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California Penal Code 409.5 PC is the statute making it illegal to enter an emergency area without permission, a location closed by law enforcement due to a disaster such as a storm, car accident, crime scene, etc. In emergencies, when public safety is at stake, authorities are allowed by law to close off certain...

In California, entering someone’s vehicle or climbing on it without permission to tamper with the controls or to cause damage is a crime. It’s codified under Vehicle Code 10853 VC and called malicious mischief to a vehicle. This statute applies to vehicles and anything attached to it, such as license plates, hood...

n California, suppose a police officer lawfully detains you and asks you to identify yourself. In that case, under the law, you must tell them the truth. If you provide a false name, you just committed a crime. Penal Code 148.9 PC is the statute that makes it a misdemeanor to provide false identifying information...

California Penal Code 141 PC makes it a crime to tamper with or to plant evidence in any legal matter. Since evidence is often crucial in criminal cases, tampering is considered a serious offense. PC 141 says, “(a) anyone who knowingly, willfully, intentionally, and wrongfully alters, modifies, plants, places...

In California, convicted felons can’t possess ammunition, defined under Penal Code 30305(a)(1) PC. This statute is closely related to Penal Code 29800 PC felons possessing a firearm. Simply put, it’s illegal to own, possess, or have custody of ammunition if you are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm...

Speeding on any California highway could result in a traffic ticket, but if your speed exceeds 100mph, it’s placed in a higher category. California Vehicle Code 22348(b) VC would impose harsh penalties if you were driving over 100mph on a highway. This includes additional points on your DMV record, a mandatory...

All motor vehicles are inscribed with a unique identifier called the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Tracking car registrations, insurance coverage, warranties, and vehicle theft reports is necessary.  Thus, California Vehicle Code 10750 VC makes it a crime to intentionally alter or change a VIN. VC 10750 says...

Whether or not escorts are legal in California is often a complex question, as it depends on many factors. Most people connect escorts with prostitution for good reasons, but there is a difference between the two. However, there is a thin line, almost invisible, between an escort and a prostitute. One side of...

California Penal Code 185 PC makes it illegal to wear a mask, false whiskers, or another disguise to evade police while or after committing the crime. Wearing a mask or disguise by itself is not unlawful. Still, if you wear one to avoid being detected by police, you can be charged under this statute, making it illegal...

Specific laws in California cover driving with open containers of alcohol in the car and consuming alcoholic beverages while driving, designed to prevent drunk driving. These laws are codified in Vehicle Code Sections 23221–23229 VC. Simply put, they make it illegal to have an open container of alcohol...

Penal Code 12022 PC is a sentencing enhancement that adds one to five years to a prison sentence for felonies where the defendant was armed with a firearm. In other words, felonies involving firearms are more severe and carry significant punishments in California. However, to impose this enhancement...

Participating in any street racing, drag racing, or speed contest on a public street, road, or highway in California is illegal. This includes speed exhibitions or any street racing. These criminal offenses are typically prosecuted under Vehicle Code 23109 VC speed contest law and Vehicle Code 23103 VC reckless...

California Penal Code 647(b) generally defines prostitution as engaging in sexual conduct in exchange for money or other compensation. Therefore, under this law, it’s a crime to commit prostitution or to solicit it. In other words, it applies to someone who offers sexual services and the person who accepts...

Penal Code 311 PC is the statute that makes child pornography illegal in California and is the primary law used by prosecutors to file charges against someone. Simply put, it’s a crime to distribute, transport, duplicate, print, advertise, or have possession of child pornography. It is also a crime to hire or...

Asset forfeiture is the government’s legal right to take someone’s property due to a reasonable suspicion it was acquired through illegal conduct or was used to commit a crime. In asset forfeiture cases, the property owner was usually convicted of a criminal offense before it was taken by forfeiture...

Various California laws make it a crime to possess, sell, transport, and manufacture heroin. If you have possession of heroin for personal use, it’s a misdemeanor offense, but sales and trafficking are felonies with severe penalties. Most people know that heroin is a dangerous and highly addictive illegal...

In California criminal cases, justice is typically pursued through criminal charges and convictions. While a perpetrator’s sentence might give some satisfaction, not every criminal case has to end with a conviction for a victim to receive something in return for a perpetrator’s conduct. Sometimes, a...

Penal Code 278 PC defines the crime of child abduction as when another person with no right of custody takes a child away and keeps them from their parents or legal guardians. This crime is frequently connected to domestic violence. It’s a “wobbler” that can be filed as a misdemeanor or felony...

California Penal Code 220 defines the crime of assault with intent to commit another felony that involves assaulting somebody with the intent to commit a sex crime. The crime of “assault” involves the application of force on someone when the contact is harmful or offensive. This includes even the...

Law enforcement officers are given the authority to issue orders to citizens to execute their duties.  For example, you are expected to follow lawful orders if pulled over at a traffic stop for a suspected driving violation. Perhaps their orders are necessary for public safety or to maintain regular order during...

Cyberstalking laws in California make it a crime to stalk anyone using an electronic communication device as it’s a type of online harassment through online anonymity. Stalking is described under Penal Code 646.9 PC as harassing or threatening another person to the point where they fear for their...

California Penal Code 487 PC describes the crime of grand theft as unlawfully taking someone’s property valued at $950 or more. This theft offense is a “wobbler” that can be filed as a misdemeanor or felony. If the property has a value of under $950, then a misdemeanor charge of Penal Code 484....

California Penal Code 236.1 PC defines the serious crime of human sex trafficking as depriving somebody of their liberty with the specific intent to obtain forced labor or services. PC 236.1 charges are also often connected to pimping and pandering, sexual exploitation of minors, extortion, and child pornography...

California Penal Code 288.5 defines the serious sexual-related crime of continuous sexual abuse of a child. This offense is described as someone engaging in three or more acts of substantial sexual conduct with a child under 14 years old occurring over three months or more. This unlawful behavior...

California Penal Code 215 PC defines the felony offense of carjacking as taking a motor vehicle from somebody using force or fear. Under this law, the use of “force or fear” means the defendant has to inflict physical force or make threats to harm the victim. PC 215 carjacking could be charged...