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California State law

State law — California

6 verified · 10 possibly — unconfirmed · 0 verification pending

Offences by family

Against the person

Assault (aggravated) Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Deadly weapon other than a firearm — § 245(a)(1) Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–1 year county jail (misdemeanour) or 2, 3, or 4 years state prison (felony)
Fine: $0–$10,000

Wobbler.

Force likely to produce great bodily injury — § 245(a)(4) Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–1 year county jail (misdemeanour) or 2, 3, or 4 years state prison (felony)
Fine: $0–$10,000

Wobbler.

Firearm — § 245(a)(2) Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 6 months–1 year county jail or 2, 3, or 4 years state prison
Fine: $0–$10,000

Semiautomatic firearm Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 3, 6, or 9 years state prison
Fine: $0–$10,000

Assault weapon or machinegun Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 4, 8, or 12 years state prison
Fine: $0–$10,000

Note on this entry

Penal Code § 245 is a wobbler for most subdivisions. Semiautomatic-firearm and assault-weapon/machinegun tiers are felony-only.

Statute: Cal. Penal Code § 245(a)
Official source: Secondary summaries quoting Cal. Penal Code § 245 (non-official)
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, intent, plea, discretion, great-bodily-injury / firearm enhancements. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Assault (simple) Verified against official source

Verified against official source

This range was checked against the official legal text.

Statutory range

Simple assault — base (Penal Code § 241(a))

Imprisonment: 0–6 months county jail
Fine: $0–$1,000

Assault on a parking control officer (§ 241(b))

Imprisonment: 0–6 months county jail
Fine: $0–$2,000

Victim-status tier; defendant knew or reasonably should have known.

Assault on a peace officer / firefighter / EMT / lifeguard / school employee etc. (§ 241(c))

Imprisonment: 0–1 year county jail
Fine: $0–$2,000

Victim-status tier; defendant knew or reasonably should have known.

Note on this entry

Battery (Penal Code § 242/243(a)): up to 6 months county jail and/or fine up to $2,000. Battery causing serious bodily injury (Penal Code § 243(d)): misdemeanour up to 1 year, or felony 2, 3, or 4 years.

Statute: Cal. Penal Code §§ 240, 241
Official source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, intent, plea, discretion, victim-status tiers beyond those listed. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Domestic violence Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Corporal injury on spouse/cohabitant — § 273.5(a), first offence Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–1 year county jail (misdemeanour) or 2, 3, or 4 years state prison (felony)
Fine: $0–$6,000

Wobbler; requires corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition.

Corporal injury — prior qualifying conviction within 7 years (§ 273.5(e)) Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–1 year county jail or 2, 4, or 5 years state prison
Fine: $0–$10,000

Prior under § 273.5, § 243(d), § 243.4, § 244, § 244.5, or § 245.

Corporal injury — prior domestic battery § 243(e) within 7 years Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–1 year county jail or 2, 3, or 4 years state prison
Fine: $0–$10,000

Domestic battery without injury — § 243(e)(1) Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–1 year county jail
Fine: Fine per § 243(e) (not verified)

No visible injury required; fine amount not verified — needs official re-check.

Note on this entry

Great bodily injury adds a consecutive 3, 4, or 5 years under Penal Code § 12022.7. Probation carries mandatory minimum jail (15 days with one prior, 60 days with two priors within 7 years).

Statute: Cal. Penal Code §§ 273.5, 243(e)(1)
Official source: Secondary summaries quoting Cal. Penal Code §§ 273.5, 243(e) (non-official)
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors beyond tier, intent, plea, discretion, protective-order / batterer-programme conditions. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Homicide — manslaughter Verified against official source

Verified against official source

This range was checked against the official legal text.

Statutory range

Voluntary manslaughter

Imprisonment: 3, 6, or 11 years state prison
Fine: $0–$10,000 (via Penal Code § 672)

Sudden quarrel / heat of passion.

Involuntary manslaughter

Imprisonment: 2, 3, or 4 years (per Penal Code § 1170(h))
Fine: $0–$10,000 (via Penal Code § 672)

Excludes deaths caused while driving — those are vehicular manslaughter.

Vehicular manslaughter — gross negligence, no intoxication (§ 192(c)(1))

Imprisonment: 0–1 year county jail or 2, 4, or 6 years state prison
Fine: $0–$10,000 (via Penal Code § 672)

Vehicular manslaughter — ordinary negligence (§ 192(c)(2))

Imprisonment: 0–1 year county jail
Fine: $0–$10,000 (via Penal Code § 672)

Vehicular manslaughter — with intoxication / gross negligence (§ 192(c)(3))

Imprisonment: 4, 6, or 10 years state prison
Fine: $0–$10,000 (via Penal Code § 672)

Note on this entry

Fines via Penal Code § 672 (up to $10,000) where § 193 states no fine. Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated (Penal Code § 191.5) is a separate felony (4, 6, or 10 years).

