Police canine units can be a great source of entertainment. “Racist” Police Dog Attacks Hispanic Officer in Uniform One of my Santa Ana, California police officer witnesses showed up at my DA’s Office with bandages and multiple puncture wounds on his forearm. I asked him what happened. He explained that there was a break-in at … Continue reading 5 Very Short and Entertaining Police Dog Stories
"We don't catch the smart ones." The Man with Too Many Wrong AKAs I arraigned an in-custody felon with simple drug possession. At the time of his arrest, he gave the name of “Juan Aguilar Guzman” with a date of birth of 6/28/73. When the police ran the information through the computers it turned out … Continue reading Another Dumb Stupid Criminal
In four decades in the criminal justice system, I came across some amazingly creative and effective undercover officers. The Undercover Police Chief One part-time under cover officer was actually a local police chief. Stanton, Orange County, California, was a small semi-impoverished city between Knott’s Berry Farm and the beach. The police department was underfunded and understaffed. Maintaining … Continue reading Ingenious Undercover Cops
The Grueling California Bar Exam The three-day California State Bar Exam is a grueling challenge. It is the hardest exam in the country. It causes nightmares, nervous breakdowns, and heart attacks. In February 2018, the pass rate was only 27%. In other words, 73%, about ¾, failed. These are not average folks. These are men … Continue reading The Nightmare Bar Exam and the Man Who Passed on the 48th Try
I have been bemused by the ongoing debate in the social media whether America is a “Democracy” or a “Republic”? Naturally, “Democrats” argue for a “Democracy,” and “Republicans” argue for a “Republic.” “I pledge allegiance ... to the Republic for which is stands.” Both sides are right, and both sides are wrong. America is neither … Continue reading America: Democracy or Republic?
The "Comfort Dog" Runs Amok in the Courtroom A woman came to court carrying a chiwawa “comfort dog.” Our security screeners are hesitant to turn bogus “comfort dogs” away because of liability under the American Disabilities Act. However, the screeners should have alerted my court bailiff and clerks that she was on her way to my … Continue reading Even More “Eccentric” Criminals
"We don't catch the smart ones." “Dumb and Dumber” and “Dumbest” Under California’s “three strikes” law at the time, if a defendant committed two serious or violent felonies in the past, if he commits a new felony, no matter how minor, he faces a mandatory 25 years to life in prison. (Some California DA’s Offices … Continue reading More Entertaining Dumb Criminals
The Native American Indians tell the tale of a tribal elder teaching his grandson: “There are two wolves inside every person, one good and one evil. They are constantly fighting for dominance, to see which one will win. Grandson, which wolf will win.” “I don’t know grandfather.” “The one you feed.” That is the story … Continue reading Benedict Arnold: From American War Hero to Traitor to Enemy
The Traffic Trial with the Vow of Silence Occasionally, I am “forced” to handle traffic court trials. I do not like these kinds of cases. The defendant’s frequently lie, slander the officer, and refuse to accept responsibility for their own conduct. I would much rather deal with “real” criminals, who are more generally more honest … Continue reading More Very “Eccentric” Criminals
The founding fathers and mothers recognized the victory at Saratoga as a turning point in the Revolutionary War. They considered this miraculous victory as further evidence of Divine Providence. One of the most important victories of the entire war was the famous Battle of Saratoga in October 1777. This battle was pivotal to the success … Continue reading Miracle at Saratoga
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