California

LEGAL ANALYSIS — Crime of forcible sexual penetration with a foreign object (CA Penal Code 289)Watch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 289 PC prohibits forcible penetration of a person’s vagina or anus using a foreign object, and the victim did not – or could not – consent. Violating 289 PC is a …

California Penal Code § 452 PC makes it a crime to recklessly set fire to or burn any structure, forest land, or property. Examples of reckless burning include: throwing a burning cigarette into a dry bush, lighting a match next to highly flammable materials that then go up in flames, or burning your trash immediately next …

Vehicle Code 14601.2(a) VC – Driving with a Suspended License Because of DUIWatch this video on YouTube California Vehicle Code § 14601.2(a) VC makes it a misdemeanor.crime to drive a motor vehicle while your license is suspended or revoked for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI). Even a first-time conviction carries a minimum of …

What happens if I violate a written promise to appear in court? California Penal Code 853.7 PCWatch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 853.7 PC makes it a misdemeanor to miss court after signing a written promise to appear. You typically sign a written agreement to appear after getting released from custody on your …

Who are required "Mandatory Reporters" in California?Watch this video on YouTube In California, mandated reporters are teachers, social workers, clergy, doctors, and other professionals who are required to notify police or social services of alleged abuse or neglect of a child under 18 years old. Under California’s Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), mandatory …

A background check is when an employer or other company performs a screening of your past misdemeanor and felony convictions, negative credit report information, education history, and other public data. Background checks are lawful in California. However, employers are required to abide by several restrictions and obligations found in: California’s ban the box law (“Fair Chance Act”), the …

What can get you arrested for "check fraud"? (Penal Code 476)Watch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 476 PC prohibits check fraud. You commit this crime by making, passing, uttering, or publishing a fake or fraudulent check in order to obtain something of value. Examples of check fraud include: forging the name of …

Former D.A. Explains "Indecent Exposure" laws — Is it Illegal to Be Naked in Public?Watch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 314 PC prohibits indecent exposure, which is willfully exposing your naked genitals to others who could be offended or annoyed by it. Most first-time indecent exposure convictions are misdemeanors carrying up to …

What Is "Prosecutorial Misconduct"? Can It Get My Case Thrown Out? Former Prosecutor ExplainsWatch this video on YouTube Prosecutorial misconduct refers to unethical or unlawful tactics by prosecutors in a criminal case, such as withholding exculpatory evidence from you (the defendant), making false statements, or presenting inadmissible evidence to the jury. Prosecutors found to have …

Former L.A. County District Attorney — Now Top California Sex Crimes Defense AttorneyWatch this video on YouTube At Shouse Law Group, we understand that just being accused of a sex crime can upend your life. If you get convicted of a sex crime, you face jail or prison, sex offender registration, and the loss of your …

Residential Burglary — "Is it more serious than commercial burglary?" Penal Code 460 PCWatch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 460 PC makes it a felony to commit residential burglary, which is entering any inhabited dwelling with the intent to commit grand theft, petty theft or a felony once inside. The penalties are …

How to fight a case in juvenile courtWatch this video on YouTube Every year, thousands of youths are funneled through California’s juvenile courts. Although the focus is to rehabilitate rather than punish, the state’s juvenile justice system is traumatic and can have lasting repercussions on your child’s future. However, there are many juvenile justice options …

California truancy laws require children to go to school. The state laws apply to children between the ages of 6 and 18 who attend either: elementary school, middle school, or high school. Failure to attend school carries consequences for not only the truant student but also possibly for their parents. In this article, our Los …

Under California law, a felony is a serious criminal offense that can result in imprisonment for more than one year. Felonies are considered more severe than misdemeanors and can have significant consequences, including loss of voting rights (while in prison), professional licenses, and the ability to own firearms. This article will explore the consequences of …

What is a Brady Motion?Watch this video on YouTube A Brady motion is a defendant’s request for the prosecution in a criminal case to turn over any potentially exculpatory evidence (which means evidence that may be favorable to the accused). Defense attorneys generally bring this motion as part of the pretrial process, or later in …

What is a motion to continue? Penal Code 1050 PCWatch this video on YouTube Penal Code § 1050 PC outlines the procedures for asking the court to continue a hearing in a California criminal case. A motion to continue is a request by either the prosecution or the defense to postpone the hearing to a …