Case Law Today Series

Titles

January 2010 Edition - Case Law Today

Penal Code § 422: Criminal Threats
with William W. Bedsworth, Appellate Court Justice, State of California
Penal Code §422 prohibits a threat to commit a crime, which will result in
death or great bodily injury, if the threat is intended to be taken seriously
and causes the person hearing it to reasonably fear for her or his safety.
Justice Bedsworth discusses the elements of the crime, and explains what
constitutes an attempted 422– also a felony. Case cited: People v. Jackson
09 DJDAR 15090 (October 23, 2009). (9:32)

What's a "Public Place" Under PC§ 12031?
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
Compares the holdings in two different cases dealing with the issue of what
constitutes a “public place” for purposes of the statute prohibiting carrying a
loaded firearm in a public place. One case held a private driveway was a
public place, while the other held a yard enclosed by a fence was not a public
place. The rationale underlying each case is discussed. Cases/Statute cited:
People v. Strider (2009) 177 Cal.App.4th 1393; People v. Yarbrough (2008)
169 Cal.App.4th 303; Pen. Code § 12031. (13:02)

Vehicle Searches in the New Millenium
with Daniel McNerney, Superior Court Judge, Orange County, CA
Police may no longer conduct a vehicle search incident to arrest an occupant
of the vehicle after the arrestee has been secured in the police car. Cases
cited: New York v. Belton (1981) 453 U.S. 454; Thornton v. U.S. (2004) 541
U.S. 615; U.S. V. Gonzales (2009) DAR 12599; Arizona v. Gant (2009) 129
S. Ct. 1710. (6:19).

Closed Containers: When Expectation of Privacy is Waived
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
A suspect may waive his reasonable expectation of privacy in a closed
container by making an unequivocal, contemporaneous, and voluntary
disclosure that there is contraband in the container directly to a police officer.
However, a suspect does not lose his reasonable expectation of privacy in a
closed container just because he says things during a law enforcement-
monitored jail call to another person indicating a closed container located
somewhere outside the jail contains contraband. Case cited: United States v.
Monghur (9th Cir. 2009) 576 F.3d 1008. (11:47)

Search Incident to Arrest: Arm's Length Rule
with William W. Bedsworth, Appellate Court Justice, State of California
In Arizona v. Gant, the United States Supreme Court pulled back from almost
30 years of Fourth Amendment jurisprudence and re-instated the
interpretation of the law that limits a search incident to an arrest to the area
a suspect can reach– that is the area “within arm’s reach”– at the time of
the search. It held that police could not search a car after they had removed
the suspect from it, overruling their 1981 opinion in New York v. Belton. In
People v. Leal, a California Court applies this rule to search of a residence.
Justice Bedsworth explains this new rule. Cases cited: Arizona v. Gant (2009)
129 S. Ct. 1710; New York v. Belton (1981) 453 U.S. 454; People v. Leal 09
Daily Journal 15507 (November 2, 1009). (6:46)

Bringing Other Agencies Along When Serving Warrants
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
Officers from one police agency may bring along officers from another
agency to help in the execution of a search warrant, even though the officers
from both agencies hope and expect to find evidence of another crime for
which probable cause is lacking, so long as the search is confined to what is
permitted by the search warrant. Case cited: People v. Carrington (2009) 47
Cal.4th 145. (14:14)

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February 2010 Edition - Case Law Today

Miranda: Coerced Waivers
with Daniel McNerney, Superior Court Judge, Orange County, CA
Police are not required to begin questioning “immediately” after a Miranda
advisement, and questioning at some period of time after the advisement will
not render the interview coerced. Cases cited: Moran v. Burbine (1986) 475
U.S. 412; Missouri v. Seibert (2004) 542 U.S. 600; People v. Rios (2009) DAR
16280. (6:19)

"Protective Searches" During In-Home Arrests
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
Under Maryland v. Bui, during the arrest of a suspect in his home, police may,
without suspicion, do a limited search of the area immediately adjacent to the
location of an arrest from which an attack could be launched. This type of
search is distinct from the more expansive search, also authorized by Bui, that
is commonly referred to as a “protective sweep.” In Lemus, officers were
entitled to conduct a protective search of the arrestee’s living room where the
arrestee was arrested just as he got halfway through a sliding glass door
leading to the living room. Cases cited: Maryland v. Bui (1990) 494 U.S.
325; U.S. v. Lemus (9th Cir. 2009) 582 F.3d 958. (10:15)

Testimony by Dead Witnesses
with William W. Bedsworth, Appellate Court Justice, State of California
There are two ways a court can receive statements of dead witnesses: 1) a
dying declaration (something a person says when he/she knows he/she is
about to die is constituted trustworthy and allowed into evidence), and
perhaps more important, 2) the “forfeiture by wrongdoing” exception to the
hearsay rule, which provides that if a witness is unavailable because of
wrongdoing by the defendant, his hearsay statements can be introduced.
Justice Bedsworth explains how this very important rule resulted in a murder
conviction in the Banos case. Case cited: (2009) 178 CA 4th 483. (7:48).

