Under California law, private citizens are authorized to arrest alleged perpetrators in specific circumstances defined under Penal Code 837 PC. Notably, if a private decides to make an arrest, they can act alone or ask another person to help them. Before a citizen decides to make an arrest, they...
Reading Miranda Rights can become crucial to criminal cases when someone is arrested for an alleged crime. For example, before police interrogate you after an arrest, they must explain these rights and ensure you understand them. Suppose they fail to read you your rights. In that case, it could...
The legal age of consent in the state of California is 18 years old, which is when the law deems someone old enough to consent to have sex. This means it's a crime to engage in sexual activity with any person under 18. In other words, if you have sex with a minor, you could face serious criminal ...
In California, the stop-and-frisk law called a “Terry stop” has some main rules that law enforcement has to follow based on the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which says you have the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.Law enforcement officers are legally...
The statute of limitations outlines the maximum time limits for prosecutors to file criminal charges in a case. In California, the general rules to remember are one year for a misdemeanor crime and three years for a felony. However, if a felony is punishable by eight or more years in state prison...
MDMA, also known popularly as "ecstasy" or "molly," is a psychoactive drug primarily used for recreational purposes. It has become trendy at parties, commonly passed around during concerts and raves. With California recently legalizing marijuana for recreational use, there may be some confusion...
California Penal Code 372 PC is the statute that prohibits someone from creating or maintaining a public nuisance. Penal Code 373a PC is the statute that makes it a crime for someone to maintain, permit, or allow a public nuisance to exist on a property they own or lease and do so after they receive...
In the State of California, it is a criminal offense to willfully destroy or conceal evidence that you know to be relevant to a legal proceeding, such as a trial, inquiry, or investigation. This statute is embodied in California Penal Code 135 PC. Simply put, it's a crime to deliberately destroy or conceal...
The State of California sets a high bar of honesty for restaurants and stores that sell food to consumers so that people can make informed choices about what they eat. Violating the consumer's trust is considered a criminal offense. Under Health & Safety Code 114087 HS, it's against the law...
Stealing a road sign may seem like an innocuous prank, but it's hazardous. It might even seem like a rite of passage to some, like college students. However, considering that road signage plays a vital role in keeping people safe, stealing a road sign in California is, in fact, a severe offense...
Let's review whether parents could face criminal charges for crimes committed by their children. In the State of California, parents may find themselves in a difficult situation if their child commits a crime. While most parents strive to raise law-abiding citizens, sometimes children make....
Yedinak confirms that the Courts of Appeal continue to enforce the Humphrey decision against trial courts. Obtaining a pretrial release for a client subject to a criminal arrest is crucial to preparing a defense to the criminal charges. One of the defense counsel’s priorities with a new criminal...
As a state recognized for its rich biodiversity, California has one of the most stringent laws regarding what kinds of animals can be owned as pets. The restricted pet list is long and includes numerous species permitted to be owned in other states. You could face steep fines and criminal charges...
Theft is a criminal act involving the unlawful taking of someone else's property without their consent, intending to deprive them of it permanently. In California, like in many other states, theft can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on various factors, including the...
In California, there is nothing inherently illegal about leaving a pet locked in a car. But if doing so endangers an animal's health or well-being, it is against the law, according to California Penal Code 597.7 PC. In other words, this law prohibits leaving an animal unattended in a motor...
As in many states, the State of California gives you the legal right to defend your home with deadly force, if necessary. This is known as the "Castle doctrine," embodied in California law in Penal Code 198.5 PC. This law is sometimes called the “stand-your-ground” law, as there is no duty...
California law permits drivers on two-lane roads to pass a slower driver on the left, provided sufficient clearance exists. Passing without good clearance can put other drivers and yourself at risk of unnecessary harm. Therefore, it's against the law to pass on the left of a two-lane...
California law makes it a criminal offense to willfully poison an animal belonging to someone else without their consent. This statute is codified under Penal Code 596 PC. In other words, this law makes it a misdemeanor crime to intentionally poison another person’s animal. Notably, it’s legal...
In the State of California, it's a crime to willfully transmit an infectious disease to someone else under Health & Safety Code 120290 HS. This law has primarily been applied to willful exposure to sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS or HIV. Still, it has recently taken on new meaning...
If you are under investigation or accused of a federal crime, you could face significant fines and prison time if convicted. In many of these cases, demonstrating a willingness to cooperate with the federal government can go a long way toward resolving your case with lesser...
Every motorist on California roads is responsible for protecting other road users’ safety. For this reason, reckless driving, such as driving with wanton disregard for safety, is a significant crime in California under Vehicle Code 23103 VC. The law applies to all roads within the state, including...
California Vehicle Code 21464 VC prohibits intentional defacement, damage, removal of, or interference with traffic signs or signals. The state law is clear: interfering with these pivotal road markers can compromise safety and order on the roadways, which is why the consequences of...
Tire tread depth is crucial for maintaining adequate traction on the road surface. Tires with insufficient tread depth can lead to hazardous driving conditions, especially on wet or slippery surfaces, increasing the risks of accidents and injury. Driving a vehicle with bald tires is more...
The State of California has enacted numerous laws to enforce safety among drivers and passengers on California roadways. To this end, California Vehicle Code 21712 VC makes it illegal for drivers to allow passengers to ride on or in parts of the vehicle that aren't intended for passengers...
The First Amendment to the Constitution guarantees U.S. citizens the right to assemble peaceably. But when a so-called "peaceful assembly" turns violent or criminal behaviors ensue, it's considered an unlawful assembly, a criminal offense in California under Penal Code 408 PC. This law...
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