California Criminal Defense
Being arrested for a crime does not necessarily mean you will be convicted. Often we can help you get charges reduced or dismissed, and avoid jail and a criminal record.
California DUI
DUI arrests don't always lead to convictions in court. Police officer mistakes, faulty breathalyzers and crime lab errors may get your charges reduced or dismissed. Visit our California DUI page to learn more.
Lawsuits for Dangerous Drugs & Medical Devices
Shouse Law Group represents victims throughout the U.S. who suffered serious complications and injuries from dangerous drugs and failed medical devices.
California Personal Injury
If you've been injured in an accident, our personal injury lawyers will fight to get you compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages.
Last Reviewed March 18, 2026 What Is "Kin Care Leave" in California? — Shouse Labor Law GroupWatch this video on YouTube In California, you are entitled to use up to half of your allotted paid sick leave days as kin care leave. This is time off to care for a family member or designated person …
Last Reviewed March 18, 2026 Boss not giving you lunch breaks? 7 key points to filing a lawsuitWatch this video on YouTube California Labor Code 512 entitles non-exempt employees to an unpaid, 30-minute lunch break for every five hours worked per work day. Furthermore, non-exempt employee must be permitted to leave the worksite to have …
Last Reviewed March 17, 2026 TOP 5 Reasons to Sue for Wrongful Termination — California Labor Law Attorney ExplainsWatch this video on YouTube California is an at-will state, which means your boss can fire you at any time for no reason at all. However, there are exceptions. You can sue your employer for wrongful termination …
Last Reviewed March 17, 2026 Bereavement Leave in California — 3 Things to KnowWatch this video on YouTube California Government Code 12945.7 GC provides eligible employees with five days of unpaid bereavement leave after the death of an immediate family member, which includes a: Spouse or domestic partner, Child, Parent, Sibling, Grandparent, Grandchild, and/or Parent-in-law. You may …
Last Reviewed March 17, 2026 Jury Duty — "Can my job fire me?"Watch this video on YouTube As part of California’s workplace leave laws, employers are required to allow you unpaid time off from work due to jury duty service or if you are subpoenaed to court as a witness. As a result of having to take time off work, …
Last Reviewed March 16, 2026 In California, salary laws divide workers into two main categories: 1) exempt (not entitled to overtime) and non-exempt (entitled to overtime). To qualify as an exempt salaried employee in 2026, a worker must perform specific executive, administrative, or professional duties and earn a minimum annual salary of $70,304. This threshold …
"Assault Weapon" Possession in California – Penal Code 30605 PC – "Can I Go to Jail?"Watch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 30605 PC makes it a crime to possess assault weapons. Prosecutors can charge you with either a misdemeanor or felony with a maximum sentence of three years in county jail. In …
Large Capacity Magazines — "Are they legal in California?" 2026 UPDATE (Penal Code 32310)Watch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 32310 PC makes it a crime to possess, transfer, sell, or make large-capacity magazines (LCMs). It does not matter when you acquired them. LCMs are ammunition-feeding devices that can hold more than 10 rounds. …
Armed with a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony — Penal Code 12022 PCWatch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 12022 PC is a sentencing enhancement that adds one to five years of additional prison time for felony offenses in which you are armed with a firearm or use a deadly weapon …
"Carrying a Loaded Firearm" California Penal Code 25850 PC – Former LA District Attorney ExplainsWatch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 25850 PC makes it a crime to carry a loaded firearm either: in a public place, on a public street, or in a motor vehicle. Violating 25850 PC is generally a misdemeanor punishable by up …
"Special Circumstances" in CA murder cases – A former D.A. explainsWatch this video on YouTube In California criminal law, not all murder charges are treated the same. While a standard first-degree murder conviction typically carries 25 years to life in California State Prison, certain aggravating factors can elevate the penalties to life in prison without …
Nursing License with a Criminal Record — How Will it Be Affected in California?Watch this video on YouTube The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) can discipline nurses convicted of certain criminal offenses. These include either misdemeanor or felony offenses that are “substantially related” to the qualifications and duties of a registered nurse (such as …
"Brandishing a Weapon" Under California Penal Code 417 PC – Who Can Be Charged?Watch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 417 PC makes brandishing a deadly weapon such as a firearm a misdemeanor, carrying up to one year in jail and/or $1,000 in fines. However, brandishing a gun can be charged as a …
Playlist: Penal Code 211 — Robbery in CaliforniaWatch this playlist on YouTube California Penal Code § 211 PC prohibits robbery, which is “the felonious taking of personal property in the possession of another, from his person or immediate presence, and against his will, accomplished by means of force or fear.” Robbery is a felony punishable …
Under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, it is against the law for employers to discriminate against a protected class of employees or job applicants. Common protected categories include race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, and age. Common types of discrimination include firing, demoting, or denying promotions to employees. Here are five key …
Misclassified as an Independent Contractor? — You Could Be Awarded Money DamagesWatch this video on YouTube California law allows workers who are misclassified as 1099 independent contractors (but should have been treated as W2 employees) to file a wage and hour lawsuit. Damages against the employer can include: unpaid wages, unpaid overtime, unpaid meal and …
Pay Periods — "When do I get paid?"Watch this video on YouTube In California, a pay schedule refers to the date(s) and time periods when employers are legally required to pay you. If you do not get paid on time, you can bring a claim for back wages plus waiting time penalties. The following table summarizes …
Fired or Quit? When Do I Get My Final Paycheck?Watch this video on YouTube In California, you must receive your final paycheck immediately if you get terminated or resign with at least 72 hours’ notice. If you quit without notice, your employer has 72 hours to issue your final paycheck. Your final paycheck must include …
Wrongful constructive termination in California — "How do I prove it?"Watch this video on YouTube In California, constructive termination is when your employer intentionally creates or knowingly permits such intolerable working conditions that you reasonably feel no choice but to resign. You can then bring a wrongful termination claim against the employer as long as …
Penal Code 459 — BurglaryWatch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 459 PC prohibits burglary, which is entering a residential or commercial structure (or a locked vehicle) with the intent to commit grand larceny, petit larceny, or any felony offense. The crime of burglary is complete once you enter a structure with criminal …
Health and Safety Code 11364 HS — Possession of drug paraphernaliaWatch this video on YouTube California Health & Safety Code § 11364(a) HS makes it a misdemeanor to possess drug paraphernalia, with penalties of up to six months in jail and/or $1,000. A conviction can also result in the suspension of your professional license (such …
Carrying a Concealed Weapon (firearm) | CA Penal Code 25400 PCWatch this video on YouTube California Penal Code § 25400 PC makes it a crime to carry a concealed firearm on your person or in a vehicle. Even if you have a CCW permit, carrying guns in most public places is prohibited. Carrying a concealed …
Penal Code § 21510 PC prohibits you from carrying, possessing in public, selling or giving away a switchblade in California. Doing so is a misdemeanor punishable by probation, fines of up to $1000.00, and up to 6 months in county jail. California Penal Code Section 17235 provides the legal definition of a switchblade: a pocketknife …
6 types of weapons you can't bring into public buildings (Penal Code 171b PC)Watch this video on YouTube Penal Code § 171b PC is the California statute that makes it a crime to bring or possess certain weapons such as guns or knives into public buildings or meetings open to the public. Violating 171b PC …
Hit by a DUI driver: "Is the drunk driver automatically at fault?" — How to Sue for DamagesWatch this video on YouTube If you are injured by a drunk or intoxicated driver, you have the right to sue for damages. The perpetrator does not need to be convicted of a DUI before a civil lawsuit …