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.
Penal Code 12022.3 PC is the California statute that creates a firearm sentencing enhancement if you use a firearm or deadly weapon, or are armed with one, during the commission of a certain sex offense. A “certain sex offense” includes (but is not limited to): rape, per PC 261, sodomy, per PC 286, and forcible …
"Adjudication hearings" in juvenile courtWatch this video on YouTube In juvenile delinquency court, an adjudication hearing is a trial before a judge in which the judge decides whether a minor child has violated a law and should be disciplined. Many of the same rules apply in juvenile court as in adult court, except there are …
Juvenile guilty of crime: What can the judge do?Watch this video on YouTube A disposition hearing in juvenile court is the equivalent of a sentencing hearing in adult court. Your child has been found to have committed a delinquent act or a probation violation, and the judge decides what disciplinary measures will be imposed. A …
What is murder by lying in wait?Watch this video on YouTube In California, lying in wait refers to a type of murder where a person watches and waits for their victim to launch a surprise, ambush-style attack. Because of the calculated and predatory nature of this crime, California law treats lying in wait with extreme …
When can prosecutors seek the "Death Penalty" in California?Watch this video on YouTube On March 13, 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order placing a moratorium on executions in California. As long as the moratorium remains in effect, the state cannot carry out executions. However, the death penalty itself remains legal under California law, …
California Knife Laws Explained by a Former L.A. District Attorney and a Former Police SergeantWatch this video on YouTube California knife laws are among the strictest in the U.S., and several cities and counties have even stricter local knife laws you are expected to follow. Many knives such as switchblades meet the statutory definition of …
Stun Guns and TASERs Laws in California – "Are they legal?" Top Attorney ExplainsWatch this video on YouTube It is generally lawful in California to purchase, possess or carry a stun gun or taser for self-defense. However, Penal Code § 22610 PC makes stun gun/taser possession a misdemeanor in certain circumstances, such as if you are …
The Insanity Defense – A former D.A. ExplainsWatch this video on YouTube Under California’s insanity defense, you cannot be convicted of a crime if you were legally insane when you committed it. California’s test for insanity is the “M’Naghten rule. To win on this defense, you must prove at trial that it is “more likely than …
"Can a dentist have a criminal record?" — Potential discipline by the Dental BoardWatch this video on YouTube As a California dentist or dental hygienist, you could have your professional license suspended or even revoked if you get convicted of certain crimes that the Dental Board considers to be “substantially related” to the qualifications and …
Medical License After an Arrest — How Will it Be Affected in California?Watch this video on YouTube The Medical Board of California can suspend or revoke a license for a misdemeanor or felony conviction substantially related to a physician’s qualifications and duties. However, the Board will consider mitigating circumstances and context before imposing discipline. Here …
Building contractors in California face revocation or suspension of their license if convicted of certain crimes “substantially related” to a contractor’s qualifications, functions, or duties. This includes crimes involving fraud, theft, or violence. Here are five key things to know about how criminal records affect contractors licenses: Contractors are entitled to an administrative hearing …
Penal Code 16590 PC — "Which Weapons Are Illegal in California?" Top California Attorney ExplainsWatch this video on YouTube California Penal Code 16590 PC serves as the state’s master index of “generally prohibited weapons.” While it is a common misconception that PC 16590 is the specific law that criminalizes these items, it is actually just …
"Assault Weapons Ban" in California – Transporting, Selling, Giving Away or Manufacturing – PC 30600Watch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 30600 PC makes it a felony to manufacture, distribute, transport, import, sell or give away assault weapons or .50 BMG rifles. A conviction is a felony punishable by a sentence of up to …
"Life Without Parole" (LWOP) Sentencing in California – What Crimes Get LWOP in California?Watch this video on YouTube Life without parole (“LWOP”) is a prison sentence in a California criminal case in which a convicted person is committed to state prison for the rest of their life without the possibility of parole. LWOP is the …
Last Reviewed March 18, 2026 Do I have to give 2 weeks' notice before quitting a job in California?Watch this video on YouTube Frequently Asked Questions Do I have to give two weeks’ notice in California? Unless your employment contract says otherwise, there is generally no requirement that you give your employer two weeks’ notice …
Last Reviewed March 18, 2026 What Is "Kin Care Leave" in California? — Shouse Labor Law GroupWatch this video on YouTube In California, you are entitled to use up to half of your allotted paid sick leave days as kin care leave. This is time off to care for a family member or designated person …
Last Reviewed March 18, 2026 California Labor Code 512 entitles non-exempt employees to an unpaid, 30-minute lunch break for every five hours worked per work day. Furthermore, non-exempt employee must be permitted to leave the worksite to have their lunch break. Mandatory meal breaks are one of the benefits of being non-exempt, along with overtime …
Last Reviewed March 17, 2026 TOP 5 Reasons to Sue for Wrongful Termination — California Labor Law Attorney ExplainsWatch this video on YouTube California is an at-will state, which means your boss can fire you at any time for no reason at all. However, there are exceptions. You can sue your employer for wrongful termination …
Last Reviewed March 17, 2026 Bereavement Leave in California — 3 Things to KnowWatch this video on YouTube California Government Code 12945.7 GC provides eligible employees with five days of unpaid bereavement leave after the death of an immediate family member, which includes a: Spouse or domestic partner, Child, Parent, Sibling, Grandparent, Grandchild, and/or Parent-in-law. You may …
Last Reviewed March 17, 2026 Jury Duty — "Can my job fire me?"Watch this video on YouTube As part of California’s workplace leave laws, employers are required to allow you unpaid time off from work due to jury duty service or if you are subpoenaed to court as a witness. As a result of having to take time off work, …
Last Reviewed March 16, 2026 In California, salary laws divide workers into two main categories: 1) exempt (not entitled to overtime) and non-exempt (entitled to overtime). To qualify as an exempt salaried employee in 2026, a worker must perform specific executive, administrative, or professional duties and earn a minimum annual salary of $70,304. This threshold …
"Assault Weapon" Possession in California – Penal Code 30605 PC – "Can I Go to Jail?"Watch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 30605 PC makes it a crime to possess assault weapons. Prosecutors can charge you with either a misdemeanor or felony with a maximum sentence of three years in county jail. In …
Large Capacity Magazines — "Are they legal in California?" 2026 UPDATE (Penal Code 32310)Watch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 32310 PC makes it a crime to possess, transfer, sell, or make large-capacity magazines (LCMs). It does not matter when you acquired them. LCMs are ammunition-feeding devices that can hold more than 10 rounds. …
Armed with a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony — Penal Code 12022 PCWatch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 12022 PC is a sentencing enhancement that adds one to five years of additional prison time for felony offenses in which you are armed with a firearm or use a deadly weapon …
"Carrying a Loaded Firearm" California Penal Code 25850 PC – Former LA District Attorney ExplainsWatch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 25850 PC makes it a crime to carry a loaded firearm either: in a public place, on a public street, or in a motor vehicle. Violating 25850 PC is generally a misdemeanor punishable by up …