The Inevitable Discovery Doctrine and Inventory Searches
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
In Arizona v. Gant, the Supreme Court held a search of the passenger
compartment incident to an arrest of a recent occupant (i.e., a “Belton”
search), is limited to situations where 1) the arrestee is unsecured and within
reaching distance of the passenger compartment at the time of the search, or
2) it is reasonable to believe evidence relevant to the crime of arrest might be
found in the vehicle. However, evidence found during a search of a vehicle
held improper under Gant may still be admissible if it can be shown the
vehicle was going to be lawfully impounded and that the evidence would
inevitably have been discovered during an inventory search. Cases cited:
Arizona v. Gant (2009) 129 S.Ct. 1710; United States v. Ruckes (9th Cir.
2009) 586 F.3d 713. (9:14)

Search and Seizure: "Objective" Exigent Circumstances
with Daniel McNerney, Superior Court Judge, Orange County, CA
Police will have justification to enter a residence without a warrant if they
have an “objectively” reasonable basis for believing that a person inside is in
need of immediate aid. Case cited: Michigan v. Fisher (2009) 558 U.S. (5:58)

Carrying a Switchblade Unlawful Even at Home
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
A person violates Penal Code section 653, which prohibits, among other
things, the carrying of a switchblade on the person, even if the switchblade is
not carried in a public place or place open to the public. Case/Statute cited: In
re S.C. 2009 WL 4023737; Pen. Code §653k. (3:57)

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March 2010 Edition - Case Law Today

Interrogating Juvenile Suspects
with William W. Bedsworth, Appellate Court Justice, State of California
Police in Everett, WA interviewed a four-year-old girl, who said she had been
molested by a 14-year-old boy when she was three. A detective went to the
boy’s school and interviewed him for two hours, during which he repeatedly
denied the crime. Eventually the boy confessed. The state court found the
confession was coerced and that there was no probable cause for holding the
boy for two hours of interrogation. It further found the girl to be incompetent
to testify and dismissed the case. The boy and his parents sued. Justice
Bedsworth explains the very sensitive area of interviewing child suspects and
victims. Case cited: Stoot v. City of Everett (2009) DJDAR 13848. (7:33)

"John Doe" DNA Profile Arrest Warrants
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
A “John Doe” arrest warrant that identifies the target of the warrant only by
reference to a DNA profile meets the constitutional and statutory requirement
that an arrest warrant be sufficiently particular in its description to identify the
person to be arrested. The issuance of such a warrant will stop the statute of
limitations on a crime from continuing to run. Case cited: People v. Robinson
2010 DJDAR 1214. (11:04)

Search and Seizure: Special Needs Detentions
with Daniel McNerney, Superior Court Judge, Orange County, CA
In order for a “Special Needs” detention to be lawful, the primary purpose
cannot be for general criminal investigation. Cases cited: Indianapolis v.
Edmond (2000) 531 U.S. 32; People v. Maikhio (2010) 180 CA4 1178.
(5:49)

Specific Limits on Medical Marijuana Invalidated
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
Under the Compassionate Use Act (Proposition 215), a person who has a
doctor’s recommendation or approval to possess medical marijuana is limited
to possessing an amount reasonably related to that person’s current medical
needs. The limitation still applies. Subsequently passed legislation on medical
marijuana is invalid, but only to the extent it limits the amount of marijuana
that can be possessed to six mature or twelve immature plants and eight
ounces of dried marijuana regardless of the person’s current medical needs.
Case cited: People v. Kelly (2010) 47 Cal.4th 1008. (8:37)

Courtroom Decorum: Commemorative Buttons
with William W. Bedsworth, Appellate Court Justice, State of California
When Gregory Zielesch was tried for the cold-blooded murder of a highway
patrolman, many spectators showed up the first day wearing buttons that
depicted the slain patrolman, Andrew Stevens. Defense objected that the
buttons could influence the jury. The court overruled the objection and Zielesch
raised it again on appeal. Justice Bedsworth discusses what may and may not
be worn in a courtroom and why Zielesch’s conviction was affirmed.
People v. Zielesch (2009) DJDAR 16503 (11/23/09). (9:36)

