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.
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, …
Updated July 1, 2023 It is against Nevada law to knowingly install, conceal or otherwise place a mobile tracking device in or on the motor vehicle of another person without the knowledge and consent of its owner or lessor. A first-time offense is a misdemeanor carrying up to six months in jail and/or $1,000 in …
Most California drug possession misdemeanors can be dismissed without jail time through a diversion program. Even for felony-level drug charges like possession for sale or trafficking, judges will usually impose formal probation instead of incarceration unless aggravating factors apply. In this article, our Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys answer these frequently-asked-questions about California drug sentencing …
Penal Code Sections 211, 459, 484, 487, 496, and 503 are California’s six primary theft crimes. Petty theft (PC 484) is stealing up to $950 in cash or personal property. A petty theft charge is a misdemeanor carrying up to 6 months of county jail time and/or $1,000. Grand theft (PC 487) is stealing more …
Nevada NRS § 200.481 makes it a crime 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 also …
Nevada Revised Statute § 463.350 makes it a misdemeanor 1) for a person under 21 to gamble or loiter in a casino, or 2) for a gaming company to have employees age 18 to 20 years old unless they are working on the gaming devices’ software or hardware. The text of the statute reads: NRS …
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 …
California Penal Code § 1181 PC permits courts to overturn a guilty verdict and grant a new trial on such grounds as newly discovered evidence or misconduct by the jury, prosecutors, or judge. The entire text of the statute is: 1181. When a verdict has been rendered or a finding made against the defendant, the …
California Penal Code § 1385 PC gives California judges wide discretion to dismiss unfair criminal charges and sentencing enhancements “in furtherance of justice.” Therefore, this judicial power is a safeguard against frivolous cases and punishments. Prosecutors can file PC 1385 motions asking the judge to dismiss certain charges or enhancements in furtherance of justice. D.A.s …
Colorado Revised Statute § 18-6.5-103 CRS imposes enhanced criminal sentences for defendants convicted of committing certain offenses against victims who are at least 70 years old and/or have physical or intellectual disabilities. The full text of the statute reads as follows: CRS 18-6.5-103. (1) Crimes against at-risk persons are as prescribed in this section. (2) Any …
California Penal Code § 245c PC makes it a felony offense to commit assault with a deadly weapon (other than a gun) on a police officer or firefighter. This is a felony punishable by three, four, or five years in prison. The statute reads: 245(c). Any person who commits an assault with a deadly weapon or …
California Penal Code § 95 PC makes it a felony to attempt to influence a juror or arbitrator to change their verdicts through persuasion, threats, or bribes. Penalties for the unlawful attempt to influence a juror include up to three years behind bars or $10,000 in fines. The language of the statute reads: 95. Every …
California Penal Code § 25800 PC defines the crime of “armed criminal action” as carrying a loaded gun with the intention of committing a felony. Armed criminal action can be prosecuted as a felony or a misdemeanor. The full text of the law is as follows: 25800. (a) Every person who carries a loaded firearm …
Updated June 25, 2023 California Penal Code § 851.91 PC allows you to petition the court to seal your arrest records if you are never charged, your charges get dismissed, or you are acquitted. Once your arrest record gets sealed, the arrest is deemed not to have occurred. However, it is not necessary in California …
California Business and Professions Code § 6125 BP declares that only lawyers with active licenses from the State Bar of California may practice law in the state. The unauthorized practice of law can be a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the case. The full text of the statute reads as follows: Business and Professions …
Business & Professions Code § 4060 BP prohibits the possession of a controlled substance without a current and valid prescription from a health care provider. Healthcare providers may possess controlled substances in the lawful course of their work as long as the drugs are in labeled containers. The full text of the statute reads: 4060. A …
California Penal Code § 832 PC requires peace officers to complete an introductory training course and pass an exam. If they take a three-year or longer break in employment, they may need to retake the exam to work as a peace officer again. The full text of the statute reads: 832. (a) Every person described …
California Penal Code 830.5 PC allows parole officers, probation officers, and DOC correctional officers to carry firearms if authorized by their employer. As long as they meet training and qualification requirements, they generally can also carry their firearms off duty as well. The law reads: PC 830.5. The following persons are peace officers whose authority …
California Health and Safety Code 11362.3 HS specifies that it is illegal to use marijuana in public or to have an open container in a vehicle. Although recreational cannabis is now legal for adults, there are limitations such as the ones in this statute. The entirety of the statute text reads as follows: HS 11362.3. …
California Penal Code § 4573.6 PC makes it a crime to possess 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 the statute reads: 4573.6. (a) Any …
Arrested for solicitation in Las Vegas? 3 Legal DefensesWatch this video on YouTube Nevada NRS § 201.354 states that “it is unlawful for any person to engage in prostitution or solicitation therefor, except in a licensed house of prostitution.” Solicitation means offering or agreeing to exchange money for sexual acts. Solicitation is typically prosecuted as a …
NRS § 205.445 is the Nevada law that prohibits defrauding an innkeeper. You commit this offense by obtaining goods or services from a business establishment (such as a restaurant, gas station or hotel) and then leaving without paying. Defrauding an innkeeper is a category D felony in Nevada if the value of the stolen services …
California Penal Code § 396 PC prohibits price gouging by more than 10% after a state of emergency has been declared. Price gouging is a misdemeanor carrying up to one year in jail and/or up to $10,000 in fines. The entirety of the statute reads: 396. (a) The Legislature hereby finds that during a state …
California Penal Code § 148d PC makes it a crime to take a firearm from a police officer’s person or immediate presence. This offense be prosecuted for a misdemeanor or a felony. The full text of the law reads: 148d. (d) Except as provided in subdivision (c) and notwithstanding subdivision (a) of Section 489, every person …
California Penal Code § 244.5 PC prohibits committing assault using a stun gun (or other less dangerous weapons). Prosecutors can press PC 244.5 charges as a misdemeanor or a felony. (Felony penalties are more severe if the victim was a police officer or firefighter.) The text of the statute is as follows: 244.5. (a) As …