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RECENT NEWS

New Law: Veterans Now Eligible for DUI Diversion

By michaelfannon • August 25, 2017
On August 7, 2017, Governor Brown signed SB 725 which amends Penal Code section 1001.80 regarding veteran’s diversion by adding subdivision (l) to take effect as urgency legislation. Subdivision (l) now states: “Notwithstanding any other law, including Section 23640 of the Vehicle Code, a misdemeanor offense for which a defendant may be placed in a [..] The post New Law: Veterans Now Eligible for DUI Diversion appeared first on Ryan Birss, Attorney at Law.

Proposition 57 Update

By michaelfannon • July 26, 2017
My friend Douglas Fienberg from the Fresno County Public Defender’s Office has been carefully tracking the proposed rules for Proposition 57.  You can see the proposed rules here: http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/proposition57/docs/Prop-57-Public-Comment-Regs.pdf. Here is the latest from Mr. Fienberg: There are at least four problems with the proposed regulations. First, the proposed regulations exclude people subject to indeterminate [..] The post Proposition 57 Update appeared first on Ryan Birss, Attorney at Law.

California Proposition 57: What You Need to Know

By michaelfannon • November 21, 2016
On November 8, 2016, California voters approved Proposition 57, also known as the California Parole for Non-Violent Criminals and Juvenile Court Trial Requirements Initiative. Here’s a brief look at what Proposition 57 means to California and its citizens. New parole opportunities for those convicted of non-violent felonies. Proposition 57 changes the time calculation for parole [..] The post California Proposition 57: What You Need to Know appeared first on Ryan Birss, Attorney at Law.

Manslaughter

Manslaughter is the killing of another person either intentionally or by engaging in a highly risky activity. It is a step below a murder charge’s requirement that you set out with an intent to kill or wantonly disregarded human life. Manslaughter is a felony punishable by up to 11 years in prison.


To prove a manslaughter case, the prosecution must prove that you either intentionally killed someone or unintentionally caused a death that shouldn’t have happened. An unintentional death is more than just an accidental death.


To be charged with voluntary manslaughter, the prosecution must prove that you were aware of a risk that someone could be killed and disregarded that risk. To be charged with involuntary manslaughter, the prosecution must prove that you didn’t exercise due caution. You may also be charged with involuntary manslaughter if someone died while you were committing another crime.


The prosecution is required to prove the necessary criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt. The law does not allow them to punish you for an unavoidable accident.


If you’re facing manslaughter charges, contact Ryan Birss, Attorney at Law, to schedule a consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Serving Shasta, Trinity, Tehama, Siskiyou, and Butte Counties.