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California Penal Code 141 PC makes it illegal to tamper with, alter, conceal, or plant evidence in any legal proceeding. Because evidence plays a critical role in criminal investigations and court cases, interfering with evidence is considered a serious offense. Under this statute, a person commits a crime...

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...

California Penal Code 311 PC is the primary law that makes child pornography illegal in the state. Under this statute, it is a crime to produce, distribute, transport, advertise, or possess images or videos that depict minors engaged in sexual conduct. California law also criminalizes recruiting or...

Asset forfeiture is a legal process that allows the government to seize property suspected of being connected to criminal activity. In California, law enforcement agencies can confiscate certain assets if they believe the property was obtained through illegal conduct or used to commit a crime. Asset forfeiture...

Heroin-related crimes in California are treated very seriously by prosecutors and courts. Heroin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under both California and federal law, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. As a result, offenses involving heroin...

In California, most criminal cases are resolved through prosecution and potential conviction. However, in certain misdemeanor cases, the law allows an alternative resolution known as a civil compromise. A civil compromise occurs when a defendant compensates the victim for financial losses...

California Penal Code 278 PC defines the crime of child abduction as taking, enticing away, keeping, withholding, or concealing a child from their lawful parent or legal guardian when the accused does not have a legal right to custody. This offense is considered serious because it interferes with the custody rights of...

California Penal Code 220 PC makes it a felony to assault another person while intending to commit certain serious crimes, most commonly violent sexual offenses. The law targets situations where a person physically attacks someone while planning to carry out another felony, even if the underlying...

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...

California Penal Code 487 PC defines the crime of grand theft as the unlawful taking of someone’s property valued at $950 or more. This theft offense is a “wobbler” that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. If the property has a value of under $950....

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 carjacking as the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle from another person through the use of force or fear. The crime occurs when someone takes a vehicle from the driver or passenger against their will while the victim is present. Carjacking is considered a serious...

In California, Penal Code 207 PC defines the serious felony crime of “kidnapping” as moving somebody a substantial distance, against their will, using force or fear. PC 207 is usually called “simple kidnapping” and is a felony offense that carries up to eight years in state prison. Penal Code 209 PC, a related,,,

Under California Penal Code 242 PC, the crime of “battery” is described as willfully and unlawfully using force against someone. The victim of the battery doesn’t have to suffer a physical injury as the main “element of the crime” is that you offensively touch somebody. The closely related crime of...

California Penal Code 459 PC defines burglary as entering a residential structure, commercial building, or locked vehicle with the intent to commit theft or another felony offense. A person can be charged with burglary even if no property was actually stolen. The crime occurs the moment someone...