School Campus Interviews with Molestation Victims
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
The Ninth Circuit has held removal of a child from a school classroom and
subsequent interview by a caseworker and/or police officer will be deemed a
violation of the Fourth Amendment in the absence of parental consent, exigent
circumstances, or a warrant or court order where such removal and interview is
deemed a seizure. This video also discusses how officers may best respond to
the court’s holding. Cases/Statutes cited: Greene v. Camreta (9th Cir. 2009)
588 F.3d 1011; Pen. Code § 11174.3; Welf. & Inst. Code §§ 300, 305.
(17:49)

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April 2010 Edition - Case Law Today

Mobile Tracking Devices
with William W. Bedsworth, Appellate Court Justice, State of California
In this case, federal agents used a tracking device to keep tabs on a suspected
marijuana grower. When they finally busted him, he complained that the use
of such devices was illegal and that even if they were legal, attachment of such
a device, while it was parked in his driveway, was illegal. Justice Bedsworth
explains why both arguments failed and what the status of California law is
with regard to such devices. Case cited: United States v. Pineda-Moreno
(2010) DJDAR 474. (7:54)

Ambiguous and Conditional Invocations of Miranda Rights
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
The rule that police may continue interrogating a suspect who ambiguously
invokes his right to counsel applies equally to a suspect who ambiguously
invokes his right to silence. Also, an invocation of the right to counsel will be
deemed ambiguous if it contingent upon an event that has not occurred. Case
cited: People v. Martinez (2010) 47 Cal.4th 911. (12:51)

Search and Seizure: In-Person Anonymous Tips
with Daniel McNerney, Superior Court Judge, Orange County, CA
Tips regarding possible criminal activity are generally more reliable if they are
given in-person to law enforcement. Cases cited: Adams v. Williams (1972)
407 U.S. 143; Florida v. J.L. (2000) 529 U.S. 266; U.S. v. Marquez (2010)
DAR 884. (6:42).

Temporary Deactivation of Lights/Siren During 2800.2 Pursuit
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
Neither Vehicle Code section 2800.1 or 2800.2 requires the pursuing officer to
keep his emergency lights and siren continuously activated during the entire
course of the pursuit. A temporary deactivation during a brief period when the
officer loses sight of the offender is permissible. Cases/Statutes cited: People
v. Copass (2009) 180 Cal.App.4th 37; Veh. Code §§ 2800.1, 2800.2. (6:28)

Pitchess Motions: A "Plausible Scenario"
with William W. Bedsworth, Appellate Court Justice, State of California
In order to force a court to review an officer’s personnel file for possibly
discoverable material (Pitchess motion) the defendant must provide a
“plausible scenario” of the charged offense that would make the materials
relevant. Describes Sanderson and explains why the court did not agree to
review the officer’s personnel file. Officers should know their personnel files
are not examined every time a defendant accuses them of lying. Case cited:
People v. Sanderson (2010) DAR 2272 (February 11, 2010). (7:05)

Edwards Rule Subject to "Break in Custody" Exception
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
The Edwards rule prohibits any law enforcement officer from attempting to
interview a suspect about any crime outside the presence of counsel after the
suspect has invoked his right to counsel during a custodial interrogation unless
the suspect initiates the contact. It does not bar re-contacting the suspect for
purpose of interrogation after the suspect has been released from custody for
14 days. Moreover, a suspect who is incarcerated as a result of having been
convicted of a crime is not “in custody” for purposes of the Edwards rule. Cases
cited: Maryland v. Shatzer 2010 DJDAR 2731; Edwards v. Arizona (1981) 451
U.S. 477; Arizona v. Roberson (1988) 486 U.S. 675; Minnick v. Mississippi
(1990) 498 U.S. 146. (21:19)

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May 2010 Edition - Case Law Today

Traffic Stops: More on Temporary Tags
with Daniel McNerney, Superior Court Judge, Orange County, CA
Unless an officer sees an object on the rear window consistent with a
temporary operating permit, he/she may initiate a traffic stop of a vehicle
without plates. Cases cited: In re Raymond C.- (2008) 45 C4 303; People v.
Saunders (2006) 38 C4 1129; People v. Hernandez (2008) 45 C4 295; People
v. Dotson (2009) 179 CA4 1045. (8:27)

Unauthorized Police Agreements with Informants
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
A “cooperation agreement” between the police and an informant under which
the informant provides information in exchange for a promise from the police
that charges will be dismissed is generally unenforceable where charges have
already been filed. Case cited: People v. C.S.A (2010) 181 Cal.App.4th 773.
(7:55)

