California Crimes: Laws & Penalties

California Misdemeanor Crimes and Sentences

Learn what’s considered a misdemeanor in California, typical sentences for misdemeanors, and when crimes can be either misdemeanors or felonies.

California Felony Crimes and Sentences

Learn how sentencing works in California for felonies, crimes that can be either felonies or misdemeanors, and defendants who have previous convictions for serious or violent felonies.

California Criminal Statutes of Limitations

California has comprehensive—and complicated—rules setting time limits for the government to bring criminal charges in a case. If the prosecution charges someone after the applicable time period has passed, the person charged can have the case dismissed.

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.

California Public Intoxication Laws

In California, a person who appears in public while intoxicated from alcohol or drugs may be arrested and charged with the crime of disorderly conduct. Under some circumstances, an intoxicated person in public may avoid arrest and instead be placed in protective custody and taken to a treatment facility.

Possession of a Controlled Substance in California

California classifies not only well-known drugs like methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine as controlled substances, but also the compounds used to manufacture them.

California Laws on Petty Theft, Grand Theft, and Shoplifting

California 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.

Auto Theft Laws in California

California has two different statutes that criminalize auto theft. Each crime may be punished as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the value of the car.

California Embezzlement Laws

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.

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).

Gun Storage Laws in California

California gun owners must store their weapons safely and securely to keep them from children and adults who aren’t supposed to have firearms.

Stun Gun Laws in California

Learn about California’s restrictions on the purchase of stun guns and Tasers—and when it’s illegal to carry or use these weapons.

Are Fireworks Legal in California?

California classifies the items that qualify as "fireworks," specifies who may possess or sell them, and dictates when and where they may be set off.

California's Red Flag Law: A Guide to Gun Violence Restraining Orders

Learn who may request gun violence restraining orders in California, how to make or oppose a request, and what kinds of proof judges need before they order gun owners to surrender their firearms and ammunition.

Is it Legal to Carry Pepper Spray In California?

Pepper spray is a chemical agent that, when sprayed into the eyes or onto the face, causes severe pain, tearing, and, in some cases, temporary blindness. Pepper spray is regulated by the state of California in its rules concerning tear gas and tear gas weapons.

What Is the Legal Way to Bring a Firearm Into California?

It may be against the law to buy a gun out of state and simply drive it back to California. Learn how to bring a gun here the right way—and the penalties if you do it illegally.

California Assault and Battery Laws

Assault in California is an intentional attempt to physically injure another or a menacing or threatening act or statement that causes the other person to believe they are about to be attacked. This crime doesn’t involve actual physical contact.

Cyberbullying and Cyberstalking Laws in California

Sending, posting, or distributing threats or intimidating messages online or electronically can quickly turn from what one thinks is a prank to a criminal act.

California Domestic Violence Laws

A person who commits acts of domestic violence in California can face serious criminal penalties, including lengthy terms of incarceration and hefty fines.

Understanding California’s Domestic Violence Restraining Orders

Violators of domestic violence protective and restraining orders can face jail time and substantial monetary penalties.

Is It a Crime to Transmit an STD in California?

A person who intentionally gives or exposes another to an STD can face criminal charges. Learn more about California's crimes, penalties, and disclosure laws on STDs.

California Sexting Laws for Teens and Minors

Sexting images of minors can be prosecuted as child pornography or child exploitation under California's laws, resulting in harsh sentences.

California Statutory Rape Laws

In California, it is illegal for an adult (someone 18 or older) to have sex with a minor (someone younger than  18), even if the sex is consensual. Those who break the law have committed statutory rape.

Revenge Porn Laws in California

California has specifically outlawed revenge porn.

Prostitution Laws in California

In California, it is a crime to buy or sell sex for money. The crime of prostitution applies to several actions. California punishes prostitution under its disorderly conduct statute.

Pimping and Pandering Laws in California

In California, both pimping and pandering are crimes. Laws against pimping and pandering are generally aimed at third parties who benefit from the sale of sex, although they may also apply to “johns” and prostitutes.