California Penalties Blog

“Indeterminate Sentencing” – What is it and how does it work?

Posted on January 10, 2023 | Category: Criminal Defense, Felony, Penalties, Sentencing

What is indeterminate sentencing? How it worksWatch this video on YouTube An indeterminate sentencing structure is one where a sentence for a criminal offense is given as a range. For example, a defendant could be sentenced to “15 years to life in prison.” With an indeterminate sentence, a minimum prison term is always given but …

What’s the difference between “jail” and “prison”?

Posted on November 14, 2022 | Category: Criminal Defense, Felony, Misdemeanor, Penalties, Useful information

A man behind bars, possibly a prison or a jail, depending on the circumstances.

You were arrested for a crime and heard that it is punishable by custody in county jail. Is jail the same as prison? If not, what’s the difference? State prisons are operated by state governments and usually house inmates for over a year (and sometimes as long as “life”). Jails, by contrast, are typically operated …

Is Kidnapping a Felony? A Defense Lawyer Explains

Posted on August 8, 2022 | Category: Felony, Kidnapping, Penalties, Useful information

Adult hand covering the mouth of a young girl.

Every state in the U.S. treats the crime of kidnapping as a felony offense (as opposed to a misdemeanor). Many states have different degrees of felonies so the specific penalties for this offense will slightly vary among jurisdictions. However, most states say that the offense is punishable by minimum state prison sentences of up to five …

California Misdemeanor Sentencing Guidelines – How It Works

Posted on March 29, 2022 | Category: Criminal Defense, Misdemeanor, Penalties, Useful information

A judge striking his gavel as he reads out the sentence for a misdemeanor conviction.

In California, the sentencing for a misdemeanor offense can be up to 364 days in county jail and a fine of up to $1000.00. These offenses can also result in the imposition of fines and/or misdemeanor (or summary) probation (with conditions such as restitution, community service, and participation in counseling or treatment programs). Misdemeanor crimes …

What are the penalties for violating probation in Los Angeles County?

Posted on March 25, 2022 | Category: Penalties

Per Penal Code 1203.2, Rules for Probation Violations in California, the main penalty for a probation violation is that the judge can: revoke probation, and sentence the defendant to up to the maximum term of the offense for which he was committed. Depending on the facts of a case, a judge may also: revoke probation …

How long does a sex offender have to register?

Posted on March 12, 2022 | Category: Penalties, Sentencing, Sexual Assault, Useful information

A young man visiting the police station to add his name to the sex offender registry.

People required to register as sex offenders typically must do so within a short amount of time following their sentencing or release from custody. States have different definitions for a short amount of time, but it is most often this is within three to five days. Most jurisdictions also require offenders to re-register (or update …

Federal Prison vs State Prison – What’s the Difference?

Posted on March 11, 2022 | Category: Criminal Defense, Federal Crimes, Penalties, Useful information

Federal prison is operated by the federal government and houses inmates convicted of breaking federal laws. In contrast, state prisons are operated by state governments and house people convicted of breaking state laws. Federal prisons are generally safer than state prisons and they keep inmates that are of a less violent and dangerous nature. The …

What are the Penalties for a Probation Violation in San Bernardino County?

Posted on August 7, 2016 | Category: Penalties

If you are on probation after serving time behind bars in San Bernardino County, the last thing you want is to go back to jail. Even if you never served time, you certainly don’t want to do anything that would further limit your rights, extend the length of your probation, or result in your incarceration. …

What is the Penalty for Illegal Dumping in Ventura County, California?

Posted on May 25, 2016 | Category: Penalties

If you dump garbage, waste, or other material on public or private property in Ventura County, California, it could cost you plenty. California Penal Code 374.3 makes it illegal to dump waste matter: upon a public or private highway or road, including any portion of the right-of-way thereof, or in or upon private property into …

What are the Penalties for Crimes Against the Disabled in San Francisco?

Posted on January 13, 2016 | Category: Penalties

If you commit a crime against a person with a disability in San Francisco, be prepared for harsh consequences if you’re convicted. Adults with physical or mental disabilities can be particularly vulnerable to crime. Because of this, California law provides specific protections for the disabled (referred to in the law as “dependent adults”) and more …

What are the Criminal Penalties for Driving Without a License?

Posted on December 30, 2015 | Category: Penalties

The answer to this question depends on what you mean by “driving without a license.” First, let’s say you actually have a valid driver’s license–but you forget it at home and end up getting stopped by a CHP or other law enforcement officer. This actually is a crime – California Vehicle Code 12951 VC failure to …

What Are the Penalties for Selling Counterfeit Goods in San Diego County?

Posted on September 29, 2015 | Category: Penalties

Whether it is a fake Rolex watch, a pirated CD or DVD, or any other imitation or unauthorized product, selling counterfeit goods in San Diego County is a violation of California law and can get you arrested and charged with a crime. California Penal Code Section 350 prohibits the manufacturing, sale, or possession for sale …

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