Criminal Law Update 2026 – Test Your Knowledge of Key Case Law

FROM THE CLASSROOM
By: Ray Hill, Professor Emeritus
Santa Rosa Junior College

We know that Fourth (Contact, Detention, Arrest and Search & Seizure) and Fifth Amendment (Miranda and Confessions) case law update is important. But courts also interpret criminal statutes. These decisions are equally as important in your investigation of Penal Code offenses.

Let’s review some key decisions. Reference numbers are included for legalupdates.com for further follow up.

Question:

1) While a work truck was parked in front of a contractor’s home, a suspect cuts the locks on fixed, side-mounted storage cabinets and a mounted storage cabinet in the truck bed. Tools, saws and other items were taken. There was no entry into the passenger area of the vehicle.  Per case law, what crime was committed here?

2) A suspect grabs an electric bicycle parked outside of a liquor store. When the owner confronts him, the suspect pulls a knife and threatens the victim (“It’s my bike now”).  The store owner comes out and says she has called the police. Upon hearing the siren of an approaching police car, the suspect lets go of the bike and flees. Per case law, what crime was committed here?

3) A suspect enters a mini-mart and wrestles the cash register from the counter. The cashier attempts to retrieve the register, but is only able to place her left hand it it. Suspect yanks the register away, the inner drawer comes open and cash falls to the floor. Suspect scoops the cash up and leaves. Per case law, what crime was committed here?

4) During a domestic violence assault, the female victim clutches her cell phone and says she is calling 9-1-1 for help. Her boyfriend grabs the phone from her hand, says “I’m not going to let you have it”, then throws the phone against a wall damaging the device. The victim is prevented from making the call. Aside from any assault, per case law, what crime was committed here?

5) Bicycle officers were on patrol in a curfew-closed area subject to a gang injunction. They observe a suspect remove a large steak knife from underneath his shirt and throw it on the ground. When an officer attempts to apply handcuffs, the suspect breaks away. The officer pursues and grabs the suspect, who “jerks left to right” in an attempt to shake ....

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