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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Unlawful occupancy – more commonly known as “squatting” – is a gross misdemeanor crime in Nevada carrying up to 364 days in jail and/or $2,000 in fines. However, if you have three or more prior convictions of unlawful occupancy, then any new convictions are category D felonies carrying one to four years in Nevada State …
Posted on | Category: Criminal Defense, Felony, Useful information
What Happens in a Felony Arraignment Hearing? 4 Things to KnowWatch this video on YouTube A felony arraignment hearing is normally the first formal court appearance in criminal cases where you are charged with a felony offense. At the arraignment, the court will inform you of the crime(s) filed against you, advise you as to …
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Is PTSD a Defense to Crimes in California? Top Defense Lawyer ExplainsWatch this video on YouTube You are charged with sexual assault in connection with a domestic violence matter. However, you believe you committed the crime because you were easily startled due to your post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Is it possible to use your PTSD …
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What is a "Humprey Hearing"? Can it help me get out of jail?Watch this video on YouTube In the California criminal justice system, a “Humphrey hearing” is a court hearing held soon after you are arrested for a crime. A judge holds the hearing to ensure that you are not kept in custody following an …
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What Are Brady Violations? 7 ExamplesWatch this video on YouTube 7 common examples of a Brady violation in criminal trials are when a prosecutor fails to disclose to a criminal defendant (or a defense attorney): evidence of a record or report that might suggest the defendant did not commit a crime (such as a law …
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Can a "Civil Compromise" Get My Hit-and-Run Case Dismissed? — California Laws ExplainedWatch this video on YouTube A civil compromise is no longer allowed in California hit-and-run cases. While it used to be available to help dismiss these offenses, in February 2019 the California Appellate Court ruled that a charge of misdemeanor hit and run, …
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Nevada’s mountain and desert landscapes offer incredible opportunities for hunting wildlife with guns, bows, and traps. However, violating the state’s strict hunting laws can lead to serious consequences, including fines, loss of hunting privileges, and even jail. As a Las Vegas criminal defense lawyer, I have defended countless people charged with various poaching and hunting-related …
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Driving under restraint (DUR) in Colorado means driving while your license is revoked, suspended, or denied. If your license is restrained because of drunk or drugged driving, DUR is a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense carrying at least 10 days in jail; otherwise, DUR is a class A traffic infraction carrying a maximum $100 fine.1 …
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House Arrest vs. Jail — Everything You Need to KnowWatch this video on YouTube House arrest is different from jail in that you would be confined at home, rather than in a state prison or county jail. Both types of confinement can be used for pre-trial or pre-sentencing, or as a prison term. While house …
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Las Vegas courts still offer a serious offender program (“SOP”) for addicts facing a third-time DUI, which is an automatic felony in Nevada. However, SOP now has a different name: Felony DUI Treatment Court (“FDUI”). If you complete FDUI – which is a three-to-five-year treatment program – you will avoid Nevada State Prison and have …
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A motion hearing in a Colorado criminal case is a court hearing that typically takes place in preparation for a scheduled jury trial. Courts schedule motion hearings after either the prosecution or defense files a motion, which is a request for the court to take a certain action. The hearing is where the defense and …
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3 Critical Nevada Boating Laws That Could Land You in Jail — Explained by Top Nevada Defense LawyerWatch this video on YouTube Boating is a popular activity in Nevada’s Lake Mead, Lake Tahoe, and the Colorado River. Though boating accidents – and boating-related crimes – are common. Here are three Nevada boating laws you should …
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5 Surprising Clark County Dog Laws That Most People Are Unaware of — Explained by Top Nevada LawyerWatch this video on YouTube Clark County ordinance 10.28.020 requires you to report dog bites to a public health or animal control official. It does not matter whether you are the dog’s owner, the biting victim, or a …
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How to Write a Demand Letter for Unpaid Wages — Step by Step Guide by an Employment Law AttorneyWatch this video on YouTube In California, a sample demand letter for unpaid wages informs your employer of your missed payments and of your willingness to take legal action to recover them. Demand letters should include details …
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How Do I Get a Copy of my LAPD Traffic Accident Report?Watch this video on YouTube You were in a car accident in the City of Los Angeles and the insurance company is now requesting a copy of the traffic collision report (TCR). How do you get one? Further, what does it show? You can …
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You can get convicted of DUI in Nevada even if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is lawful, which is below 0.08%. Prosecutors would instead have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were impaired by alcohol or drugs while operating a motor vehicle. In my experience, however, prosecutors are unlikely to press drunk driving …
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Colorado law prohibits the knowing possession of the following 10 weapons (with some exceptions): 1. Machine Guns 2. Submachine Guns (SMGs) 3. Short Shotguns 4. Short Rifles 5. Gas Guns 6. Firearm Silencers 7. Destructive Devices 8. Ballistic Knives 9. Blackjacks 10. Metallic Knuckles In this article I discuss each of these illegal or dangerous …
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Does California Have "Damage Caps" in Personal Injury Lawsuits?Watch this video on YouTube Generally, there are no damage caps for personal injury cases in California. However, there is one important exception: As of January 1, 2025, non-economic damages are capped at $430,000 in non-fatal medical malpractice claims and $600,000 in fatal medical malpractice claims.1 Each …
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Most drug cases in Nevada are handled in state court. However, federal courts have jurisdiction over drug cases that occur on federal land or involve interstate commerce. The federal court system is more formal and often harsher than the Nevada system. It is possible to be prosecuted in both state and federal court for the …
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5 Situations When You Should Refuse to Sign a Severance AgreementWatch this video on YouTube You are under no legal obligation to sign a severance (also called a separation) agreement. 5 examples of when you may not want to do so are when: you intend to sue your employer after your termination, the severance package …
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Written-up for Insubordination? 5 Ways to Defend YourselfWatch this video on YouTube You can fight a claim of insubordination in the workplace by writing a rebuttal letter to be included with the insubordination claim in your employee file. This challenges your employer’s version of events. It can also present evidence that the insubordination claim is …
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Working off the Clock — 5 Ways Employers Try to Force YouWatch this video on YouTube In California, the term “working off the clock” refers to non-exempt employees who perform (unpaid) work after clocking out, before clocking in, or during unpaid rest and meal breaks. Working off the clock violates both California law and the …
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Non-Discretionary Bonuses — "Does my boss have to pay me?"Watch this video on YouTube In California, a bonus is considered to be non-discretionary (and must be paid) if the employer has already promised it and can no longer alter the size or timing of the payment without breaching the agreement. Non-discretionary bonuses are typically based …
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Can Kids Work in California? — "What is the legal working age?"Watch this video on YouTube 14-years-old California’s minimum legal age to work is generally 14 years old. That said, anyone under 18 must have a work permit, called a Statement of Intent to Employ Minor and Request for Work Permit. The minor’s school typically …
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Labor Unrest in 2023 — The Year of the Striking WorkerWatch this video on YouTube California is not a “right to work” state. Right to work states make it unlawful to require employees to join a union or pay union dues. Attempts to implement such legislation in California have failed. Therefore, private California employers may …
