Every crime in California is defined by a specific code section. Our attorneys explain the law, penalties and best defense strategies for every major crime in California.
Crimes by Code
Every crime in California is defined by a specific code section. Our attorneys explain the law, penalties and best defense strategies for every major crime in California.
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.
Post Conviction
A criminal record can affect job, immigration, licensing and even housing opportunities. In this section, we offer solutions for clearing up your prior record.
Please note: Our firm only handles criminal and DUI cases, and only in California. We do not handle any of the following cases:
And we do not handle any cases outside of California.
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California law requires that a person be at least 18 years of age in order legally to get a tattoo. In fact, according to Penal Code 653 PC, it is a criminal offense to “ink” or administer a tattoo to a minor under the age of 18.
A violation of this code section is charged as a misdemeanor.
The crime is punishable by:
Penal Code 653 is the California statute that addresses tattooing a minor.
The code section says it is a crime for a person to either tattoo, or to offer to tattoo, any person under the age of 18.
According to this statute, “to tattoo” means:
“to insert pigment under the surface of the skin of a human being, by pricking with a needle or otherwise, so as to produce an indelible mark or figure visible through the skin.”
There is an exception under the code section and it applies to licensed practitioners of the “healing arts.” This means these professionals are not guilty of tattooing a minor if they prick a minor’s skin with a needle in the course of their practice.
Some examples of professionals employed in the “healing arts” include:
If a party is guilty of tattooing a minor, they are charged with a misdemeanor. The offense is punishable by:
Please note that in lieu of jail time a judge may order a defendant to misdemeanor probation. This is also called “summary” or “informal” probation.
There are two common legal defenses available to a defendant that is charged with tattooing a minor.
It is not a defense that the defendant did not know the person was under 18. Though if the defendant can show that the person had a fake ID and appeared 18, in our experience the prosecutor may be willing to offer a favorable plea deal.
No. California law prohibits tattooing minors across the board. Penal Code 653 PC does not provide a “parental consent” exception.
Unlike getting a tattoo, there is no minimum age for getting a piercing. However, a minor must have one of their parent’s consent before getting her ears pierced. Further, a parent or guardian of a minor must be present before and during the procedure.
Please note that minors can be pierced in an area other than their ears with parental consent, but not on their genitals or nipples.
For more in-depth information, refer to these scholarly articles:
A former Los Angeles prosecutor, attorney Neil Shouse graduated with honors from UC Berkeley and Harvard Law School (and completed additional graduate studies at MIT). He has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, Dr Phil, The Today Show and Court TV. Mr Shouse has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Criminal and Top 100 Civil Attorneys.