Accident Photos of Victim
with William W. Bedsworth, Appellate Court Justice, State of California
In this case, the California Court of Appeal held that police officers can be
civilly liable for what they do with accident photos. Justice Bedsworth discusses
the ramifications of this very important case. Case cited: Catsouras v.
California Highway Patrol (2010) 181 Cal App 4th 856. (8:11)

"Public Place" Under PC§ 594.1 Includes Public Schools
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
A public school is a “public place” for purposes of the statute prohibiting
possession of etching cream or aerosol spray paint containers, while in a public
place, with the intent to deface public property. Case/Statute cited: In re
Miguel H. (2010) 180 Cal.App.4th 1429; Pen. Code § 594.1(e)(1). (4:36)

Exigent Circumstances: Illegal Aliens
with Daniel McNerney, Superior Court Judge, Orange County, CA
Reliable information that a large number of illegal aliens are being held in a
safe house provides exigent circumstances for a warrantless entry. Case cited:
U.S. v. Bosque (2010) DAR 3045. (7:26)

Specific Language of Miranda Admonition Not Set in Stone
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
No specific language is required when advising a suspect of the Miranda rights,
but the language used must reasonably convey each of the rights, including
that the suspect has a right to consult with a lawyer before being interrogated
and to have a lawyer present during interrogation. Cases cited: Florida v.
Powell (2010) 130 S.Ct. 1195; Miranda v. Arizona (1966) 384 U.S. 441.
(4:36)

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June 2010 Edition - Case Law Today

Arson vs. Unlawfully Causing a Fire
with William W. Bedsworth, Appellate Court Justice, State of California
In this case, a juvenile court judge found a minor guilty of arson because be lit
a cherry bomb, which went off and set a hillside on fire. The Court of Appeal
revised, holding the minor was guilty only of a violation of Penal Code §452.
Case cited: In re J.H. (2009) DJDAR 16977. (5:01)

When Use of Taser is Excessive Force
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
Discusses some of the principles governing when use of a taser will be deemed
to violate the Fourth Amendment’s prohibition on excessive force. Describes
circumstances in which the court found use of a taser on a bizarrely acting
nonviolent misdemeanant (who was standing 20-25 feet away from the officer
at the time he was tased) was excessive where the misdemeanant was not
standing still and had not physically nor verbally threatened the officer or any
member of the public. Case cited: Bryan v. McPherson (9th Cir. 2009) 590
F.3d 767. (20:53)

Search and Seizure: More Anonymous Tips
with Daniel McNerney, Superior Court Judge, Orange County, CA
Reviews a series of cases discussing when officers may act upon an anonymous
tip. Cases cited: People v. Jordan (2004) 121 CA4 544; People v. Dolly
(2007) 40 C4 458; People v. Carter (2005) 36 C4 1114; U.S. v. Marquez
(2009) 591 F3d 1272; Lowry v. Guiterrez (2005) 129 CA4 926; People v.
Rogers (2005) 131 CA4 1560; U.S. v. Jennen (2010) DAR 2771. (7:48)

When Use of Taser is NOT Excessive Force
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
Covers a case finding the officer’s use of a taser on a female was reasonable,
where the officer was attempting to arrest her husband (a large and
belligerent male suspected of having engaged in domestic violence) in close
quarters, the female was standing in between the officer and her husband, and
the female was interfering with the arrest (albeit unintentionally). Case cited:
Mattos v. Agarano (9th Cir. 2010) 590 F.3d 1082. (19:00)

Use of Tasers
with William W. Bedsworth, Appellate Court Justice, State of California
In Brooks, police issued a speeding ticket to a pregnant woman. When she
refused to sign the citation, they tried to arrest her, but she resisted. Eventually
they tasered her– three times. After six years of litigation, the 9th Circuit Court
of Appeals threw out the lawsuit brought against the police for using excessive
force. Justice Bedsworth discusses why the court ruled in favor of the police,
why it took six years, and what it means with regard to taser use. Case cited:
Brooks v. City of Seattle (2010) DJDAR 4601 (March 29, 2010). (7:25)

Standardized Criteria Not Prerequisite to Decision to Tow
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
Inventory searches may be found unconstitutional when the officer’s discretion
as to how to conduct the inventory is not subject to standardized criteria.
However, so long as the decision to impound or remove a vehicle is justified by
a community caretaking function and is reasonable under the circumstances, it
is not necessary that the decision to impound be subject to standardized criteria
– albeit, the decision to impound is more likely to satisfy the Fourth
Amendment if made pursuant to standardized criteria than if not so made.
Case cited: People v. Shafrir 2010 WL 1189584. (10:25)

