Credit Card Fraud Laws in California - Penal Code 484
California Penal Code Section 484 denies the crime of petty theft and includes multiple subdivisions which address the specific crime of committing various types of thefts using credit or debit cards. These statutes define and punish the offenses that comprise credit card and debit card fraud. Penal Code Section 484e through...
Criminal Threats Law in California - Penal Code 422
Penal Code Section 422 describes the crime of “criminal threats.” Under California law, it is unlawful to threaten to harm or kill another person when such threat places the victim in reasonable sustained fear for their safety or that of their loved ones. Specifically, the threat involved must be to inflict...
Misdemeanor vs Felony Domestic Violence Charges
Domestic violence is described as physical or sexual violence against a current or former spouse, cohabitant, roommate, boyfriend, girlfriend, someone who has a child with the victim, or some other type of relationship that falls under the criminal domestic violence statute. In some cases, domestic violence occurs between people who...
Statutory Rape Laws in California - Penal Code 261.5
California Penal Code Section 261.5 defines the crime of statutory rape, which is also known as unlawful sex with a minor. The simplest way to understand this criminal statute is that it prohibits all sex with individuals under the age of 18. Given this broad definition, defendants and their loved ones...
Indecent Exposure Law in California - Penal Code 314
Penal Code Section 314 defines the California sex crime of “indecent exposure.” Based on the statutory definition, indecent exposure is the crime of exposing one’s genitals in the presence of someone who might be offended or annoyed thereby when done in such a way that the defendant intends public attention...
Domestic Violence Charges with Firearms in Los Angeles
If you are convicted of domestic violence in California, you can be facing severe life-altering consequences. Depending on the details of you case, this can include county jail or state prison time and large fines. You might even lose your right to possess or own a firearm for life. Additionally, in...
What Happens If I Violate a Protective Order in California?
A criminal protective order is normally issued in criminal cases with the primary purpose of restraining a defendant from harassing, physically abusing, stalking, or threatening the alleged victim. A protective order is just about always issued in cases involving violence or credible threats of violence to the victim. The specific conduct that...
What is a “No Contest” Plea Under California Law?
The vast majority of California criminal cases are resolved before taking the case to trial. They are settled through a plea agreement as most defendants will plead guilty rather than face the uncertainty of the outcome of a trial. While the meaning of a “guilty” plea is commonly understood, a “no...
Prosecution and Defense of Los Angeles Police Officers
The death of George Floyd and the subsequent protesting and civil unrest have raised numerous questions about the role and conduct of law enforcement, the need for and possibility of systemic change in the criminal justice system, and longstanding issues of race relations in the United States. Additionally, the civil rights...
What is Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Minor?
California law describes lewd and lascivious conduct as sexual acts that are considered to be offensive and contrary to common standards of behavior. The statute that covers this type of sex crime is found in California Penal Code 288, and a conviction could result in many years in prison and...
