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Charged With a Federal Crime in San Diego? Here’s What to Do Immediately

August 22, 2025
McKenziescott
Criminal Defense

The moment federal agents charge you, the government is already ten steps ahead. Federal prosecutors like to brag that they win over **95%** of their cases. (Although not against us!  More on that later.) If you don’t act fast, you risk your freedom, career, and future.

In the sections below,

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Can I Film the Police Making an Arrest?

August 12, 2025
McKenziescott
Civil Rights
Filming Police arresting someone

The question of whether you can film the police while they’re making an arrest is a common one. Many people wonder about their rights in these situations, especially when tensions can run high. It’s important to know that as a citizen, you have the right to record police

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What Happens If You’re Not Read Your Miranda Rights?

August 7, 2025
McKenziescott
Civil Rights
miranda rights

Most of us have seen those TV shows where a character gets arrested and an officer reads them their rights. You might even know the words by heart: “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court

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Choosing Legal Help: Public Defender or Private Attorney?

August 1, 2025
McKenziescott
Civil Rights, Criminal Defense
attorney

Selecting the right legal representation can feel like a big decision, especially when your well-being could be at stake. Should you go with a public defender or hire a private attorney? Both options have their strengths, but what works for one person might not suit another. The key is understanding

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When a Business Email Leads To Honest Services Fraud Charges

July 25, 2025
McKenziescott
Civil Rights
fraud

Most people don’t think twice before hitting send on a work email. It’s just part of the daily grind, sharing updates, following up on tasks, confirming who’s handling what. But when your role includes decision-making or has any tie to public funds or corporate governance, that simple email could spark

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Attorney Q&A: If you’re pleading guilty, do you still need a lawyer?

July 17, 2025
McKenziescott
Criminal Defense
Lawyer

Pleading guilty might feel like a simple step, especially when the facts appear clear. But it’s a weighty decision that carries lasting consequences. You’re not just admitting fault—you’re entering a legal process that can affect your future in ways you might not expect. That includes your job, your record, and

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What to Know About Police Car Searches in San Diego

July 4, 2025
McKenziescott
Civil Rights
car search

Introduction: Know Your Rights Before You’re Pulled Over

Being pulled over is never pleasant; it’s even more stressful when a police officer asks to search your vehicle. In San Diego and throughout California, there are specific legal rules that determine when officers can and cannot conduct a vehicle search. Understanding

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Why the Prison Litigation Reform Act Must be Repealed

September 24, 2024
McKenziescott
Civil Rights
Why the Prison Litigation Reform Act Must be Repealed

On a weekly, and often daily basis, we hear from people incarcerated in this nation’s jails and prisons seeking help. We hear from people who are not receiving the medical care they need and who are terrified that they will suffer permanent injury from the jail or prison’s failures to

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Constitutional Cases for Justice Warriors: Yim v. City of Seattle

June 4, 2023
McKenziescott
Civil Rights
Constitutional Cases for Justice Warriors: Yim v. City of Seattle

Ninth Circuit recognizes “prison to homelessness pipeline, ” upholds (in part) Seattle ordinance forbidding landlords from adverse action based on criminal history.

This spring, the Ninth Circuit decided Yim v. City of Seattle, 63 F.4th 783, 787 (9th Cir. 2023), which despite being a Section 1983

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Reed v. Goertz: Criminal defendant challenges Texas post-conviction DNA statutes

May 9, 2023
McKenziescott
Criminal Defense
Criminal defendant challenges Texas post-conviction DNA statutes

U.S. Supreme Court holds that Section 1983 procedural due process claim accrues when state-court litigation ends

Reed v. Goertz, the Supreme Court granted certiorari to determine when a cause of action accrues (and thus when the statute of limitations period starts running) for a plaintiff’s claim under 42 U.S.C.

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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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