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July 2010 Edition - Case Law Today

Parole/Probation Searches: Motel Residence?
with Daniel McNerney, Superior Court Judge, Orange County, CA
Law enforcement must have probable cause that a parolee or probationer
currently resides at a particular location in order to conduct a warrantless
parole/probation search. Cases cited: Motley v. Parks (2005) 432 F3d 1072;
U.S. v. Franklin (2010) DAR 6363. (7:02)

Officer Telling Jury of Suppressed Confession = Reversal
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
Discusses a case where a detective, upset with having the suspect’s confession
suppressed, intentionally brought out the fact the suspect had given a
confession. The appellate court found that while an inadvertent slip of the
tongue that reveals evidence of a suppressed confession might be cured by a
judge’s instruction to disregard the testimony, the detective’s conduct in the
instant case was incurably prejudicial and required reversal. Case cited:
People v. Navarrete (2010) (2010) 181 Cal.App.4th 828. (7:15)

Firing Into Vehicle
with William W. Bedsworth, Appellate Court Justice, State of California
Here’s a typical gang violence scenario: defendants see a car they identify
(wrongly as it turns out) as that of a rival gang member. The windows of the
car are heavily tinted, so they can’t see in, but they drive by and fire off a
volley of shots. When they are prosecuted for assault with a deadly weapon on
all the car’s occupants, they complain that they should only face one charge–
that because of the tinting they did not know anybody but the driver was in the
car. Justice Bedsworth explains why they lose. Case cited: People v. Trujillo
(2010) DJDAR 2265 (2/11/10). (5:05)

Unreasonably Prolonged "Seizure" of House is Unconstitutional
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
The Fourth Amendment may be violated if the police “seize” a residence for
too long while awaiting a warrant. Discusses the circumstances where a 26.5-
hour delay between the initial seizure of the house and issuance of the search
warrant was held to be unreasonable and a violation of the Fourth Amendment
requiring suppression of evidence found inside the residence. Case cited:
United States v. Cha (9th Cir. 2010) 597 F.3d 995. (12:09)

School Searches: With a Little Help from My Friends... the Police
with Daniel McNerney, Superior Court Judge, Orange County, CA
School officials may conduct a school search based on information provided by
police, and with the presence and participation of police. Cases cited: New
Jersey v. TLO (1985) 469 U.S. 325; In re K.S. (2010) 183 CA4 72. (7:00)

Maintaining Place for Drug Use Requires Use by Others
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
Health and Safety Code section 11366 prohibits maintaining or opening a
place for the purpose of continuously or repeatedly selling, giving away, or
using any controlled substance. However, in order to convict the owner of a
location under the theory that the place is being maintained for the continuous
or repeated use of a controlled substance, persons other than the owner must
be using the controlled substance. Case/statute cited: People v. Franco (2009)
180 Cal.App.4th 713; Health & Saf. Code § 11366. (2:08)

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August 2010 Edition - Case Law Today

Inventory/Impound Searches: Standardized Criteria
with Daniel McNerney, Superior Court Judge, Orange County, CA
Inventory/impound searches cannot be used as a pretext for criminal
investigation and must be conducted pursuant to a “standardized criteria.”
Cases cited: Colorado v. Bertine (1987) 479 U.S. 367; People v. Henry
(2010) DAR 7683. (8:07)

Chatroom Talk Not Confidential Under PC§ 632
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
Online instant messaging and other communications conducted in Yahoo!
chat rooms are not “confidential communications” for purposes of P.C.
Section 632, which prohibits the intentional recording or eavesdropping
upon a “confidential communication” without the consent of both parties –
at least where users are warned such communications may not be private.
Case/Statutes cited: People v. Nakai (2010) 183 Cal.App.4th 499; Pen.
Code §§ 632 & 633.5. (10:41)

Search and Seizure: Government Workplace Privacy
with Daniel McNerney, Superior Court Judge, Orange County, CA
Although government employees (including peace officers) enjoy the same
4 th Amendment protection in the workplace as employees in the private
sector, the “workplace realities” of government work will affect whether
the expectation of privacy is reasonable. Cases cited: O’Connor v. Ortega
(1987) 480 U.S. 709; Ontario v. Quon (2010) DAR 7565. (9:23)

