If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime in California, you'll want as much information as possible about the crime and its consequences. What does the prosecutor have to prove in order to get a conviction? What's the sentence; is it a range, and what factors might affect a judge's decision to impose a lower or higher sentence? Most importantly, are there any legally recognized defenses to this charge?
The articles on this page give you this information for specified California crimes. If you want to read the laws themselves, you'll find citations to them (see "Looking Up the Law," below, for tips on how to find the law online). But most of the time, our summaries will give you what you need.
Be sure to understand that no legal article is a substitute for a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney, who regularly practices in your area. The "letter of the law" is only your strating point. Working with your attorney, you should come to understand how the amount and quality of the evidence in your case will affect your options, which may range from attempting to get the case dismissed, to negotiating a plea, to going to trial.
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.
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Possession of a Controlled Substance in California In most cases, illegal possession of a controlled substance in California results in misdemeanor or felony penalties, depending on the defendant's priors.
California Laws on Petty Theft, Grand Theft, and Shoplifting Theft and shoplifting crimes quickly add up to felony-level offenses in California.
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.
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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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.
Is It Legal to Carry Pepper Spray in California? Learn who can carry pepper spray in California, how and when it can be used, and the penalties for improper use.
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.
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California Assault and Battery Laws Learn how assault and battery differ in California, when assault or battery is a felony, and what defenses are available.
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.
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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 Statutes governing California's age of consent, associated criminal charges, available defenses, and penalties for conviction.
Revenge Porn Laws in California California has specifically outlawed revenge porn.Is Prostitution Legal 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.