Types of Crimes: Understanding Different Criminal Offenses
California law defines each criminal offense according to a specific code section. The Penal Code defines the vast majority of the crimes we’ve all heard about, such as murder, rape, child molestation. But the Vehicle Code addresses certain crimes involving cars, motor vehicles, and driving, most commonly a DUI offense is found under this section. The Health & Safety Code addresses most crimes involving marijuana, cocaine, or other narcotics. Business and Professions Code deals with people with a higher standard of care, based on their work, committing crimes, such as a doctor prescribing illegal narcotics to a friend/client.
- Penal Code Crimes
- Vehicle Code Crimes
- Health & Safety Code Crimes
- Welfare and Institutions Code Crimes
- Business & Professions Code Crimes
Please take the time to explore our website thoroughly and utilize it as a valuable resource for gaining insights into the intricate realm of criminal law specifically in California. Whether you seek further clarification, have additional inquiries, or are in need of legal representation, do not hesitate to reach out to our skilled team of criminal defense attorneys. We are here to provide you with a complimentary consultation to address your concerns and assist you effectively.
Sex Crimes
These are crimes involving some kind of sexual touching, intentional sexual conduct that could result in jail time, as well as Sex Registration.
- Annoyance or molestation of child under 18 years of age – PC 647.6
- Lewd act upon a child under 14 years old – PC 288(a)
- Lewd act upon a child under 14 by means of force, violence, or fear – PC 288(b)(1)
- Lewd act upon a child of 14 or 15 years – PC 288(c)(1)
- Rape – PC 261
- Statutory rape (consensual intercourse with someone under the age of 18) – 261.5
- Obligation to register as a sex offender with the local police – PC 290
- Possession of obscene matter (child pornography) – PC 311
- Indecent exposure – PC 314
- Solicitation for prostitution – PC 647(b)
Vehicle Crimes
These cases involve cars, car thefts, and general crimes involving a vehicle that could result in severe license suspensions.
Serious Violent Crimes
These are crimes that involve the possibility of substantial prison time, as well as a Strike on your record.
Drug Crimes
These are crimes involving the use, sales, or prescription of narcotics both illegal and legal.
- Drug Possession and Drug Sales (HS 11350/11351) in California
- HS 11364 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- HS 11377(a) – Possession of Methamphetamine
- HS 11379 Meth Transportation or Sales
- HS 11366 – Running a drug house
- Selling or Giving Marijuana to a Minor – HS 11361
- Health and Safety Code 11358: Marijuana Cultivation Laws in California
- Possession of Marijuana for Sale Laws (HS 11359) in California
- Health and Safety Code 11378: Possession of Methamphetamine for Sale Laws in California
- HS 11153 – Prescription Fraud
Gun Crimes
Crimes involving firearms and gun possession and gun use.
- Possession of a Silencer (PC 33410) Laws in California
- Use of a Firearm during a Felony (PC 12022) Laws in California
- Penal Code 26350: Open Carry Laws in California
- Penal Code 16590: California’s Prohibited Weapons Laws
- Penal Code 18710: Possession of a Destructive or Explosive Devices Laws in California
- Penal Code 30605(a): Possession of Assault Weapons Laws
- Carrying a Loaded Firearm Laws (PC 25850(a)) in California
- Brandishing Laws (PC 417) in California
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon or Firearm Laws (PC 25400) in California
- Criminal Storage of Firearms Laws (PC 25100-PC 25300) in California
Other Crimes
Any and all crimes that are not included in the other sections listed here, that are significant to know.
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