Criminal Defense

Colorado Background Check Laws: Employee Rights, Errors & Sealing (2025)

Colorado background checks are a common part of the job application process. Depending on the scope, background checks can reveal your criminal history, credit history, and employment and education records. As of 2025 in Colorado, third-party background checks go back only seven years (with some exceptions). Also, Colorado’s ban-the-box law prohibits employers from asking about …

“First-Degree Burglary” in Colorado – C.R.S. § 18-4-202

What Is 1st degree Burglary in Colorado? — Top Defense Lawyer ExplainsWatch this video on YouTube Colorado Revised Statute § 18-4-202 C.R.S. prohibits first-degree burglary, which is knowingly entering someone else’s property with the intent to commit a crime and either: committing an assault or having a deadly weapon. As Colorado’s most serious burglary crime, …

Hit and Run Lawyer in Orange County, CA – What You Need to Know

If you’ve been involved in a hit and run in California, it’s critical to understand the seriousness of the charges and the potential consequences you could face. As one of the most common types of accidents in Southern California, hit and run incidents can carry heavy penalties, especially if charges escalate to a felony. In …

Assault and Battery Lawyer in Orange County Who Fights for You

At Shouse California Law Group, we understand that being charged with assault or battery can turn your life upside down. Allegations like these can have lasting consequences for your reputation, your job, and even your freedom. Every assault and battery lawyer in Orange County on our team has successfully defended clients across Southern California, facing …

Alternative Sentencing (Diversion) in Colorado Drug Cases

Drug Diversion in Colorado? How "Alternative Sentencing" Can Get Your Drug Charges DismissedWatch this video on YouTube If you are arrested for a low-level drug offense in Colorado, you may be able to avoid jail by completing rehabilitation. Depending on the county, this sentencing alternative is handled in specialized Colorado courts called “drug courts.” Pretrial …

Theft Lawyer in Orange County – Protect Your Future from Theft Charges

Being charged with theft can have serious consequences, including criminal records, fines, and even jail time. At Shouse California Law Group, we specialize in defending clients who are facing charges, and need a trusted theft lawyer in Orange County, CA. Whether it’s petty theft or more complex white-collar crimes, we provide the legal expertise to …

Drug Crime Lawyer in Orange County, CA – Your Legal Guide to Drug Charges

Facing a drug charge can be overwhelming, but with the right legal representation, you can navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system. At Shouse California Law Group, we provide expert legal services for individuals charged with drug offenses. Whether you’re dealing with possession, distribution, or more serious charges, our experienced Orange County drug crime …

Domestic Violence Lawyer in Orange County

Domestic violence charges in California carry serious consequences, including potential jail time, fines, and restrictions that can change your life forever. If you’re facing domestic violence charges in Orange County, having a dedicated domestic violence lawyer in Orange County near you, and on your side is crucial. At Shouse Law Group, we have extensive experience …

“Battery With a Deadly Weapon” – Nevada Laws & Penalties

NRS § 200.481 makes it a crime in Nevada to commit a battery with a deadly weapon. This is a category B felony that carries a prison term of two to 15 years if the victim sustains substantial bodily harm. If there are no major injuries, the maximum sentence is 10 years. The court can …

“Statute of Limitations” for California Crimes – A Legal Guide

The California criminal statute of limitations is generally one year for misdemeanors and three years for felonies. As the following chart shows, prosecutors have additional time to press charges in more serious cases. For the most serious crimes such as rape and murder, there is no statute of limitations at all. California Offense Criminal Statute …

Penal Code § 1385 PC – Dismissing Charges and Enhancements “In Furtherance of Justice” in California

California Penal Code § 1385 PC gives California judges wide discretion to dismiss unfair criminal charges and sentencing enhancements “in furtherance of justice.” This judicial power is a safeguard against: frivolous cases and frivolous punishments. Can I file a PC 1385 motion with the court? No. You (and your defense attorneys) are not allowed to …

Penal Code § 4573.6 PC – Possessing Drugs in Prison or Jail in California

California Penal Code § 4573.6 PC prohibits possessing controlled substances in prison, jail, or anywhere else that inmates are in custody. Knowingly having drugs in a prison or jail is a felony punishable by up to four years in county jail. The full language of 4573.6 PC reads: (a) Any person who knowingly has in …

Penal Code § 496d PC – Receiving a Stolen Vehicle in California

"Receiving a Stolen Vehicle" in California — When is it a crime? — Penal Code 496d PCWatch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 496d PC prohibits buying, receiving, selling, or hiding a vehicle you know is stolen. This crime is a wobbler, which means it can be charged as either a: misdemeanor carrying …

