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California Petty Theft and Other Theft Laws
California’s lawmakers define theft as the intentional and unlawful taking of property. In order for a theft to occur, the offender must intend to permanently deprive the owner of the property. (Cal. Pen. Code, § 484.)
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Shoplifting Charges in California
Shoplifting is a serious crime in California, with criminal penalties including jail time and fines. In addition to criminal penalties, shoplifters face civil lawsuits by victimized merchants to recover damages.
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Embezzlement is a kind of property theft. It occurs when someone who was entrusted to manage or monitor someone else’s money or property steals all or part of that money or property for the defendant’s personal gain.
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What are the consequences and penalties of auto theft in California?
California has two different statutes that criminalize auto theft. The only difference is whether the defendant intends to take the car temporarily or permanently. Each crime may be punished as a misdemeanor or a felony.
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Burglary and Home Invasions in California
In California, a person commits the crime of burglary by entering into a vehicle or building in order to commit a crime inside. Residential burglary, sometimes called home invasion burglary, is punished more severely. California also has laws against unauthorized entry or trespass (entering a residence without permission).
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Driving on a Suspended License in California
Driving while your license is suspended or revoked is a crime.
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California Minor in Possession of Alcohol Charges and Penalties
California’s minor in possession (MIP) laws aim to deter underage drinking. Minors can be charged with an MIP offense for consuming alcohol in public, possessing alcohol, purchasing alcohol, or even holding an unopened container.
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Possession of a Controlled Substance in California
California classifies not only well-known drugs like marijuana, heroin, and cocaine as controlled substances, but also the compounds used to manufacture them.
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California Sale of a Controlled Substance Laws
California classifies not only well-known drugs like marijuana, heroin, and cocaine as controlled substances, but also the compounds used to manufacture them.
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Marijuana possession, sale, and distribution is regulated by both state and federal law. In California, possession of a small amount is legal.
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Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana in California
Driving under the influence of marijuana is a crime in California. This article explains the penalties imposed for DUI violations, but other laws regarding marijuana possession may also apply to drivers and passengers.
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California Medical Marijuana Laws
California allows medical marijuana use under the circumstances described below. However, it is still a crime to drive under the influence of marijuana, and other laws regarding marijuana possession for non-medical purposes will also still apply.
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In California, you must obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon -- including a pistol, revolver, or other firearm. The permit is known as a CCW license. (CCW stands for “Carry Concealed Weapon.”)
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Open and Concealed Gun Carry Laws in California
California does not specifically protect the right to bear arms in its state constitution, the way many other states do. And while the right to bear arms is nonetheless protected by the federal constitution, this does not mean that everyone may carry a gun, or that you may always carry a gun wherever
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Gun Storage Laws in California
The news is full of tragic stories of young children who comes across loaded, unattended firearms and shoot themselves or other children. Leaving a loaded gun where a child can find it is not only dangerous, but in some states, including California, it is also illegal and can result in criminal charges for the gun owner.
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A stun gun (popularly also known as a Taser, the main maker of stun guns) is a device that is used or intended to be used as either an offensive or defensive weapon, which is capable of temporarily immobilizing a person by inflicting an electrical charge.
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How can I prove my "good moral character," which is required for a permit?
To obtain a gun permit, my state (California) requires that I have "good moral character." How do I prove that? California is unique among the 50 states in requiring applicants for gun permits to demonstrate “good moral character." This may seem like a vague concept, but it usually just means that