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Know Your Rights in San Diego: Police Encounters, Court Cases, and Federal Criminal Defense

June 28, 2026
McKenziescott
Civil Rights, Criminal Defense
police

Most people want to believe the justice system is fair. But if you have ever been pulled over, questioned, or arrested, you already know how quickly things can feel confusing and overwhelming. Knowing your rights before a stressful encounter can mean the difference between a manageable situation and life-changing

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How to File a Tort Claim Against Law Enforcement in California

June 28, 2026
McKenziescott
Civil Rights
law enforcement

If you were hurt by a police officer or a government agency, you might assume filing a lawsuit is the obvious next step. However, California law adds a required pre-suit step. Before a civil case can move forward against a government entity, you must file a tort claim. This

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Lawsuit Over Delayed Body-Worn Camera Footage in San Diego: What the Evans Case Means for Police Accountability

June 15, 2026
McKenziescott
Civil Rights
police

A recent lawsuit is drawing urgent attention to body-worn camera footage policies in San Diego after a police use-of-force incident left a man seriously injured. The case centers on an unarmed Black man, Mr. Evans, who was allegedly shot with rubber bullets and attacked by a K-9 officer while

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Know Your Protest Rights in San Diego

May 8, 2026
McKenziescott
Civil Rights
protests

Why Protest Rights Matter in San Diego

Protests have become increasingly common across San Diego – whether centered on civil rights, social justice, police accountability, or other causes. People join these demonstrations with good intentions, but even peaceful gatherings can escalate quickly, especially when law enforcement

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Are the Police Allowed to Lie to You?

May 1, 2026
McKenziescott
Civil Rights
police misconduct

Can Police Lie to You During a Stop? What San Diego Residents Need to Know

If you have been stopped, questioned, or arrested in San Diego and something felt off, you’re likely not imagining things. Police officers in California are legally permitted to use deceptive tactics in certain

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Local Legal Support for Criminal and Civil Rights Cases in San Diego

April 24, 2026
McKenziescott
Criminal Defense
defense lawyer

Facing a criminal charge or a civil rights violation in San Diego is not just a legal problem; it’s a personal one. The decisions made in the first hours and days after an arrest, or after a confrontation with law enforcement, can shape everything that follows. At McKenzie

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Who Controls Body Camera Footage After Police Shootings in San Diego?

April 17, 2026
McKenziescott
Criminal Defense
police shooting

After a police shooting in San Diego, one question surfaces faster than almost any other: where is the body camera footage, and who decides if you get to see it? Body-worn cameras were introduced to build public trust and create a factual record of what happens during

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Lawsuits filed after deaths in San Diego County Jails

April 3, 2026
McKenziescott
Civil Rights
lawyers

Jail Death Lawsuits Spark Oversight Push in San Diego

Deaths inside San Diego County jails have prompted a growing wave of civil rights lawsuits, raising serious questions about medical care, mental health support, and the basic safety of people held in government custody. Many of those who

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How Do Supreme Court Rulings Affect Everyday Folks?

February 13, 2026
McKenziescott
Civil Rights
supreme court

How Supreme Court Rulings Shape Your Civil Rights in San Diego and What to Do When They Don’t Protect You

Every time the Supreme Court hands down a major decision, the effects ripple far beyond Washington, D.C. and reach straight into traffic stops, protest lines, and

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Understanding Criminal Defense Consultations in San Diego

November 15, 2025
McKenziescott
Criminal Defense
criminal defense

Whether you’re facing a criminal charge or just being questioned by police, it can be hard to know where to turn. A criminal defense consultation in San Diego should always be your first move. It’s not about committing to anything on the spot. Rather, it’s about gathering answers when

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9TH CIRCUIT CRIMINAL HANDBOOK

Along with the Honorable Larry A. Burns, Tim Scott is the author of the Ninth Circuit Criminal Handbook, which is updated annually. Learn More

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