Voluntary / Involuntary Intoxication as Defenses in California

Is Being Drunk or High a Defense to a Crime? — Voluntary vs. Involuntary Intoxication DefensesWatch this video on YouTube Voluntary and involuntary intoxication are both possible defenses in California criminal cases. If successful, the defenses may work to get a criminal charge reduced or even dropped altogether. However, involuntary intoxication (such as by being …

How to Clear & Remove Warrants in California

Having an active arrest warrant or bench warrant in California authorizes law enforcement officers to arrest and detain you. To clear the warrant, you or your lawyer must voluntarily appear before the judge and request that it be recalled. Meanwhile, a California search warrant authorizes police officers to search you, your residence, your vehicle, your …

§ 11378 HS – Possession of Methamphetamine for Sale in California

Possession for Sale of Methamphetamine (Health & Safety Code 11378 HS)Watch this video on YouTube California Health and Safety Code § 11378 HS makes it a felony crime to possess methamphetamine with the intent to sell the drug. It carries up to 3 years of jail time and/or fines of up to $10,000. Examples of …

When is “Accident” a legal defense to criminal charges?

You can sometimes defend against a criminal charge by showing that the allegedly illegal act was an accident. This legal defense will most likely succeed in situations where you had no criminal intent, were not acting with criminal negligence, and were engaged in lawful conduct at the time of the accident. If successful, the defense …

How To Get “Electronic Monitoring” Instead Of Jail In California

When Can I Do Electronic Monitoring Instead of Jail?Watch this video on YouTube Electronic monitoring is the procedure courts and law enforcement use in criminal cases to monitor you if sentenced to any type of home confinement or house arrest program. The procedure uses an ankle bracelet that you wear to help tell authorities whether …

§ 243 d PC – (Aggravated) Battery w/ Serious Bodily Injury in California

Battery with Serious Bodily Injury — Legal Analysis of Penal Code 243d PCWatch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 243 d PC prohibits battery causing serious bodily injury, also called “aggravated battery.” Depending on the case, battery causing serious bodily injury can be a misdemeanor carrying up to one year in jail or …

Penal Code § 186.22 PC – California’s Gang Enhancement

Penal Code 186.22 – The "Gang Enhancement" in CaliforniaWatch this video on YouTube Penal Code § 186.22 PC prohibits criminal street gang activity in California. Gangs are groups of three or more people who have a common name and commit crimes as one of their primary activities. Under 186.22(a) PC, participating in a gang can …

§ 30305(a)(1) PC – Prohibited Person in Possession of Ammunition – California Law & Penalties

California Penal Code 30305(a)(1) PC – Possession of Ammunition by a Person ProhibitedWatch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 30305(a)(1) PC prohibits you from possessing ammunition if you are a convicted felon or otherwise banned from having firearms. Unlawful possession of ammunition can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony with the …

NRS § 207.030 – Vagrancy Laws & Penalties in Nevada

Nevada Revised Statute 207.030 makes it a misdemeanor to commit vagrancy, which comprises: lewd conduct in public; solicitation of prostitution; pimping or pandering; trying to enter a house to see what is inside; keeping a place for hiding lost/stolen property; loitering in public restrooms for unlawful purposes; and/or lodging somewhere without the owner’s permission.1 The …

§ 496.6 PC – Unlawful Deprivation of a Retail Business Opportunity in California

California Penal Code § 496.6 PC prohibits unlawful deprivation of a retail business opportunity, which is possessing stolen retail property valued over $950 with intent to sell, exchange, or return it. This crime can be a misdemeanor or a felony. Statute Text California Penal Code § 496.6 PC (a) Any person who possesses property unlawfully that …

§ 496.5 – Automotive Property Theft for Resale

California Penal Code § 496.5 PC defines the crime of automotive property theft for resale as unlawfully possessing property acquired through vehicle-related theft with the intent to sell or exchange it when the value exceeds $950. Automotive property theft for resale can be a misdemeanor or a felony. Statute Text California Penal Code § 496.5 …

Penal Code § 4600 PC – Damaging Prison or Jail Property

California Penal Code § 4600 PC makes it a crime to vandalize jail or prison property. If the damage amounts to $950 or less, the state can only bring misdemeanor charges carrying up to six months in jail and/or $1,000. Otherwise, damaging prison or jail property is a felony punishable by 16 months, 2 years, …