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 § 551 PC prohibits unlawful referrals (for kickbacks) to an auto repair dealer. This offense can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony, and carries a maximum sentence of up to 3 years in jail or prison. Examples Mike owns a car repair shop and offers an insurance agent $200 for …
Vehicle Code § 10750 VC prohibits you from altering, changing or destroying a vehicle identification number (VIN) without written authorization from the DMV. Doing so is a misdemeanor that carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail and a fine of up to $1000.00. The language of the statute reads that: 10750. (a) No …
"Aggravated Trespass" as a felony in California (Penal Code 601 PC)Watch this video on YouTube California Penal Code 601 PC defines aggravated felony trespass as (1) threatening to injure someone, and then (2) entering that person’s home or workplace without permission within 30 days of making the threat. This is a more serious offense than misdemeanor trespass as found …
Penal Code 337a PC – Bookmaking & Pool-Selling in CaliforniaWatch this video on YouTube Penal Code § 337 PC makes it a California crime to engage in any the following activities, all of which are associated with gambling: Bookmaking; Pool-selling; Occupying any building, room or other enclosed space for the purpose of recording bets; Receiving, holding or …
The federal criminal defense attorneys of Shouse Law Group represent clients across California, in matters including prefile investigations and negotiations with the United States Attorney’s office, grand juries, indictments, jury trials, and plea bargains. There are over 100 different offenses that fall under the category of federal crimes in the United States. Criminal charges may be …
Health and Safety Code § 11366.8 HS is the California statute that makes it a crime to conceal a controlled substance in a false compartment. The offense can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony and is punishable by up to 3 years in custody. Under this statute, it is a crime for a …
Vehicle Code § 23221 VC prohibits the consumption of alcohol or marijuana in a motor vehicle that is being driven on a California highway. You commit this offense if, while driving or riding as a passenger, you drink alcohol or ingest any marijuana product. A violation of this code section is an infraction punishable by a fine …
What is a "fraudulent conveyance" in California? Penal Code 155 PCWatch this video on YouTube Penal Code 155 PC is the California statute that defines the offense of fraudulent conveyance by a judgment debtor. This section makes it is a crime for a person to conceal or transfer personal property in order to avoid paying damages owed as a result …
Lautenberg Amendment: Federal Ban on Gun Rights for a Domestic Violence ConvictionWatch this video on YouTube Domestic violence (DV) convictions strip you of your gun rights for life despite your Second Amendment protections. California judges issue a restraining order requiring you to surrender your firearms at the very beginning of most domestic violence cases, which …
Legal Analysis of Senior Fraud – Financial ExploitationWatch this video on YouTube Elder abuse fraud or senior fraud in California is defined as wrongfully defrauding a person age 65 or older out of money or property. The offense can be filed as a misdemeanor or a felony and can carry penalties of up to 4 years in jail or prison. California elder abuse laws include physical abuse …
Under the Influence of Narcotics: CA Health & Safety Code 11550Watch this video on YouTube Health and Safety Code § 11550 HS makes it a crime to use or to be under the influence of a controlled substance (unless you have a valid prescription). This is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in …
California Penal Code § 288b1 PC defines the crime of committing a lewd act on a child under the age of 14, using force or fear of bodily injury. Under Penal Code 288, a lewd act with a minor is either: touching a child for sexual purposes, or causing a child to touch him/herself or …
Can I Make a Citizen's Arrest in CA? (Penal Code 837 PC)Watch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 837 PC permits you to make a citizen’s arrest if you witness a misdemeanor or felony crime or have reasonable cause to believe someone committed a felony. To do so, you must inform the person …
California Penal Code § 288b2 PC makes it a crime for a caretaker to commit a lewd act on a dependent person (or a physically impaired person aged 65 or older) by means of force or fear. The language of the statute reads as follows: “A person who is a caretaker and commits an act described in …
California penal code 347 — Poisoning food, water, drinks, medicine, or pharmaceutical productsWatch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 347 PC makes it a crime to poison a food, drink, medicine or water supply that you know is going to be consumed by human beings. This is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in …
209 PC – Aggravated Kidnapping for Ransom – Can you get life in prison?Watch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 209 PC prohibits aggravated kidnapping, which is kidnapping someone for ransom or a reward or to commit another crime such as robbery or rape. Aggravated kidnapping is a more serious felony charge than ordinary kidnapping …
Penal Code § 409.5 PC makes it illegal to enter an emergency area without permission. An “emergency area” is a location closed by law enforcement due to a disaster such as a storm, fire, earthquake, or accident. Violating this section is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up …
Penal Code 488 PC — The crime of "petty theft" in CaliforniaWatch this video on YouTube Penal Code § 488 PC sets forth the California crime of petty theft – which is defined as stealing someone else’s money, property or services worth $950 or less. Note that Penal Code 484 defines theft generally. Penal Code …
Penal Code § 641.3 prohibits commercial bribery, which occurs when an employee takes a bribe worth more than $250.00 in exchange for using his or her position to benefit the other person. The law is designed to promote fairness and transparency in the workplace, and to ensure that employees make decisions based on merit rather than …
California seat belt law requires all occupants of a moving motor vehicle 8 years of age and older to wear a safety belt. Children under 8 years of age must be restrained in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat of a vehicle. Children under the age of 2 must ride in …
How does the FDA classify GHB as a drug?Watch this video on YouTube California law makes it a misdemeanor to possess or use GHB (gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid) or XYREM (pharmaceutical GHB) without a doctor’s prescription. However, you can usually get the charge dismissed with no jail if you complete a diversion program. Meanwhile, selling or planning …
Penal Code § 667.61 PC is the code section commonly known as California’s one-strike law. This section imposes additional prison time for a number of sex crimes when committed under specific aggravating circumstances. Depending on the case, this section could increase a prison sentence by 15 years, 25 years, or life in prison. PC 667.61 …
Vehicle Code 10853 VC — "Malicious mischief" to a vehicleWatch this video on YouTube California Vehicle Code § 10853 VC defines the crime of malicious mischief to a vehicle. This means entering or climbing onto another person’s vehicle, or tampering with the controls, in order to cause damage. Doing so is a misdemeanor punishable by …
What is a "fraudulent conveyance" in California and is it illegal? — Penal Code 154 PCWatch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 531 PC makes it a crime to participate in a fraudulent conveyance. This means to transfer or give away property in order to avoid paying back a debt or paying damages owed as …
Penal Code 20610 PC is the California statute that makes it a crime for a person to make, import, sell, give, or possess a lipstick case knife (“LCK”). An LCK is a knife that is enclosed in a lipstick case. Examples of illegal acts under this statute include: Ron sells an LCK to a neighborhood …