Darren Kavinoky

Three Strikes

Three Strikes The Three Strikes law significantly increases the prison sentences of persons convicted of felonies who have been previously convicted of a violent or serious felony, and limits the ability of these offenders to receive a punishment other... Read >

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Domestic violence is generally defined as physical abuse against someone who lives in the home, or someone the person is married to (or dating) or used to be married to (or used to date), or someone they have had a child with. A "dat... Read >

Assault

Assault The California Penal Code, Section 240, defines assault as "an unlawful attempt, coupled with a present ability, to commit a violent injury on the person of another." Assault is either the threat or attempt to strike another, whether successful... Read >

Assault with a Firearm

Assault with a Firearm Assault with a firearm is governed by California Penal Code Section 245. Assault with a firearm is an aggravated assault in which the defendant, with a firearm, threatens a person with death or serious bodily injury. An aggrava... Read >

Battery

Battery The crime of battery is governed by California Penal Code Sections 242 and 243. Battery is defined as "any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another." (PC 242) Battery is defined as "simple" battery and batte... Read >

Hit and Run

Hit and Run Hit and run is generally defined as a criminal act. It is the failure of a driver of a vehicle, involved in a collision, to stop and give their name, license number, and other information to the injured party, a witness, or law enforcement... Read >

Intro to Violent Crimes

Intro: Violent Crimes Crimes of violence vary in terms of their classification and their punishment. They may be misdemeanors, felonies, or wobblers. Misdemeanors are those crimes which are only punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment in the county... Read >

Kidnapping

Kidnapping The felony crime of kidnapping is generally defined as the taking of a person against their will, or from the control of a parent or guardian through violence, force, threat, or intimidation. The act of kidnapping often involves other cri... Read >

Mayhem

Mayhem A person can be convicted of mayhem, assault with intent to commit mayhem, or aggravated mayhem. Mayhem Mayhem is defined in California Penal Code Section 203, which reads: "Every person who unlawfully and maliciously deprives a human... Read >

White Collar Crime

White Collar Crime White Collar Crime The term "white collar crime" is generally used to describe crimes involving cheating or dishonesty. Although there is no fixed definition of white collar crime, there are a number of nonviolent crimes typically g... Read >

Vandalism

Vandalism California law makes it a crime to deface, damage, or destroy the real or personal property belonging to another person. The crime is termed "vandalism," which is a misdemeanor, unless the monetary damage is great, and then it is a felony. ... Read >

Recklessly Causing Fire

Recklessly Causing Fire Recklessly causing a fire is defined by California Penal Code Section 452 which states, "A person is guilty of unlawfully causing a fire when he recklessly sets fire to or burns or causes to be burned, any structure, forest la... Read >

Intro to Property Destruction

Intro Property damage is punishable under the law by fines, imprisonment, and community service. Property damage means many things, from scrawling graffiti on a park bench, hitting something with your car, to causing a fire which damages property. Pr... Read >

Hit and Run: Property Damage

Hit and Run: Property Damage Hit and run is generally defined as a criminal act. Where the collision is with property only, such as another vehicle with no occupants, the driver must leave information attached to the damaged property, as well as ma... Read >

Arson

Arson Arson is considered a general intent crime. This means that the defendant need not have intended the specific results, namely the burning of a structure, forest land, or property. What matters are the actions that the defendant undertook that... Read >