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.
Maternity Leave in California — "When is it required?"Watch this video on YouTube Under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), employers with at least five employees must provide 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave to new moms who worked at least 1,250 hours in the last year for the employer. It does not matter whether …
Are Non-solicitation Agreements Enforceable in California?Watch this video on YouTube Non-solicitation provisions in employment contracts are usually unenforceable under California Business and Professions Code 16600. This means your former employer generally cannot stop you from hiring current employees or soliciting current customers, though courts have made some exceptions. Here are three key things to know: …
Paternity Leave — Do Dads Get Time Off from Work in California?Watch this video on YouTube New dads in California are typically eligible for up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected paternity leave. This leave is available to new biological fathers, male partners of a pregnant woman, surrogate fathers, adoptive fathers, or foster fathers. Here …
Immigration Retaliation — "Can My Boss Threaten to Deport Me?"Watch this video on YouTube California law forbids employers from retaliating against non-citizen employees just because they raise legitimate concerns about illegal employment practices, wage and hour violations, or unsafe workplaces. Employers who contact ICE or otherwise retaliate against immigrant workers for engaging in “protected activities” …
Medical Condition Discrimination — When it Can Lead to a LawsuitWatch this video on YouTube It is against California and federal law for an employer to discriminate against you because of a medical condition. Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations if you have a medical condition unless doing so would result in an undue …
If I am fired, does the company have to pay my final paycheck immediately?Watch this video on YouTube California Labor Code § 203 requires employers to pay a waiting time penalty when they fail to provide final paychecks to employees who are terminated or who quit. The penalty is equal to the employee’s daily wage for …
Conditional Offer of Employment — Know Your Rights!Watch this video on YouTube A conditional offer of employment is a job offer that is contingent on you first meeting certain conditions or requirements before starting the job. The conditions often include successfully passing certain aptitude tests, background checks, drug screenings, or physical exams. Conditional job offers may also …
Wrongful Termination Lawsuit — "What damages can I sue for?"Watch this video on YouTube When a California employee prevails in a wrongful termination lawsuit against a former employer, they will be awarded monetary damages. These wrongful termination damages may include: Lost wages and benefits; Compensation for emotional distress, physical pain, and/or loss of professional reputation; …
California wage and hour laws forbid working “off-the-clock”, defined as doing a job for a company with their knowledge but without financial compensation. Employees who worked off the clock without pay can sue for back wages and pain and suffering. Here are five key things to know: Working just a few minutes before or after …
California Workplace Leave Laws Explained | Shouse California Law GroupWatch this video on YouTube Under California leave laws, employees have the right to take an unpaid leave of absence for certain events, including: caring for a family member, bonding with a new child, or to obtain a domestic violence restraining order. Federal and state leave laws generally …
Workday and Workweek — "What Are the Rules in California?"Watch this video on YouTube Under California wage and hour laws, a “workday” is a 24-hour period beginning at the same time each calendar day. A “workweek” is a 7-day period starting on the same calendar day each week. If you are a non-exempt employee, you …
What Are “Survival Action” Claims? — California Wrongful Death Attorney ExplainsWatch this video on YouTube When someone dies in California due to another person’s wrongful act, that person may be sued as a defendant in two types of lawsuits: The first is a “survival” cause of action, which compensates the victim’s estate for losses they …
Under California’s equine inherent risk law, people generally assume the inherent risks of horseback riding because horses are inherently dangerous animals. However, horse owners can still be liable for injuries their horses cause if they acted with gross negligence, recklessness, or intention. By filing an equine liability lawsuit against the horse owner who caused your …
Playlist: Wrongful Death LawsuitsWatch this playlist on YouTube If you are reading this because a family member was wrongfully taken from you too soon, we are so sorry. In this article we explain what you need to know about California wrongful death laws and how you may have grounds to seek justice through a large …
4 most dangerous slip and fall situations lurking everywhereWatch this video on YouTube When a dangerous condition causes you to fall, you may have grounds for a “slip and fall” case. Under California premises liability law, the owner or manager of the property could be liable for your damages. For you to win a slip …
Playlist: Comparative NegligenceWatch this playlist on YouTube The elements of a California negligence claim are spelled out in Civil Jury Instructions (“CACI”) 400. For you to win a lawsuit and a financial recovery, you have to prove by a “preponderance of the evidence” these four elements: The defendant owed you a duty of care; The defendant …
Pedestrian hit while crossing road? — California's Pedestrian Crosswalk LawsWatch this video on YouTube California pedestrian laws require drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the road within any marked or unmarked crosswalk. The term “pedestrian” applies not only to people walking on foot but also people wearing skates or riding skateboards. In 2023 alone, there …
Realtor Arrested? — "Can I Lose My Real Estate License?"Watch this video on YouTube If you hold a real estate license in California, the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) has the authority to discipline you for picking up certain misdemeanor or felony criminal convictions. Disciplinary action can include a real estate license suspension or …
California police officers may face criminal and civil liability for illegal acts and instances of misconduct. For example, a peace officer may experience criminal charges for unlawful assault, DUI, and instances of domestic violence. A cop may also have to defend him-/herself in a Section 1983 civil lawsuit. If an officer is suspected of committing …
"Can I Be a Teacher with a Criminal Record?" — Suspensions by Commission on Teacher CredentialingWatch this video on YouTube California’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) automatically suspends or revokes the teaching credential for a person is convicted of sex crimes requiring registration under Penal Code § 290; serious felonies or violent felonies such as …
Criminal convictions & CA professional licensesWatch this video on YouTube If you’re a licensed professional in California (such as a doctor or teacher or real estate broker) your state licensing board can potentially suspend or revoke your license for criminal convictions that are “substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of the business or …
A California State agency can dismiss, suspend, demote, or reduce the salary of a state employee who gets convicted of a felony or misdemeanor that is a “crime involving moral turpitude.” An agency can take the same actions in certain other instances, such as when a state employee is drunk on duty, inefficient, guilty of …
California attorneys convicted of a misdemeanor or felony offense involving moral turpitude or “other misconduct warranting discipline” face possible reproval, license suspension, or even disbarment by the State Bar of California. Moral turpitude offenses typically comprise crimes of violence, theft, or fraud. The California State Bar may also deny licenses to aspiring California lawyers who have …
"Can social workers have a criminal record?" — Discipline by the CA Board of Behavioral SciencesWatch this video on YouTube The California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) can discipline social workers and marriage therapists for certain misdemeanor or felony convictions. In serious cases, discipline can include a career-ending license suspension or revocation. Here are five …
California Health and Safety Code § 11375.5 HS makes it a crime either to sell or give synthetic stimulants to someone or to use or possess synthetic stimulants. The sale of synthetic stimulants is a misdemeanor (as opposed to a felony). The penalties include: up to 6 months in county jail (or summary probation) and/or …