Statute: Cal. Penal Code §§ 192, 193
Official source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, intent, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Homicide — murder Verified against official source

Verified against official source

This range was checked against the official legal text.

Statutory range

1st degree

Imprisonment: Death, life without parole, or 25 years to life
Fine: No fine stated in § 190

Includes felony-murder and specified means (destructive device, weapon of mass destruction, etc.).

2nd degree — base

Imprisonment: 15 years to life
Fine: No fine stated in § 190

2nd degree — victim a peace officer killed on duty, defendant knew/should have known

Imprisonment: 25 years to life
Fine: No fine stated in § 190

2nd degree — peace-officer victim + intent to kill / intent to inflict great bodily injury / personal use of a deadly weapon

Imprisonment: Life without parole
Fine: No fine stated in § 190

2nd degree — shooting from a motor vehicle with intent to inflict great bodily injury

Imprisonment: 20 years to life
Fine: No fine stated in § 190

Note on this entry

California has had a moratorium on executions; death remains on the books in § 190. Special circumstances (§ 190.2) raise first-degree murder to death or life without parole.

Statute: Cal. Penal Code §§ 187, 189, 190
Official source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, intent, plea, discretion, special circumstances (Penal Code § 190.2). If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Sexual offences

Sexual assault / rape Verified against official source

Verified against official source

This range was checked against the official legal text.

Statutory range

Rape — base (Penal Code § 264(a))

Imprisonment: 3, 6, or 8 years state prison
Fine: $0–$70 (Penal Code § 264(b)) + general felony fine up to $10,000 may apply

Rape of a child under 14 (§ 264(c)(1))

Imprisonment: 9, 11, or 13 years state prison
Fine: $0–$70 (Penal Code § 264(b)) + general felony fine up to $10,000 may apply

Victim under 14, force/fear under § 261(a)(2).

Rape of a minor 14–17 (§ 264(c)(2))

Imprisonment: 7, 9, or 11 years state prison
Fine: $0–$70 (Penal Code § 264(b)) + general felony fine up to $10,000 may apply

Rape in concert (Penal Code § 264.1(a))

Imprisonment: 5, 7, or 9 years state prison
Fine: $0–$10,000 (via Penal Code § 672)

10, 12, or 14 years if victim under 14.

Note on this entry

Penal Code § 264(b) allows an additional fine up to $70. One Strike law (§ 667.61): 15 or 25 years to life where specified aggravating circumstances apply. Sex-offender registration (Penal Code § 290) applies.

Statute: Cal. Penal Code §§ 261, 264
Official source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, intent, plea, discretion, One Strike law (Penal Code § 667.61) enhancements. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Property

Burglary Verified against official source

Verified against official source

This range was checked against the official legal text.

Statutory range

1st degree — inhabited dwelling / inhabited portion of a building

Imprisonment: 2, 4, or 6 years state prison
Fine: $0–$10,000 (via Penal Code § 672)

Always a felony.

2nd degree — all other burglary

Imprisonment: 0–1 year county jail (misdemeanour) or 16 months, 2, or 3 years under § 1170(h) (felony)
Fine: $0–$10,000 (via Penal Code § 672)

Wobbler.

Note on this entry

First-degree burglary is a serious felony / strike. Second-degree felony term served under Penal Code § 1170(h) (16 months, 2 or 3 years county jail). Entering a commercial establishment during business hours with intent to steal $950 or less is shoplifting (Penal Code § 459.5), a misdemeanour, not burglary.

Statute: Cal. Penal Code §§ 459, 460, 461
Official source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors beyond tier, intent, plea, discretion, strike consequences. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Robbery Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

1st degree — inhabited dwelling, transit operator/passenger, ATM vicinity Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 3, 4, or 6 years state prison
Fine: $0–$10,000

1st degree — home-invasion robbery in concert with 2+ others Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 3, 6, or 9 years state prison
Fine: $0–$10,000

2nd degree — all other robbery Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 2, 3, or 5 years state prison
Fine: $0–$10,000

Note on this entry

Robbery is a violent and serious felony / strike. Firearm use adds 10 years, discharge 20 years, discharge causing great bodily injury/death 25 years to life under Penal Code § 12022.53 (consecutive).

