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 § 466 PC makes it a crime to possess burglary tools with the intent of breaking into a dwelling, structure, automobile, or watercraft. Burglary tools may include picklocks, crowbars, screwdrivers, and slide hammers. A conviction is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in the county jail and fines of up to …
Penal Code 646.9 PC – California Criminal "Stalking" LawsWatch this video on YouTube Under Penal Code § 646.9 PC, stalking becomes a criminal offense in California if you follow, harass, and threaten someone to the point that the person fears for their safety. Stalking can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. A conviction …
Penal Code 538d PC makes it a misdemeanor offense to impersonate (pretend to be) a police officer. This often includes wearing a police uniform or displaying a fake badge. A conviction is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2000. PC 538d states that “Any person other than one who …
Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated – Penal Code 191.5(a) PCWatch this video on YouTube In California, the crime of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is causing a fatal accident by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and with gross negligence. A conviction is a felony punishable by four, six, or 10 years in prison …
The executive exemption refers to the California employment law that certain wage and hour rules do not apply to certain executive employees. These include the entitlement to a minimum wage, overtime pay, and rest and meal breaks. For example, an “executive” is not entitled to extra pay for working over 40 hours in a single …
As of January 1, 2026, California employers must compensate their computer professional employees with an annual salary of $122,573.13 or more to be exempt from overtime pay. If paid hourly, computer professionals must receive at least $58.85 an hour to be exempt. In addition, these professionals must perform specific work duties to qualify as exempt employees. …
"When does my boss owe me "back pay" in California?" — Top Labor Law Attorney ExplainsWatch this video on YouTube In California, back pay is unpaid wages for work you performed during a previous pay period. Back pay, also called “back wages,” is typically paid in a lump sum or added to your next regular …
Overtime Exemptions — Exempt vs. Non-Exempt EmployeesWatch this video on YouTube Under California law, exempt employees generally have a white-collar job, get paid a salary rather than an hourly wage, and are not entitled to wage and hour laws protections such as overtime pay or meal breaks and rest breaks. In California for 2026, exempt …
As of January 1, 2026, the current minimum wage in California is $16.90 per hour. It is illegal for California employers to pay workers less than the minimum wage. If your employer violates minimum wage laws, you can bring a labor board complaint or a wage and hour lawsuit. If the violation affects numerous employees, …
California overtime (OT) laws require non-exempt employees to earn one-and-a-half times their regular rate of pay when they work extra hours. In some cases, employees receive double-time pay for working overtime. This chart illustrates when you are entitled to overtime and double-time pay: OT pay Work that triggers OT pay for non-exempt employees in California …
How to File a Lawsuit for Unpaid WagesWatch this video on YouTube In California, workers can bring an unpaid wage claim to recover earnings that an employer owes them but has failed to pay. Unpaid wage claims can be brought through: the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, a federal agency, or a court via a …
The administrative exemption is the rule under state and federal law that California overtime laws do not apply to certain administrative employees. The administrative exemption also means that these employees also are not entitled to meal and rest breaks. An exempt administrative employee is one who: Primarily performs administrative duties,1 Regularly exercises discretion and independent judgment,2 and …
Penalties for DUI in CaliforniaWatch this video on YouTube Drunk driving can have serious, life-changing consequences. Most adults arrested for DUI in California face two charges: Vehicle Code 23152(a) VC – driving under the influence of alcohol and Vehicle Code 23152(b) VC – driving with a BAC of .08% or greater. However, even if you …
Sick leave in California — Are employers required to give it?Watch this video on YouTube California sick leave laws generally require employers to provide employees with annual paid sick leave (PSL) of at least 40 hours or five days (whichever is more). Employers may satisfy this requirement either by: letting you accrue at least one …
Racial Discrimination in the Workplace — "When can I sue my boss in California?"Watch this video on YouTube In California, it is generally unlawful for an employer to discriminate against you based on your race. This protection comes from: federal law under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which applies to employers …
How to bring a "wage and hour" class action lawsuit in CaliforniaWatch this video on YouTube In California, a class action wage and hour lawsuit is when multiple employees with similar grievances sue their employer collectively. A class action is appropriate where the employer harmed a number of workers by violating California wage/hour laws by either: …
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in California Labor Law — "When does it apply?"Watch this video on YouTube The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) applies to you if your employer has at least 50 employees. FMLA permits you to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period to …
Who can file a PAGA claim in California? — Top Labor Law Attorney ExplainsWatch this video on YouTube The Private Attorney General Act (or PAGA) is a California law that allows you to bring labor violation claims against your employer or former employer. You act as a “private attorney general” and can pursue civil penalties by …
Workplace bullying in California — "When can I sue?"Watch this video on YouTube In California, workplace bullying is repeated, degrading mistreatment at work. Examples of bullying include: use of verbal abuse and epithets, intimidating or humiliating behavior, including offensive jokes, interference with the victim’s work that is unrelated to the employer’s legitimate business interests, or …
Welfare & Institutions Code 602 WIC – Jurisdiction of Juvenile CourtWatch this video on YouTube Welfare and Institutions Code 602 WIC is the California statute that details the jurisdiction of juvenile court. California juvenile court presides over: delinquency cases involving children ages 12 to 17 and some children under 12 accused of murder or certain …
Does My Boss Have to Provide “Reasonable Accommodation” in California? — Top Labor Lawyer ExplainsWatch this video on YouTube California employers have a legal duty to make reasonable accommodations for your disabilities to help you perform your essential job duties. Examples of reasonable accommodations (RAs) include: making a worksite wheelchair accessible, allowing you to leave work …
Job interview: Can they ask about my salary history?Watch this video on YouTube When you are applying for a job in California, Labor Code 432.3 prohibits the employer from asking you about your salary history and requires the employer to provide a pay scale for the position if you request one. In this article, our …
If you’ve been involved in a hit and run in California, it’s critical to understand the seriousness of the charges and the potential consequences you could face. As one of the most common types of accidents in Southern California, hit and run incidents can carry heavy penalties, especially if charges escalate to a felony. In …
At Shouse California Law Group, we understand that being charged with assault or battery can turn your life upside down. Allegations like these can have lasting consequences for your reputation, your job, and even your freedom. Every assault and battery lawyer in Orange County on our team has successfully defended clients across Southern California, facing …
Promotion Discrimination — "How Do I Prove It?"Watch this video on YouTube Promotion discrimination is a type of workplace discrimination whereby an employee is passed over for promotion for an unlawful reason, such as the person’s: Race, Religion, Sexual orientation, Disability or Age. If you were not promoted as a result of a discriminatory reason, our …