California

Updated September 19, 2020 Penal Code 288.1 ReportsWatch this video on YouTube Penal Code 288.1 is the California statute that requires the court to obtain and consider a defendant’s mental evaluation before granting probation in certain sex crime cases. The mental evaluation is referred to as a “Penal Code 288.1 report.” The evaluation is conducted …

Who can be charged with a "hate crime" in California? (Former DA explains)Watch this video on YouTube California’s hate crime laws are codified in Penal Code Sections 422.55, 422.6, 422.7, and 422.75 PC. These statutes make it a criminal offense for a person to commit a hate crime and also impose enhanced penalties when a …

The "Gun Free School Zone Act" in California — Top Gun Rights Attorney ExplainsWatch this video on YouTube Penal Code § 626.9 PC is California’s Gun-Free School Zone Act. This section makes it illegal to have or use a gun in a school zone. A “school zone” is any area within 1,000 feet of a …

Arrested for leaving pet unattended in vehicle?Watch this video on YouTube Penal Code § 597.7 PC prohibits leaving an animal unattended in a motor vehicle under such conditions that would endanger its health or well-being. This is usually an infraction punishable by a $100 fine. However, it can lead to misdemeanor charges and jail time …

A restitution hearing is a legal proceeding in a criminal case whereby the court determines how much the defendant must pay to compensate the victim or victims of the crime. The defendant is ordered to pay restitution as a condition of probation. If there is no probation or probation terminates, the outstanding restitution is generally …

Penal Code § 209.5 PC is the crime prosecutors charge when someone kidnaps a victim during the commission of a carjacking. This form of aggravated kidnapping is a felony that carries life in California State Prison but with the possibility of parole. Under Penal Code 215 PC, California law defines carjacking as taking a motor …

Legal definition of a "Felony" (Former DA explains)Watch this video on YouTube In California, a felony is a crime carrying a minimum sentence of one year in custody unless you qualify for probation. Felonies are more serious than misdemeanors, which usually carry up to six months in jail. Here are four key things to know: …

What Is a "No Contest" Plea in California? — "Nolo Contendere" Explained by Top Defense AttorneyWatch this video on YouTube Pleading no contest (sometimes called nolo contendere) in a California criminal proceeding means that the defendant agrees to accept a conviction for the crime(s). However, he or she does not admit to being factually guilty …

Penal Code § 285 PC is the California law that prohibits incest. Under this section, marriage or sexual relations between close relatives is a felony punishable by up to 3 years in jail and fines of up to $10,000. The language of the statute reads that: 285. Persons being within the degrees of consanguinity within …

  Furnishing alcohol to a minor — 3 ways someone can commit this crimeWatch this video on YouTube In California, it is a misdemeanor offense to sell or furnish alcohol to a minor (someone under the state legal drinking age of 21). Penalties typically include $250 to $1000 in fines and 24 to 32 hours of community service. …

Pimping & Pandering Laws in California: Penal Code 266h & 266iWatch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 266i PC prohibits pandering, which is encouraging, facilitating, or profiting from prostitution. This includes procuring someone for prostitution, inducing the person to become or remain a prostitute, providing a place for prostitution, or exchanging money or items …

Penal Code 404.6 PC – What does it mean to "incite a riot?" California Defense Attorney ExplainsWatch this video on YouTube Penal Code § 404.6 PC makes it a crime to incite a riot, even if you don’t actively participate in the riot or actually commit violent acts as in connection with the riot. Inciting …

Arranging a meeting with a minor for sex (Legal Analysis of Penal Code 288.4)Watch this video on YouTube Under California Penal Code § 288.4 PC, it is a crime to arrange a meeting with a minor under the age of 18 with the intent to engage in sexual conduct at the meeting. The offense can be …

How drug dealers get busted for "money laundering" (Health & Safety Code 11370.9)Watch this video on YouTube California Health and Safety Code 11370.9 HS makes it a crime to launder the proceeds of an unlawful drug sale. “Laundering” means hiding or disguising the source of the drug money. Violating this section can lead to felony …

Can I be arrested for selling fake drugs?Watch this video on YouTube Health and Safety Code § 109575 HS is the California statute that makes it a crime for a person knowingly to manufacture, distribute, or possess with the intent to distribute an imitation controlled substance. A conviction is a misdemeanor that carries a penalty …

California Health and Safety Code 120290 HS makes it a crime when one person intentionally transmits an infectious disease to another person. A conviction is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and fines of up to $1000.00. 120290 HS states that: “(a) (1) A defendant is guilty of intentional transmission of an infectious …

Sexual activity is considered unprotected if you do not use a condom Health and Safety Code 120291 HS has been repealed. Previously, the law made it it a California felony to: expose another person to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), through unprotected sexual activity, when: you know at the time of the unprotected sex that you are …