When is Concealing Firearm in Trailer Unlawful?
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
A trailer attached to a van was not a suspect’s “place of residence,” for
purposes of the statutory exemption from the offenses of carrying a
concealed firearm in a vehicle or a loaded firearm in a public place, even if
the trailer was the suspect’s exclusive dwelling place, where the trailer and
van were parked in a public park and were not being used, at that time,
for purposes of habitation. Case/Statutes cited: Garber v.Superior Court
(2010) 184 Cal.App.4th 724; Pen. Code §§ 12025, 12026, 12031.
(10:14)

DUI: Methamphetamine
with Daniel McNerney, Superior Court Judge, Orange County, CA
Although a driver may be under the influence of methamphetamine, the
people must also prove that such influence impairs his/her ability to drive
safely. Cases cited: People v. Torres (2009) 173 CA4 977; People v. Benner
(2010) DAR 8942. (7:28)

DUI Arrestee's Initial Refusal Governs Despite Later Consent
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
A DUI suspect will be treated as having refused to take either a breath or
blood test if he initially refuses to take a breath test and then submits but
fails to complete the breath test, even if the suspect shortly thereafter
submits to the taking of a blood test. Case/statutes cited: Garcia v.
Superior Court (2010) 185 Cal.App.4th 73; Veh. Code §§ 13353, 13557.
(11:24)

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September 2010 Edition - Case Law Today

Does "Registered Owner" Equal Driver?
with William W. Bedsworth, Appellate Court Justice, State of California
Suppose you run a record check on a car and find there is a warrant outstanding
for the driver of the car. Does that provide you with a reasonable suspicion to stop
the car? Can you assume the driver is the registered owner? Can you stop the car
to find out? Justice Bedsworth explains that you can make such a stop under most
circumstances. Cases cited: People v. Dominguez (1987) 194 Cal. App. 3d 1315;
People v. Williams (1995) 33 Cal. App. 4 th 467. (7:44)

Mistake of Age Defense in Sex Cases
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
When will a reasonable mistake of fact as to the age of the victim provide a
defense in a sex offense case (i.e., statutory rape, child molestation, pimping a
minor)? Explains how the answer turns on which sex offense involving a minor has
been charged, and discusses the latest cases. Cases/Statutes cited: People v. Olsen
(1984) 36 Cal.3d 638; People v. Atchison (1978) 22 Cal.3d 181; People v. Hernandez
(1964) 61 Cal.2d 529; People v. Branch (2010) 184 Cal.App.4th 516; People v. Paz
(2010) 80 Cal.App.4th 293; In re Donald R. (1993) 14 Cal.App.4th 1627; People v.
Peterson (1981) 126 Cal.App.3d 396; Pen. Code §§ 261.5; 266h(2); 266i(b)(2);
288(a); 288a(b)(1); 288(c)(1). (5:35)

Emergency Entry of Back Yard
with William W. Bedsworth, Appellate Court Justice, State of California
Another case dealing with the very difficult concepts of “curtilage,” Justice
Bedsworth explains how an arrest for burglary that makes perfect sense (and
would have been upheld had it taken place anywhere else) was ruled a Fourth
Amendment violation because it took place in a backyard. Case cited: United
States v. Struckman (2010) DADAR 6587 (May 5, 2010). (7:03)

Another Frisk Case
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
Discusses a case where a frisk of a car passenger was upheld based on: 1) the
furtive movements of the passenger while the driver was refusing to pull over her
car; 2) the evasive and deceptive responses the passenger gave when asked what
he was doing during that time period; 3) the peculiar way he opened the passenger
side door with his left hand; and, 4) the way he kept his right hand near and
reached for his right coat pocket when he got of the car. Case cited: United States
v. Burkett 2010 DJDAR 11264. (6:19)

Animal Emergencies
with William W. Bedsworth, Appellate Court Justice, State of California
In this case, police responded to a call of a "dog in distress" and were told a dog in
an apartment was crying and yelping. When they went to the apartment, the
occupant denied having a dog, but one of the officers thought he heard one. They
entered the apartment without a warrant and over the occupant’s objection. They
found two dogs – one dead, one dying. Their justification for entry was
“emergency.” Does that work? Can the suffering of a dog be an emergency
sufficient to satisfy the Fourth Amendment? Justice Bedsworth explains why it is,
and tells how far the law goes in the area of animal emergencies. Case cited:
People v. Chung (2010) 185 Cal. App. 4 th 247. (6:38)

