In California, forced sex charges aren’t limited to acts involving rape with a penis. They can also include acts of oral copulation by force or fear or an act of non-consensual sexual penetration with an object, including another body part. Forcible penetration with a foreign object is a sex crime under California Penal Code section 289 (PC), and the offense carries serious criminal […]
What Happens to Your Stuff When You go to Prison?
When you’re incarcerated, you are stuck behind bars and unable to access your bank accounts or pay bills. So what happens to your house and personal belongings when you go to jail? That’s actually a common question many clients ask their criminal lawyer. Unfortunately, the answer is sadly complex, which is one of the […]
Possession of a Firearm and Drugs in California
Some drugs cause paranoia, and dealing and purchasing drugs can sometimes be dangerous. With these things in mind, it’s not surprising that many people who are arrested with drugs also carry weapons. Unfortunately, just carrying a gun and any amount of certain drugs is a criminal act in itself. Here’s what you should know about California’s possession of […]
What Rights do Felons Lose in California?
Felons in California are subject to many penalties, even after they serve their time and pay off their criminal fines. The good news is that California does not restrict the constitutional rights of felons nearly as much as other states. Unfortunately, the state still does have many restrictions on what felons are not able to […]
What is the Sentence for Grand Theft in California?
If you are accused of stealing something in California, the charges can be filed as either grand theft or petty theft, depending on the value of the goods. Grand theft, also known as grand larceny, occurs when stolen property is valued at $950 or more, whereas petty theft is charged when the value is lower. If […]
Hazing in Vista Under California Penal Code 245.6 (PC)
One of the first things people associate with fraternities is the centuries-old tradition of hazing new pledges. Still, after multiple students died during hazing activities over the years, many states, including California, started banning dangerous initiation rituals. While not all forms of hazing are illegal, those likely to result in injuries are. If you have […]
San Diego Stalking Lawyer: 646.9 (PC)
Stalking, whether done online or in person, is a crime that can leave someone fearing for their life or the safety of their family. California has enacted many laws to protect citizens from stalking, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and cyber harassment, all of which are covered by Penal Code sections 646.9 (PC). If you have been accused of […]
What is Looting Under California Law?
Some people may rush in to help in an emergency, while others attempt to flee. However, some people take advantage of dangerous situations by stealing other people’s property while they’re distracted. During the 2025 fires in Los Angeles, some looters even went so far as to dress like California firefighters to gain access to the […]
Aiding and Abetting Vs. Being an Accessory After the Fact
If you encouraged or helped someone to commit a crime, you may be accused of aiding and abetting, sometimes called being a “criminal accomplice,” under California Penal Code section 31 (PC). On the other hand, helping someone avoid the police after they committed a crime means you may be charged with being an accessory after […]
Are Sawed-Off Shotguns Illegal In California? Understanding 33215 (PC)
California state law prohibits manufacturing, possessing, selling, or importing short-barreled shotguns or rifles. Manufacturing includes sawing the barrel from a shotgun to make it a “sawed off” model. Possession charges can still be filed even if the weapon is in pieces as long as it can easily be reassembled. Contact a defense lawyer immediately if […]