Statute: Cal. Penal Code §§ 211, 212.5, 213
Official source: Multiple CA defence-law summaries (non-official)
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors beyond tier, intent, plea, discretion, firearm / great-bodily-injury enhancements (Penal Code §§ 12022.53, 12022.7). If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Theft Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Petty theft — value $950 or less (Penal Code §§ 484, 488, 490.2) Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–6 months county jail
Fine: $0–$1,000

May be an infraction for a first-time offender stealing $50 or less (Penal Code § 490.1).

Grand theft — misdemeanour (value over $950) Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–1 year county jail
Fine: $0–$1,000

Wobbler.

Grand theft — felony (value over $950) Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 16 months, 2, or 3 years
Fine: $0–$10,000

Wobbler; firearm theft is a mandatory felony.

Petty theft with a prior — Penal Code § 666 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–1 year county jail (misdemeanour) or 16 months, 2, or 3 years (felony)
Fine: $0–$10,000

Requires specified prior theft/fraud convictions.

Note on this entry

Threshold is $950 (Prop 47). Grand theft of a firearm is a felony; grand theft of an animal/vehicle is grand theft regardless of value in specified cases. Petty theft with a prior (Penal Code § 666) requires specified prior theft/fraud convictions.

Statute: Cal. Penal Code §§ 484, 487, 488, 490.2, 666
Official source: Multiple CA defence-law summaries (non-official)
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors beyond tier, intent, plea, discretion, Prop 36 aggregation (Penal Code § 490.3). If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Vandalism / criminal damage Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Damage under $400 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–1 year county jail
Fine: $0–$1,000

Misdemeanour.

Damage under $400 with a prior vandalism/graffiti conviction Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–1 year county jail
Fine: $0–$5,000

Damage $400 or more Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–1 year county jail or imprisonment under Penal Code § 1170(h)
Fine: $0–$10,000 (damage under $10,000) / $0–$50,000 (damage $10,000+)

Wobbler.

Note on this entry

§ 594(b)(1) felony term served under Penal Code § 1170(h) (16 months, 2, or 3 years). Note: some summaries cite a $950 threshold from a later bill — the operative text verified here uses $400; threshold treated as $400 per the current published section.

Statute: Cal. Penal Code § 594
Official source: California Penal Code § 594 as reproduced by california.public.law (non-official mirror of leginfo text)
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors beyond tier, intent, plea, discretion, restitution / clean-up orders. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Fraud & financial

Fraud Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Amount obtained $950 or less — petty theft tier Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–6 months county jail
Fine: $0–$1,000

Amount obtained over $950 — grand theft, misdemeanour Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–1 year county jail
Fine: $0–$1,000

Wobbler.

Amount obtained over $950 — grand theft, felony Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 16 months, 2, or 3 years
Fine: $0–$10,000

Wobbler.

Note on this entry

Penal Code § 532(a): punishable in the same manner and to the same extent as larceny of the money/property obtained. Prop 36 aggregation (Penal Code § 490.3) may aggregate multiple thefts to reach the $950 threshold.

Statute: Cal. Penal Code § 532(a) (theft by false pretences)
Official source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov (Penal Code § 532 text) + secondary summaries for theft mapping
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, loss amount beyond tier, plea, discretion, white-collar enhancement (Penal Code § 186.11). If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Drugs

Drug possession Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Simple possession — misdemeanour (usual case) Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–1 year county jail
Fine: $0–$1,000

HSC § 11350 (non-marijuana controlled substances); HSC § 11377 (methamphetamine / stimulants). Diversion may be available.

Simple possession — felony (disqualifying priors only) Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 16 months, 2 or 3 years
Fine: $0–$10,000

Prop 47 misdemeanour treatment does not apply with disqualifying serious/violent priors.

Note on this entry

Prop 47 made simple possession a misdemeanour for most defendants; felony treatment applies only with disqualifying priors (e.g. murder, rape, registerable sex offences, certain serious felonies). Fine for the felony tier via Cal. Penal Code § 672 (up to $10,000 where no fine is stated).

Statute: Cal. Health & Safety Code §§ 11350, 11377
Official source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov (HSC §§ 11350–11351) corroborated by multiple CA defence-law summaries
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors beyond tier, intent, plea, discretion, diversion eligibility. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Drug trafficking / sale Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Possession for sale — HSC § 11351 / § 11378 (meth) Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 2, 3, or 4 years
Fine: $0–$10,000 (via Penal Code § 672)

§ 11351 covers Schedule I/II narcotics; § 11378 covers methamphetamine/stimulants (16 months, 2 or 3 years reported for § 11378 in some summaries — base term stated here follows § 11351).