Citizen's Arrests When Crime Committed Over Phone
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
Discusses a case holding the citizen’s arrest statutes did not require a 911
dispatcher, who was the victim of annoying and harassing phone calls, to be in the
physical presence of the caller when the calls were made or when the caller was
arrested, where the dispatcher personally heard the calls, promptly dispatched
officers to arrest the caller, and promptly executed a citizen’s arrest form. The case
also held the dispatcher was not required to physically deliver the caller into the
custody of the police. Case/statutes cited: People v. Bloom (2010) 185 Cal.App.4th
1496; Pen. Code §§ 837, 839, 847. (9:44)

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October 2010 Edition - Case Law Today

Miranda: Invocation of Right to Silence
with Daniel McNerney, Superior Court Judge, Orange County, CA
The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in Berghuis v. Thompkins holds that a
suspect’s silence in response to questioning is not a “clear and unambiguous”
invocation of this 5 th Amendment right to remain silent. Case cited: Berghuis
v. Thompkins (2010) DAR 8047. (7:30)

Disclosure of Percipient Witness Confidential Informants
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
Just because a confidential informant is a percipient witness to a crime does
not mean the identity of the informant must be revealed. If the informant
cannot provide information exculpating the person charged with the crime, the
informant need not be revealed. Also, it is not always necessary for the
informant to be present at an in camera hearing held to determine whether
the informant must be disclosed. Case/Statutes cited: Davis v.Superior Court
(2010) 186 Cal.App.4th 1272; Evid. Code §§ 1041, 1042. (6:18)

Child Molestation: Touching
with William W. Bedsworth, Appellate Court Justice, State of California
Penal Code §288(a), lewd and lascivious act upon a child, has been
consistently interpreted by the courts to require a “touching” of the child.
While this is always the law, there have been several cases in which what
constitutes as “touching” has been defined in ways you might not think of.
Justice Bedsworth analyzes the most recent of these non-touching “touching”
cases to give you a better handle on what violates the statute. Case cited:
People v. Lopez (2010) 185 CA 4 th 1220. (9:30)

"Burglary by Instrument" Doctrine
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
Burglary may be committed by using an instrument to enter a building—
whether that instrument is used solely to effect entry, or to accomplish theft or
any other felony. This segment discusses a case finding that a defendant who
used a 20-foot long pole to reach into a neighbor’s crawlspace in order to start
a fire committed a burglary even though the defendant never set foot on the
neighbor’s property. Case/statute cited: People v. Glazier (2010) 186
Cal.App.4th 1151; Pen. Code § 459. (9:30)

Miranda: Implied Waiver
with Daniel McNerney, Superior Court Judge, Orange County, CA
The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in Berghuis v. Thompkins holds that no
affirmative waiver of Miranda need be given by the suspect. If he/she has
received a proper Miranda advisement, his response to questions will be
deemed an “implied” waiver. Cases cited: Berghuis v. Thompkins (2010) DAR
8047; Moran v. Burbine (1986) 475 U.S. 412. (7:28)

Effect of Deception About Interview's Scope of Miranda
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
A defendant’s waiver of his Miranda rights is not rendered invalid just because
the investigating officers do not fully inform the defendant about the crime
that prompted the interrogation. Thus, the fact detectives interviewing a
homicide suspect found driving the victim’s car did not tell him the victim had
died, but just that she had been hurt, did not render the waiver or later
statement involuntary, unknowing, or unintelligent. Cases cited: People v. Tate
(2010) 49 Cal.4th 635; Colorado v. Spring (1987) 479 U.S. 564. (9:32)

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November 2010 Edition - Case Law Today

Failure to Disclose Evidence to the Defense
with William W. Bedsworth, Appellate Court Justice, State of California
In Uribe, the Court of Appeal reversed a child molestation conviction
because the prosecution failed to provide the defense with a videotape of a
SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) examination. Justice Bedsworth
discusses the case and explains what the obligations are of police officers
under Brady v. Maryland. Cases cited: People v. Uribe (2008) 162 Cal.
App. 4 th 1457; Brady v. Maryland (1963) 373 U.S. 83. (8:45)

Post-Custodial Search of Container Incident to Arrest
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
Discusses a case finding that an officer was not entitled to search a vial
attached to a keychain as a search incident to the arrest of a driver for
driving on a suspended license where, during the arrest, the keychain was
removed from the driver and tossed into the driver’s truck but the vial was
not retrieved and searched until after the driver was handcuffed and
placed into the back of the patrol car. Cases cited: United States v. Maddox
(9th Cir. 2010) 614 F.3d 1046; United States v. Robinson (1973) 414 U.S.
218. (12:25)

Search & Seizure: Impound/Inventory Searches
with Daniel McNerney, Superior Court Judge, Orange County, CA
It is MANDATORY that a law enforcement agency have in place a
standardized policy for conducting an inventory search of an impounded
vehicle, including the search of closed containers therein. Cases cited:
Colorado v. Bertine (1987) 479 U.S. 367; People v. Redd (2010) 48 C4th
691. (7:36)

