair of domestic violence. At first calling her parents (who then called the police) the former Playmate of the year claimed that he “punched and kicked” her in their Pasadena apartment. While unofficial pictures…
A football coach at Santa Margarita Catholic High School has been arrested for possession of narcotics. The coach was detained for possessing a “powdery white substance” , suspected to be cocaine. The substance was found in a search of his vehicle by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. The coach was…
Prior to Miranda v. Arizona, in order to determine whether or not a confession was coerced such that it would be considered to have been given involuntary in violation of the 14thAmendment Due Process Clause, the courts would look at the totality of the circumstances. However, it should be noted…
After an individual is arrested for allegedly committing a crime, certain legal proceedings will take place. Although the presence of an attorney is not required, it is in your best interest to obtain the assistance of a knowledgeable criminal attorney who will properly represent you and answer any questions you…