Trial court did not err in denying defendant's motion to suppress drug evidence where a dog sniff that occurred while an officer was writing a citation did not unconstitutionally prolong defendant's detention for a traffic stop. A police officer with a narcotics-certified dog stopped Vera because his car windows were illegally tinted. Because the officer could not see into Vera's car, he ordered Vera out of the car.

The Criminal Law Section continues to adjust to the move to the California Lawyers Association and is excited about the possibilities that move offers. Members of our executive committee attended the inaugural Winter Leadership Retreat in San Francisco in February. As a result of that meeting, discussions are underway for Crim Law to partner with other sections to co-present at a standalone event later in the year.

Every year brings changes to criminal law. The 2018 legislative session made some major changes in criminal law that went into effect on New Year’s Day. This webinar will discuss many of them, providing some analysis into the reasons for the changes and how they will affect both prosecutors and defenders. Among the changes discussed will be the changes in juvenile practice affecting who can and cannot be prosecuted, the advent of mental health diversion, and some changes in the Rules of Professional Conduct.Additionally, since the laws have been in effect for several weeks, there will be some discussion about effects that are being seen up and down the state in the early days of these changes.

The Criminal Law section wishes to encourage you to pursue legal specialization. To become a legal specialist, you must pass a written examination, satisfy the task and CLE requirements, and get favorable evaluations from attorneys and judges.