Miranda and Citizen Interview of Suspect in Custody
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
If the right to counsel has not yet attached, police do not have to Mirandize
a suspect in custody before allowing or encouraging a citizen to speak with
the suspect in an ostensibly private conversation— regardless of whether
the citizen is viewed as an agent of the police. Cases cited: People v. Tate
(2010) 49 Cal.4th 635; Illinois v. Perkins (1990) 496 U.S. 292. (9:50)

"Use of Force on a 5150"
with Devallis Rutledge, Special Counsel, Los Angeles CO District Attorney's Office
Officers confronting a psychotic cocaine addict, who threatened officers and
bystanders with erratic behavior, could use physical force to restrain her
and transport her for psych evaluation. Case cited: Luchtel v. Hagemann
(9 th Cir. 2010) WL 3911282. (6:10)

Overboard Search Warrant Language Violates Constitution
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
A search warrant authorizing the seizure of “any” firearms and gang-
related evidence from a residence will be deemed unconstitutionally
overbroad where the warrant is based on a suspect assaulting a victim with
a specifically described firearm and there is no reason to believe the
assault was gang-related or that other firearms would be found. Case cited:
Millender v. Superior Court (9th Cir. 2010) 2010 WL 3307491. (15:03)

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December 2010 Edition - Case Law Today

Miranda: Interrogation, Re-initiation, and Re-advisement
with Daniel McNerney, Superior Court Judge, Orange County, CA
Casual conversation between an officer and a suspect does not constitute
“custodial interrogation.” Cases cited: Rhode Island v. Innis (1980) 446 U.S.
291; Oregon v. Bradshaw (1983) 462 U.S. 1039; Mickey v. Ayers (2010) DAR
8377. (7:31)

Non-Verbal Consent to Search
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
A person who raises his hands in the air in response to an officer’s request to
search his person, but who does not orally agree to the search, can still be
found to have voluntarily consented to the search. Case cited: United States v.
Vongxay (9th Cir. 2010) 594 F.3d 1111. (7:04)

"Consent Search FAQ"
with Devallis Rutledge, Special Counsel, Los Angeles CO District Attorney's Office
An overview of consent search cases including the following concepts and cases:
OK to request consent to search, even if no suspicion of wrongdoing (Florida v.
Bostick (1991) 501 US 429); OK to get consent, even if suspect detained,
cuffed and caged (People v. Llamas (1991) 235 Cal. App. 3d 441); OK to get
consent, even if suspect in custody (US v. Watson (1976) 423 US 411); OK to
get consent, even if suspect is not present where search is to occur (US v.
George (9 th Cir. 1993) 987 F. 2d 1428); no need to tell the suspect he has the
right to refuse consent (Ohio v. Robinette (1996) 519 US 33); no need to give
Miranda warnings before requesting consent (People v. James (1977) 19 Cal.
3d 99); OK to get consent, even if suspect has already invoked Miranda
(People v. Ruster (1976) 16 Cal. 3d 690). (6:00)

Is Motel Room a "Residence" for Search Clause Purposes?
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
A motel room rented by a probationer or parolee can be a “residence” for
purposes of executing a search clause allowing searches of the residence of the
probationer or parolee. There was probable cause to believe a motel room was
a probationer’s residence based on information from a reliable informant the
probationer was staying at a particular motel room and verification of that
information by a motel clerk. Case cited: United States v. Franklin (9th Cir.
2010) 603 F.3d 652. (7:35)

Search Warrants: Stale Information
with William W. Bedsworth, Appellate Court Justice, State of California
Justice Bedsworth discusses the use of old information to obtain a search
warrant– explaining when your information is too old and needs to be
refreshed. He also gives some valuable pointers on when to seek warrants and
how they can make your probable cause look better. Case cited: People v.
Jones (2010) DJDAR 14085. (6:31)

Inventory Searches Solely for Evidence Gathering Invalid
with Jeff Rubin, Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County, CA
A post-impound inventory search that is statutorily-authorized because the
driver has no license is still constitutionally invalid where the inventory search
is expressly conducted for the purposes of finding narcotics and not to carry
out any community caretaking function, i.e., where no evidence is presented
the vehicle is at an enhanced risk of vandalism, is impeding traffic or
pedestrians, or could not be driven away by someone other than the arrestee.
Case cited: People v. Torres (2010) 188 Cal.App.4th 775. (9:33)

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