California “Grand Theft Auto” Law – Penal Code 487(d)(1) PC
In California, grand theft auto is governed under Penal Code 487(d)(1) pc. Grand theft auto is a “wobbler” offense which means you can be charged with a felony or misdemeanor. The prosecuting attorney holds discretion on whether to charge someone with either and factors the prosecutor considers is your prior criminal record and/or severity of […]
California Vehicle Code 14601 VC │ Driving on a Suspended Driver’s License
In California, driving on a suspended license is governed by Vehicle Code § 14601. Contrary to popular belief, driving on a suspended license is prosecuted harshly by Los Angeles prosecutors. In fact, you could face jail time and a substantial amount in fines if convicted. Additionally, the consequences of a conviction can depend on the […]
California PC 664/187 – Attempted Murder Laws
Attempted murder is serious offense where one can face the rest of their in California state prison. Contrary to popular belief, one need not touch another to justify an attempted murder conviction. Instead, the charge merely requires you to act with willful and deliberate means to kill another person. In other words, attempted murder can […]
California Battery on a Police Officer
In California, committing a battery on a police officer is governed under two Penal Code statutes. P.C. § 243(b) and P.C. § 243(c)(2). The underlying charge is P.C. § 242 which is a simple battery. What rises the crime increasing a persons exposure is the battery occurred against a police officer while lawfully engaging in […]
California “Stalking” Laws – Penal Code 646.9 PC
Charged under California Penal Code 646.9 pc, stalking occurs when someone willfully harasses or repeatedly follows another making a credible threat with the intent of placing a victim in fear.[1] Arguably over-broad and/or vague, the statute has been upheld despite its constitutional challenges.[2] Not only can stalking be accomplished verbally or in writing, but the […]
California Health & Safety Code 11550(a) – Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
A majority of under the influence charges are built upon a single police officers observations of a suspect. A problem arises for the prosecutor when the police officer is not a qualified expert and is merely subjectively guessing. Additionally, police officers have a common tendency to exaggerate the physical symptoms of a suspect in an […]
California HS 11352 – Transportation of a Controlled Substance
Transportation of a controlled substance carries a prison sentence and is not subject to reduction via Proposition 47. Consequently, one faces a felony conviction and potentially having to register as a narcotics offender with local law enforcement. Most cases result in an individual being pulled over by police and a subsequent search reveals one in […]
California PC 402(a) – Going to the Scene of an Emergency (Sightseeing)
In California, PC 402(a) provides that “every person who goes to the scene of an emergency… for the purpose of viewing the scene or the activities of police officers… coping with the emergency in the course of their duties during the time it is necessary for emergency vehicles or those personnel to be at the […]
