Criminal justice questions answered in new Press Democrat column

Do you have questions about how the law works, the status of a criminal case or any other matter involving the justice system and public safety in Sonoma County?

I want to hear from you.

The Press Democrat is launching a regular question-and-answer column we hope will provide a space to address reader-driven queries about the criminal justice system. It's an opportunity to step out of the breaking news cycle and delve into legal puzzles, our rights and old or unresolved cases.

For example, here are a few of the questions we may address: Can I request to view the dashboard or body camera footage from my arrest? Why does the Rohnert Park Public Safety Department use UC Berkeley's bomb squad and not the Sonoma County sheriff's bomb team? Can I grow marijuana in my neighborhood? Can I use the carpool lane when the only passenger is an infant? Whatever happened with a case I read about months/years/decades ago?

Write or call with your questions. Tell me who you are, where you live and how to reach you. You can reach me at 521-5220 or julie.johnson@pressdemocrat.com.