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Cannabis leafA new Gallup poll finds that 58% of Americans are in favor of legalizing marijuana for recreational use, versus just 39% who are opposed. Check out this LA Times link for more details, including a breakdown of supporters.

Pro-marijuana sentiment has been growing since Colorado and Washington became the first two states to legalize the drug for non-medical purposes. Read more »

  

divorce argumentDivorce is a horrible situation that harms families and relationships, but is ultimately worth it in the end. The short-term feelings of hatred will dissolve when all the mayhem has settled down and everyone involved will be better off.

But reassurance of a happy ending will not make the ordeal any easier. Your emotions can be your worst enemy during divorce proceedings, altering how you make decisions and handle the process.

This list from the Huffington Post offers 17 common mistakes to avoid during your divorce. It is a simple, short read, but there is a lot of valuable information included. If you are beginning a divorce, review these tips and keep them in mind. Best of luck.

  

California_flagCalifornia is set to become the 10th state to allow illegal immigrants the ability to obtain drivers licenses, a measure that ensures they can safely and legally get to and from work. Before, the individual would have to find a ride or drive illegally.

California governor Jerry Brown agreed to sign the bill on Friday, September 13th after the vote overwhelmingly passed in the California Senate and assembly. The one stipulation by the Federal government in these legislatures is that the identification card must clearly state that the driver is not a U.S. citizen and is thus not allowed to vote.

If you would like more information on the subject, feel free to call Madeline Galadjian at 818-769-4529 or read the full Yahoo! News article.

  

Scale of justiceWhen you get arrested, the officer will read you the Miranda Rights. One of the Miranda Rights is “the right to an attorney,” which guarantees that you be given counsel and guidance in your trial, based on the Sixth Amendment of Constitutional right to a fair trial. If you cannot afford an attorney, you are appointed one by the court. Read more »

  

Miranda RightsIt seems like every cop movie or TV show with detectives solving a crime has a scene where an officer says, “you have the right to remain silent” to a criminal he is arresting. This is one of the Miranda rights that must be explicitly stated to an arrested person for their statements to be admissible in court. But what does this line actually mean and how does it apply to a DUI arrest?

In the United States, this right is closely linked to the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution, which guarantees certain rights pertaining to a fair trial, specifically where it says, “No person… shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself,” which means that you cannot be forced to testify or admit your own guilt. This is why, in those same films and shows, you often hear defendants say, “I plead the fifth” in order to maintain their legal right to be silent.

One note-worthy update occurred in June 2013, when the Supreme Court ruled in the case of Salinas v. Texas that staying silent during questioning could be taken as a sign of guilt if the person had previously been answering all questions normally. In order to avoid answering a question, you must invoke your Fifth Amendment right.

Right to an Attorney

One of the other Miranda rights is the right to legal counsel. No person is allowed to be interrogated by the police before speaking with an attorney, unless he or she waives the right. This is included under the Sixth Amendment.

If you are arrested for a DUI (or other charge), make sure you ask to speak to an attorney before answering any questions. Regardless if you are guilty or innocent, saying the wrong thing could have negative consequences.

Remember, calling a DUI lawyer is not an admission of guilt, but one of your Constitutional Rights based on the belief of “innocent until proven guilty.”