In 2017, California enacted new theft laws to ensure those who shoplifted could only be charged with a misdemeanor or infraction, whereas prosecutors previously filed felony burglary charges against shoplifters. After the law was changed, most offenders qualified for a diversion program, allowing them to avoid having a conviction appear on their criminal record. While […]
Is Mail Theft a Felony in California?
Mail theft is best known as a federal crime, and under USC Section 1702 of Title 18, if you open someone else’s mail, it is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. This section of the law applies whether a letter or package is sent via UPS, USPS, FedEx, Amazon, or any […]
Possession of Stolen Property Lawyer in San Diego
Most people agree that stealing is wrong, but taking ownership of something you know has been stolen can be a legal gray area. Whether the matter is ethical or not typically comes down to whether or not the individual taking the item knows if it was stolen. The law considers the issue similarly, which is […]
What You Should Know About Gun Storage Laws in CA
Wherever you stand on the political spectrum, there’s no denying that guns can and do kill people. To minimize the dangers of children and those prohibited from using firearms accessing these dangerous weapons, California has enacted many laws specifying how they should be stored and transported. The City of San Diego has even passed a […]
When is a Crime an Infraction, Misdemeanor, or Felony?
California law defines three categories of crimes to distinguish which type of offenses are the most serious. While criminal charges may be filed as an infraction, a misdemeanor, or a felony, few people know which is worse. In terms of both the severity of the charges and the potential penalties, a felony is more serious […]
What is the Sentence for Grand Theft in California?
If you are accused of stealing something in California, the charges can be filed as either grand theft or petty theft, depending on the value of the goods. Grand theft, also known as grand larceny, occurs when stolen property is valued at $950 or more, whereas petty theft is charged when the value is lower. If you […]
San Diego Stalking Lawyer: 646.9 (PC)
Stalking, whether done online or in person, is a crime that can leave someone fearing for their life or the safety of their family. California has enacted many laws to protect citizens from stalking, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and cyber harassment, all of which are covered by Penal Code sections 646.9 (PC). If you have been accused of […]
What is Looting Under California Law?
Some people may rush in to help in an emergency, while others attempt to flee. However, some people take advantage of dangerous situations by stealing other people’s property while they’re distracted. During the 2025 fires in Los Angeles, some looters even went so far as to dress like California firefighters to gain access to the […]
Child Abuse and Endangerment Lawyer in San Diego: 273 (PC)
There are many types of child abuse charges in California. While most people would assume child abuse would be the most common charge, in fact, child endangerment charges, filed under 273(a) (PC), are more commonly filed because they are the easiest to prove. These serious criminal offenses can result in incarceration and loss of custody […]
What to do if You’re Accused of Evading the Police in California
When you see a police car’s flashing lights, you are expected to pull over, even if only to get out of the way. But failing to do so does not constitute evading arrest in California, nor is the definition limited to the high-speed chases commonly seen on TV news programs —in fact, most cases of […]
