Revealing The Identity Of A Confidential Informant
In California, the use of a confidential informant is common among law enforcement investigations particularly in drug selling investigations. Most informants have personal knowledge of actual drug sales because they either purchased narcotics directly from the seller or personally observed a drug sales transaction. Because a confidential informant may be useful in subsequent police investigations, […]
California Penal Code 135 PC – Destroying or Concealing Evidence
Destroying or concealing evidence is a misdemeanor offense punishable by incarceration in the county jail for no more than one year. If convicted, one usually faces a three year probation period, counseling classes, court fines, and community service. Although rarely prosecuted, when charged, a violation of this statute usually occurs in the context of criminal […]
California Penal Code § 12022.5: Using a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
When someone uses a firearm during the commission of a felony offense, they may face additional consequences if the prosecutor alleges an “enhancement” pursuant to California Penal Code § 12022.5, unless the use of a firearm is an element towards the underlying offense charged. If the enhancement is found to be true, then punishment ranges […]
CA “Continuous Sexual Abuse” Laws – Penal Code 288.5 PC
In California, continuous sexual abuse on a child is charged under penal code 288.5 pc making it a crime to commit three substantial sexual acts on a child under 14 for a period of time not less than three months.[1] Some examples of substantial sexual contact include: Oral Copulation – Penal Code 287 PC Lewd […]
California Penal Code § 69: Resisting an Executive Officer
In California, resisting an executive officer is a wobbler offense which means the prosecutor holds discretion to charge you with a violation of this offense as a felony or a misdemeanor. Factors the prosecutor will consider are: 1) your prior criminal history; 2) severity of the circumstances; 3) whether the police officer was injured and […]
California Penal Code 290 PC – Failure to Register as a Sex Offender
If you have previously been convicted of a sex offense which requires you to register as a sex offender and you fail to do so, or fail to annually update your registration, then you may be charged under California’s “Failure to Register as a Sex Offender” statute under Penal Code 290 pc. Consequently, the punishment […]
Public Urination In California
Public urination is defined under California Penal Code § 647. However, many municipalities, including Los Angeles, have their own statutes which police officers often arrest someone pursuant to. In fact, some cities and statutes label public urination as a public nuisance and/or disorderly conduct. Usually being cited or arrested for public urination occurs while or […]
California Penal Code 140 PC – Threatening Witness, Victim, or Informants
Threatening a witness, victim, or informant in a criminal case is a wobbler offense which means the prosecutor may elect to file charges as either a felony or misdemeanor. When making that determination, factors the prosecutor will consider are: the defendant’s prior criminal history, the severity of the circumstances of the case, and whether or […]
