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The Role of a Criminal Law Paralegal

Paralegal Bootcamp

Then, an opportunity came along to work for the County Public Defender’s Office, defending people in misdemeanor, felony, and now the only paralegal in the office on capital cases. So, what are the things we do that get YOU thinking this could be the best career decision you make as a Criminal Law Paralegal?

Paralegal 264
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Truth, Lies and Plea Bargaining

The Crime Report

For example, a collection of evidence about a single felony offense will be broken down into separate misdemeanor offenses labeled as separate “acts.” Even though a judge, prosecutor and defendant agree it was only one criminal act, the multiple misdemeanors would be honored to lessen the penalty, yet still get a semblance of justice.

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Was Rittenhouse’s Possession of the AR-15 Unlawful?

JonathanTurley

In covering the motions hearing last week in the trial of Kyle Rittenhouse, I noted a surprising comment from Judge Bruce Schroeder that he had “spent hours” with the Wisconsin gun law and could not state with certainty what it means in this case. It is also hard to instruct a jury on an ambiguous statute.

Statute 60
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Roughing the Protester? Activist Tackled by Rams Players Files Police Report and Threatens Lawsuit

JonathanTurley

The protester was engaged, at a minimum, in a criminal misdemeanor while be pursued by security. The common law allowed for citizen arrests as members of the public responded to the “hue and cry” of others. There is some variation in these laws but California has a classic provision.

Felony 52
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Connecticut High School Student Arrested For Posting Racist Slur

JonathanTurley

Here is what the provision states: “Any person who, by his advertisement, ridicules or holds up to contempt any person or class of persons, on account of the creed, religion, color, denomination, nationality or race of such person or class of persons, shall be guilty of a class D misdemeanor.” Free speech demands bright lines.

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Fourth Circuit Overturns Conviction Of Retired Air Force Colonel For Using Racial Slur

JonathanTurley

” The language of the statute in my view is unconstitutional due to its sweeping criminalization of any “curse or abuse” that could “provoke a breach of the peace.” ” However, the appellate panel corrected noted that such laws are narrowly construed in light of controlling precedent. .”

Statute 42
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Cuomo’s Cosby Defense? The New York Governor Could Ultimately Rely on the Comedian’s Defense

JonathanTurley

That is common in sexual harassment cases and hostile workplaces where you can get around statute of limitations when at least one case is recent or ongoing. However, as shown by the Bill Cosby case , such evidence can create reversible error in criminal cases. Forcible touching is a class A misdemeanor.