By Kari Guthix
The California penal code contains statutes governing criminal law, crime investigation, and penal institutions in the state of California. It also includes a number of crimes that can result in a life sentence under the state’s three strikes law.
The code is divided into parts and then into chapters. One of the most important parts of the California penal code is ss314 which prohibits exposure for sexual gratification or offense.
What is the Penal Code?
The California penal code is the primary set of statutes that specify criminal offenses and procedures under state law. It has been in effect since 1872 and is constantly changed with new laws passed by the state legislature and signed by the governor.
For example, if Kat goes to a bar and buys Sarah a drink but doesn’t know she doesn’t want her advances, she could be charged with simple assault under California Penal Code section 240. This is a misdemeanor crime that can result in six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
A more serious version of this crime is battery with a deadly weapon (ADW) which is a felony. The prosecutor must prove that Kat acted willfully to inflict injury or threaten injury and did not act in self-defense or defense of another person.
What is Considered Contraband in Prison?
There are certain items that inmates housed in jails or prisons are not allowed to have. These include cigarettes, drugs, tattoo equipment, weapons and even cell phones. If you are caught bringing such items into a jail or prison, whether you are a visitor who brings in contraband for an inmate, a guard who works at the prison or even if you are an attorney who is bringing over-the-counter medications to your client during a visit, you can be charged with violating California Penal Code 4573.5 PC.
To be convicted, it must be proved that you knowingly introduced prison contraband into a correctional facility. This includes smuggling weapons, drugs and alcohol. Dangerous contraband can also include prison maps, staff credit cards and information that could help a convict in an escape attempt.
What is Considered Cruelty to Animals?
Animal cruelty is a very serious crime that can lead to prison. It is defined as any act that inflicts pain, injury, or suffering to an animal. This includes maiming, mutilating, torturing, killing, and depriving an animal of food, water, and shelter. Animal rights groups have hotlines for people to report alleged animal cruelty, and veterinarians are required to report any animals they believe are being mistreated.
It is considered a felony under CPC 597.5 to kill an animal without a just cause, or to poison an animal maliciously. But your attorney can argue that the actions you took were not cruel and that they were necessary. Research shows that people who abuse animals are five times more likely to commit violence towards human beings.
What is Considered Indecent Exposure?
Indecent exposure is a crime in which a person exposes his or her intimate parts to others in a way that could offend, affront, or alarm them. This crime can be committed in any public place where there are other people present. This includes places like parks, stores, or even through an open window.
The person committing this offense must know that his or her actions might be seen by someone else. This does not mean that other people must be able to see the offending actions. It simply means that the actions should be obvious to a reasonable person.
Donald has a fetish for exposing himself in the park and decides to walk there wearing nothing but his trench coat. When he gets to the park and assumes that other people will be there, he opens the coat and exposes himself. He will be charged with indecent exposure (CPC SS 314).
What is Considered Trespass?
There are specific elements that make up the legal definition of trespass under California law. Often, the prosecution has to show that you entered someone’s property without their permission or without the right to be there in order to secure a conviction for this crime. You also have to be aware of the fact that you are breaking the law and intend on continuing.
A common example of trespassing is loitering on private property. You could be charged with this if you remain on the premises for a long period of time after store security asks you to leave.
Other examples of trespassing include camping on enclosed land or interfering with the normal business activities conducted on that property. A person who enters a neonatal unit or maternity ward without permission may be charged with aggravated trespass. This is a wobbler offense that can lead to either misdemeanor or felony charges, which carry up to three years in jail and higher fines.
