California Criminal Defense
Being arrested for a crime does not necessarily mean you will be convicted. Often we can help you get charges reduced or dismissed, and avoid jail and a criminal record.
California DUI
DUI arrests don't always lead to convictions in court. Police officer mistakes, faulty breathalyzers and crime lab errors may get your charges reduced or dismissed. Visit our California DUI page to learn more.
Lawsuits for Dangerous Drugs & Medical Devices
Shouse Law Group represents victims throughout the U.S. who suffered serious complications and injuries from dangerous drugs and failed medical devices.
California Personal Injury
If you've been injured in an accident, our personal injury lawyers will fight to get you compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages.
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Colorado’s “Make My Day“ law allows you to use force and even deadly force against an intruder in your home who you reasonably believe is committing a crime and posing a physical danger. This law applies even when you are a house guest or in a hotel room. The Make My Day law is codified in …
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"Use it or Lose it" Vacation Policy — Do I lose my vacation days if I don't use them in California?Watch this video on YouTube In California, “use it or lose it” vacation policies are prohibited. However, employers are only prohibited from taking back vacation time that has already accrued. They can take other measures …
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Do You Get Paid For Vacation Days If You Quit?Watch this video on YouTube Workers may be entitled to receive compensation for any unused vacation time after they quit. In some states, workers forfeit their unused paid time off (PTO) when they separate from the company. In other states, including California, employers must pay out …
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When you buy a gun in Nevada from a licensed dealer, they must provide a locking device for the trigger. This device must preclude the gun from firing, and it can be disabled only by either: a key, a combination, biometric data (such as your fingerprint), or similar means. However, Nevada gun law does not …
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Colorado courts charge no fee to seal a criminal record for a case that results in a dismissal or acquittal. The fee to seal convictions is $65. In addition, you will end up spending up to $20 on retrieving your criminal record (the first step of getting a seal) and about $5 on postage when …
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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says that a normal work shift is no more than 8 consecutive hours in a day, with each shift split by at least 8 hours of rest. A normal workweek is 5 such work days.1 However, this is not binding. OSHA does not penalize employers who demand more. …
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Misclassified as an Independent Contractor? The ABC Test Explained in California Labor LawWatch this video on YouTube In California, the ABC test is one of the tests courts use to determine whether a worker or a vendor is actually an employee versus an independent contractor. Unlike independent contractors, employees have the right to the following …
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In Nevada, there are four theft crimes that are always prosecuted as felonies: Grand Larceny (NRS 205.220): Stealing property valued at $1,200 or more. Grand Larceny of a Motor Vehicle (NRS 205.228): Stealing an automobile or motorcycle, no matter its value. Grand Larceny of a Firearm (NRS 205.226): Stealing a gun, no matter its value. …
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In Nevada, neglecting a child under 18 becomes a crime when you abandon them or deprive them of sufficient: Food and water, Education, Housing, Medical care, Supervision, or Other necessities. Therefore, child neglect is a crime of inaction – of what you are not doing for a child. This is in contrast to child abuse, …
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You can lawfully own a submachine gun (SMG) in Colorado if you lawfully obtain an “NFA tax stamp” from the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), and the SMG was manufactured prior to May 19, 1986. To obtain an NFA tax stamp, you must pay $200 and complete and have approved an ATF Form 4, Application …
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The Crime of "Contributing to Delinquency of a Minor" — California Penal Code 272 PC ExplainedWatch this video on YouTube You commit the criminal offense of contributing to the delinquency of a minor when you: commit some act or fail to act in a certain way, and the action or inaction makes a child more …
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"Homicide" vs "Murder" — What's the Difference? Former L.A. Prosecutor ExplainsWatch this video on YouTube In California law, homicide is the killing of another human being while murder is an unlawful homicide with malice aforethought. Therefore, homicide is an umbrella term that includes all situations where someone gets killed. Murder is a type of homicide. …
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It is unlawful in Nevada to have oral sex (“oral copulation”) with a minor under 16. It does not matter if the minor initiated or wanted the oral sex because 16-year-olds are too young to consent to penetrative sex in the eyes of the law. However, lawmakers recognize that young adults “hook up” with each other …
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How Long Does Alcohol Stay on Your Breath? — Top California DUI Attorney ExplainsWatch this video on YouTube Alcohol can remain on your breath for up to 12 to 24 hours after consuming your last drink.1 Keep in mind, however, that everyone’s body is different, and the absorption of alcohol and its detection will vary …
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What Is the Difference Between a Lawyer and an Attorney? — Former LA District Attorney ExplainsWatch this video on YouTube There is a subtle difference between the meaning of attorney and lawyer. You are a “lawyer” if you graduate from law school. You then become an “attorney” if you pass the bar exam and enter …
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In Colorado, animal cruelty is prosecuted as “aggravated” when you either knowingly torture an animal or needlessly mutilate or kill an animal. Forgetting to feed an animal for one day – or kicking an animal out of aggravation once – would qualify as regular animal cruelty, not aggravated.1 Examples Scenarios that would qualify as aggravated …
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"Can I Go to Jail for Prank Calls?" — Former District Attorney ExplainsWatch this video on YouTube Prank calling can be illegal in some situations. While each state is different, most states prohibit making prank calls to annoy or harass someone. All states make it illegal to prank call 911. Recording a prank call can …
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Hung Jury in California? What Happens Next? — Top Defense Attorney ExplainsWatch this video on YouTube In California criminal trials, a hung jury is when the jurors cannot reach a unanimous agreement as to the verdict. All jurors have to agree on guilt or innocence to render a trial complete. (Hung juries can also occur …
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Caught Shoplifting in California? — Criminal Defense Attorney Explains What to Do NextWatch this video on YouTube You may have just gotten arrested for shoplifting and are nervous about the consequences. While you may be facing misdemeanor charges, a criminal conviction is not necessarily inevitable. There are five effective ways to fight a shoplifting case. …
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Can I Go to Jail for Witnessing a Crime and NOT Reporting it? — Failure to Report a Crime in NevadaWatch this video on YouTube In Nevada, you can get into trouble for not reporting a crime depending on: the alleged illegal activity and your job. For instance, “mandatory reporters” are professionals who must report …
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Three places you can NOT have firearms in Colorado are: Schools, Government buildings, and Anywhere while intoxicated. As a criminal defense attorney, I have seen too many responsible gun owners face serious charges simply because they did not know Colorado firearm laws. A simple mistake, like walking into the wrong building with your firearm, can …
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What Is an Arraignment in the California Criminal Court Process? — Top Defense Attorney ExplainsWatch this video on YouTube An arraignment is typically the first court hearing, or a defendant’s first appearance in court, in a criminal case and it marks one of the initial stages in the pretrial process. During the hearing, the judge …
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Can I Go to Jail for Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Colorado? — Top Defense Attorney ExplainsWatch this video on YouTube Leaving the scene of an accident in Colorado (“hit and run”) can lead to both civil and criminal penalties. Civil-wise, you can be sued by any victims who were injured or had …
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How Do I Check the DMV Points on My Driver's License in Colorado? — Top Attorney ExplainsWatch this video on YouTube If you have a Colorado driver’s license, you can check how many DMV points you have from past traffic violations by ordering a copy of your driving record. Requesting your driving record costs $9 …
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What Is a "Misdemeanor" Under California Law? — Common Misdemeanor Crimes and Punishments ExplainedWatch this video on YouTube Some examples of misdemeanors include assault, shoplifting, and petty theft. These are all criminal offenses that are more severe than an infraction, but less severe than a felony. Misdemeanors carry up to 1 year in county jail …
