Rizio and Nelson California Law Blog

PVDMI

With the focus of reducing California’s recidivism rate, and the mandate that the prison population be reduced, a risk assessment system is used to determine if a criminal should be released on parole, or be returned to prison. It’s called the Parole Violation Decision Making Instrument, or PVDMI. According to an article in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)...

Playground Dangers

We trust that when our children are playing with their friends at a local playground that they’re safe. Unfortunately this is not always the case. Defective equipment, equipment that is not properly taken care of and even equipment that is unusually hot may all be safety traps that unsuspecting parents are not aware of. While you’re encouraged to do all you can to protect your children...

Drug Cultivation & Possession

Did you know that having only one marijuana plant in your home can be considered a federal offense? Few people understand that even this minor amount of marijuana can be a serious problem. There are locations that can cause you additional problems if a plant is found there – such as near schools (most are designated drug free zones) which can result in mandatory jail time. Don’t risk freedom...

California Juvenile Offenses

Unfortunately teenagers don’t always make the right decision and in fact may find themselves facing a multitude of legal issues ranging from simple infractions which are fine-able offenses to far more serious juvenile crimes which are categorized as felonies. We all understand that children are not always wise about the choices they make and we understand the dangers to a child who is placed...

Grand Theft – Shoplifting

Shoplifting may be considered grand theft depending on the value of items that have been stolen. This is a crime that is very hard to defend since there are generally security tapes, witnesses or other evidence that is difficult to ignore. There is a significant difference however in how the charges are lodged. If a grand theft charge is defended properly it can be reduced to a misdemeanor instead...

Examples of Grand Theft

California law defines the following examples of grand theft: a) Where the money, labor, or real or personal property taken is of a value exceeding $400, except as provided below. b) When domestic fowls, avocados, olives, citrus or deciduous fruits, other fruits, vegetables, nuts, artichokes, or other farm crops are taken of a value exceeding $100. The value of the fruit is established by the wholesale...

What is Grand Theft?

Grand theft involves the theft of goods or services that are valued above $400. This crime may be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on a variety of influencing factors. A misdemeanor is usually punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for up to one year. A felony is normally punishable by imprisonment in a state prison. Generally, grand theft is punishable up to one year in...

Slip and Fall Accidents

Whether you have fallen in a store or on a sidewalk, you may be injured more seriously than you think. Too often, you’ll find that was is merely aching muscles today is actually a longer term back or neck injury. Remember that insurance companies are doing all they can to protect the premiums that they have received and that if you make any statements to the person who you will potentially be...