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 § 248 PC is the California statute that makes it a crime to shine a light at an aircraft in order to interfere with its operation. A conviction is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail and fines of up to $1000.00. The language of the code section states …
The crime of "mayhem" (Penal Code 203 PC & 205 PC)Watch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 203 PC prohibits mayhem, the act of unlawfully or maliciously attacking another person in a way that causes disfigurement or disability. A conviction is a felony punishable by up to 8 years in prison and fines …
Former D.A.: Why misidentification leads to wrongful convictionsWatch this video on YouTube Mistaken identifications are the leading cause of wrongful convictions in the United States. Over 75% of cases so far overturned through DNA testing involved some form of eyewitness error.1 Our California Criminal Defense Lawyers are here to help ensure that you or your loved done …
Penal Code § 165 PC prohibits bribery by or of county supervisors and other local government officials. A violation of this law is a felony offense punishable by up to 4 years in jail or prison. The language of the statute reads that: 165. Every person who gives or offers a bribe to any member …
Updated March 10, 2022 Mail fraud, also known as postal fraud, is a serious federal crime. You can be charged with mail fraud if the authorities believe that you used a United States post office or even a private mail carrier to send or receive any materials related to a scheme to commit fraud. 1 …
California Penal Code 118.1 PC – Police Filing False ReportsWatch this video on YouTube In California, peace officers face misdemeanor or felony charges under Penal Code § 118.1 PC if they intentionally include false information in a crime report, even if the report was not made under oath. A conviction is punishable by up to …
Repeat Auto Theft in California (666.5 PC) – 5 defensesWatch this video on YouTube California Penal Code 666.5 PC is a sentencing enhancement that increases the fines and jail time when a person is convicted of auto theft for a second or subsequent time. 666.5 PC states that “(a) Every person who, having been previously convicted of a violation of …
California Business and Professions Code § 12024 BPC prohibits the sale of any commodity in a smaller quantity than has been represented by the seller. This language of the code section reads as follows: 12024. Every person, who by himself or herself, or through or for another, sells any commodity in less quantity than he or …
Interlock Ignition Devices in CA DUI CasesWatch this video on YouTube Ignition interlock devices (commonly referred to as IIDs) are miniature DUI breath test instruments that are installed in the dashboard of your car and prevent your car from operating unless you provide an alcohol-free breath sample. IIDs are increasingly common as a California DUI penalty. In this article, our California DUI attorneys answer the …
Vehicle Code § 14610 VC is the California statute that makes it a crime to use a driver’s license for an unlawful purpose. A conviction is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1000.00. The language of the statute reads as follows: 14610. (a) It …
California Business and Professions Code 4324 BP makes it a crime to forge a prescription or possess drugs obtained through a forged prescription. This crime can be a misdemeanor or a felony, at the prosecutor’s discretion. Examples Pamela telephones a pharmacy pretending to be a doctor and orders a prescription for 90 for herself.1 Bernie …
Penal Code 484j PC is the California statute that makes it a crime to “publish” credit card information, including PIN numbers and passwords. This offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail. The language of the code section states that: 484j. Any person who publishes the number or code of an …
Penal Code 17500 PC – Possession of a deadly weapon with intent to commit assaultWatch this video on YouTube Penal Code § 17500 PC makes it a crime to have possession of a deadly weapon with the intent to assault another person. This is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in county jail and fines …
Vehicle Code 21663 is the California statute that prohibits motorists from driving on sidewalks. The only exception is that a motorist may drive on a sidewalk while he enters or leaves a property. The language of the code section states that: 21663. Except as expressly permitted pursuant to this code, including Sections 21100.4 and 21114.5, …
Penal Code 475 PC "Possession of Counterfeit Items"Watch this video on YouTube Penal Code § 475 PC makes it a crime to possess a counterfeit item (such as a fake check) with the intent to pass it on and defraud another person. The state can charge this as a misdemeanor or a felony, and the potential sentence is …
Updated January 19, 2021 A motion to compel disclosure of an informant is when the defendant in a criminal case petitions the court to require the police to reveal the identity of a confidential informant. If the informant is disclosed, the defense can seek to challenge the person’s reliability as well as any information or …
Charged w/ "Credit Card Fraud"? How to fight the caseWatch this video on YouTube Internet fraud, also known as cybercrime, is a growing problem in California. Internet fraud is a blanket term that describes several different fraud crimes such as phishing emails asking for personal information, online romance scams, fake ticket/prize offers, and tech support …
Under Penal Code § 851.8 PC, a petition for a certificate of factual innocence is where you ask the court to find that you did not commit a crime for which you were detained, arrested or charged, although never convicted in court. Specifically, you can seek a petition for factual innocence where you: have been detained by police …
Penal Code 526 PC is the California statute that makes it a crime for a person to commit extortion, or blackmail, by means of a fake court order. A conviction is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in county jail and a fine of up to $1000.00. The language of the code section reads as follows: …
Which Crimes Are Considered “Serious Felonies” in California 3 Strikes Law?Watch this video on YouTube For purposes of California’s three strikes law, serious felonies are listed in California Penal Code Section 1192.7(c). A few serious felonies are listed in PC 1192.8(a) as well. Along with violent felonies, a conviction for any of these crimes will …
California Penal Code § 21110 PC makes it a crime to manufacture, import, sell, give, or even possess a ballistic knife. These are defined as knives with spring-loaded blades that can be fired or shot out like a bullet. The language of the code section reads as follows: 21110. Except as provided in Chapter 1 …
California Health and Safety Code § 11361 HS makes it a crime for an adult to sell, give or offer marijuana to a minor, induce a minor to use marijuana, or employ or use a minor to transport, sell or give away marijuana. HS 11361 is one of a number of California crimes (such as …
California Business & Professions Code 2052 prohibits the unauthorized practice of medicine (without a valid license). This is defined as practicing, attempting to practice, or advertising oneself as practicing any system of treating an illness or affliction. Here are five key things to know: The unauthorized practice of medicine is a crime even if no …
If you live in South Central or East Los Angeles, you don’t need us to tell you about cops and racial profiling. Chances are you or someone you know may have felt targeted by law enforcement just because of skin color. Racial profiling is wrong and it violates both the United States Constitution and California …
The most important benefits of a California criminal record expungement under Penal Code 1203.4 PC include: Assistance with finding a job; Help with obtaining professional licenses; Assistance with joining professional organizations; Preventing the past conviction from being used to impeach your credibility in certain court proceedings; and Personal satisfaction. Expungement Benefit #1: Job Applications For …