MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

As a criminal law practitioner, considering the ever changing immigration consequences of a criminal case is a part of competent practice. In fact, the California Penal Code even requires that prosecutors consider immigration consequences when resolving cases. In some circumstances, especially for misdemeanor or low level felony cases, the immigration consequences will hold up a plea more than the length of the jail sentence or the terms of probation.

This latest edition of the Criminal Law Journal is focused on issues involving immigration. Included in this edition is an article by a law student that received an honorable mention in the Criminal Law Section writing competition. The other articles discuss Penal Code section 1473.7 and the California Supreme Court case of People v. Patterson. The articles in this edition are written by both prosecutors and defense attorneys. I believe you will find the articles practical, educational and interesting.

There are some changes coming to the Criminal Law Section. Earlier this year, legislation was enacted to allow the California State Bar to focus on attorney discipline. The enacted legislation separated the 17 State Bar sections into their own entity, now called the California Lawyers Association. The California Lawyers Association, or CLA, will continue to maintain a special relationship with the California State Bar and members may continue to pay their annual dues for section membership at the same time as paying the annual State Bar membership dues.

Other than a name change, the educational sections that comprise the California Lawyers Association will largely remain the same. Importantly, there is no increase in Criminal Law Section dues for 2018. The sections, including the Criminal Law Section, will continue to provide the same quality in-person and webinar educational opportunities, the quarterly Criminal Law Journal and the monthly E-Bulletin.