California crime code directory

Plain-language explanations of the Penal, Vehicle, and Health & Safety code sections that appear in arrest logs. Descriptions are informational only — not legal advice.

VC 23152(a)DUI & Traffic
Driving under the influence of alcohol

Operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol. One of the two standard California DUI charges, usually filed together with VC 23152(b).

134 related records on fileSee arrests →
VC 23152(b)DUI & Traffic
Driving with BAC of 0.08% or higher

Driving with a blood-alcohol concentration at or above the legal limit of 0.08%, regardless of visible impairment.

172 related records on fileSee arrests →
VC 14601.2DUI & Traffic
Driving on a license suspended for DUI

Driving while a license is suspended or revoked because of a prior DUI conviction.

33 related records on fileSee arrests →
VC 2800.2DUI & Traffic
Evading a peace officer with reckless driving

Fleeing a pursuing police vehicle while driving with willful disregard for the safety of people or property.

8 related records on fileSee arrests →
PC 459Property
Burglary

Entering a building, room, or vehicle with intent to commit theft or another felony inside.

16 related records on fileSee arrests →
PC 484(a)Property
Petty theft

Taking property valued at $950 or less that belongs to someone else.

8 related records on fileSee arrests →
PC 487Property
Grand theft

Taking property valued above $950, or certain property such as vehicles or firearms.

28 related records on fileSee arrests →
PC 594(a)Property
Vandalism

Maliciously defacing, damaging, or destroying property that belongs to someone else.

4 related records on fileSee arrests →
PC 496(a)Property
Receiving stolen property

Buying, receiving, concealing, or withholding property known to have been stolen.

17 related records on fileSee arrests →
HS 11350(a)Drugs
Possession of a controlled substance

Unlawful possession of certain controlled substances for personal use. Usually a misdemeanor since Proposition 47.

24 related records on fileSee arrests →
HS 11377(a)Drugs
Possession of methamphetamine

Unlawful possession of methamphetamine or similar stimulants for personal use.

69 related records on fileSee arrests →
HS 11364Drugs
Possession of drug paraphernalia

Possessing equipment used for unlawfully injecting or smoking a controlled substance.

102 related records on fileSee arrests →
PC 243(e)(1)Assault & Battery
Domestic battery

Willful and unlawful use of force against a spouse, cohabitant, or dating partner. Does not require visible injury.

29 related records on fileSee arrests →
PC 245(a)(1)Assault & Battery
Assault with a deadly weapon

An assault committed with a deadly weapon other than a firearm, or by means likely to produce great bodily injury.

15 related records on fileSee arrests →
PC 273.5(a)Assault & Battery
Corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant

Willfully inflicting a physical injury resulting in a traumatic condition on an intimate partner.

51 related records on fileSee arrests →
PC 647(f)Public Order
Public intoxication

Being found in a public place under the influence of alcohol or drugs and unable to exercise care for one’s own safety or that of others.

98 related records on fileSee arrests →
PC 148(a)(1)Public Order
Resisting or obstructing an officer

Willfully resisting, delaying, or obstructing a peace officer or EMT performing their duties.

54 related records on fileSee arrests →
PC 422(a)Public Order
Criminal threats

Willfully threatening to commit a crime that would result in death or great bodily injury, causing sustained fear.

23 related records on fileSee arrests →
PC 470(a)Fraud & Identity
Forgery

Signing another person’s name, or falsifying a document, with intent to defraud.

1 related record on fileSee arrests →
PC 530.5(a)Fraud & Identity
Identity theft

Willfully obtaining and using another person’s identifying information for an unlawful purpose.

14 related records on fileSee arrests →

These summaries describe code sections in general terms and are not legal advice. Statutes change, and how a charge applies depends on the facts of each case. Consult a licensed California attorney for advice about any specific situation.