A random killing in California reignited the debate regarding undocumented immigrants and police detention policies. The incident may affect laws and procedures in Tulare County, such as AB-60 licenses.

In July, 32-year-old Katherine Steinle was shot and killed on Pier 14 in San Francisco. 52-year-old Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, a seven-time felon who had been deported five times, was arrested and charged in the slaying. In an interview, Mr. Lopez-Sanchez admitted that he went to San Francisco because it is a “sanctuary city” that almost never turns criminals over to federal immigration authorities. Republicans claimed the incident is proof that the immigration system is broken, while Democrats rushed to characterize the killing as an isolated incident.

Mr. Lopez-Sanchez pleaded not guilty, and is being held in lieu of $5 million bail.

Undocumented Immigrants and Traffic Tickets

Thirty years ago, California was one of the reddest of red states. That changed in the early 1990s, when the GOP took a stance on immigration that precluded the undocumented from receiving many free government services. Voters then entered a blue period, and haven’t looked back since.

One of the biggest recent laws regarding immigrants is AB-60:

• AB-60 License: This substitute license for undocumented immigrants is just as good as a regular DMV license, at least for most purposes. It serves as identification and also may help you keep your car if you get pulled over, because most police departments impound vehicles of unlicensed drivers.

Incidents such as the one involving Mr. Lopez-Sanchez jeopardize the advancements made, such as AB-60, that benefit the vast majority of law abiding immigrants.

Getting Legal Help

The aggressive lawyers at Bigger & Harman, APC, are committed to giving individuals a voice when dealing with speeding and traffic tickets. Call today at 661-859-1177 or email attorney@markbigger.com to receive the personal professional attention you deserve. En español, llame al 661-376-0214.