Sale / transport for sale — HSC § 11352 (narcotics) Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 3, 4, or 5 years
Fine: $0–$10,000 (via Penal Code § 672)

Transport requires specific intent to sell; 3, 6, or 9 years if transported across non-contiguous counties.

Sale / transport for sale — HSC § 11379 (methamphetamine) Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 2, 3, or 4 years
Fine: $0–$10,000 (via Penal Code § 672)

3, 6, or 9 years if transported across two or more contiguous county lines.

Note on this entry

HSC § 11370.4 weight enhancements (heroin/cocaine/meth/PCP): over 1 kg +3 years; over 4 kg +5; over 10 kg +10; over 20 kg +15; over 40 kg +20; over 80 kg +25, consecutive, served in state prison. Fines for §§ 11351/11352/11379 base terms not stated in the sections — general felony fine up to $10,000 via Penal Code § 672.

Statute: Cal. Health & Safety Code §§ 11351, 11352, 11379
Official source: Secondary summaries quoting HSC §§ 11351, 11352, 11379, 11370.4 (non-official)
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors beyond tier, intent, plea, discretion, weight enhancements beyond tier. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Weapons

Weapons offences Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Carrying a concealed firearm — Penal Code § 25400 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–1 year county jail (misdemeanour) or 16 months, 2, or 3 years (felony)
Fine: $0–$1,000 (misdemeanour) / $0–$10,000 (felony)

Wobbler; felony where aggravating factors (stolen gun, gang membership, prior felony/firearm conviction, prohibited person).

Carrying a loaded firearm in public — Penal Code § 25850 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–1 year county jail (misdemeanour) or 16 months, 2, or 3 years (felony)
Fine: $0–$1,000 (misdemeanour) / $0–$10,000 (felony)

Wobbler; felony where aggravating factors apply.

Felon / prohibited person in possession — Penal Code § 29800 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 16 months, 2, or 3 years
Fine: $0–$10,000

Felony.

Note on this entry

Many California firearm offences are wobblers. Using a firearm during specified felonies adds 10 years (use), 20 years (discharge), or 25 years to life (discharge causing great bodily injury/death) under Penal Code § 12022.53.

Statute: Cal. Penal Code §§ 25400, 25850, 29800
Official source: Multiple CA defence-law summaries (non-official)
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors beyond tier, intent, plea, discretion, 10-20-Life enhancements for firearm use during felonies. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Traffic & transport

DUI / drink driving Verified against official source

Verified against official source

This range was checked against the official legal text.

Statutory range

1st offence (Vehicle Code § 23536)

Imprisonment: 96 hours–6 months county jail
Fine: $390–$1,000

At least 48 hours continuous. Usually probation with shorter custody.

2nd offence within 10 years (Vehicle Code § 23540)

Imprisonment: 90 days–1 year county jail
Fine: $390–$1,000

Misdemeanour. On probation, minimum 10 days jail or 96 hours in two 48-hour blocks.

3rd offence within 10 years (Vehicle Code § 23546)

Imprisonment: 120 days–1 year county jail
Fine: $390–$1,000

Misdemeanour; habitual traffic offender designation.

4th or subsequent offence within 10 years (Vehicle Code § 23550)

Imprisonment: 180 days–1 year county jail, or 16 months, 2, or 3 years (felony track)
Fine: $390–$1,000

Wobbler.

Note on this entry

Fines stated are base fines; penalty assessments/fees roughly triple the total. DUI causing injury is a separate offence (Vehicle Code § 23153, wobbler). Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated: Penal Code § 191.5, 4/6/10 years.

Statute: Cal. Vehicle Code §§ 23152, 23536, 23540, 23546, 23550
Official source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov (Vehicle Code § 23536) + CA Senate Committee table for repeat tiers
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors beyond tier, BAC level, plea, discretion, licence consequences, DUI programme / ignition-interlock conditions. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Cyber & digital

Cybercrime / hacking Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

First violation, no injury / victim expenditure ≤$5,000 / services ≤$950 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–1 year county jail
Fine: $0–$5,000

Misdemeanour.

Wobbler — injury, victim expenditure over $5,000, services over $950, or prior § 502 conviction Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–1 year county jail (misdemeanour) or 16 months, 2, or 3 years (felony)
Fine: $0–$5,000 (misdemeanour) / $0–$10,000 (felony)

Note on this entry

Penal Code § 502 has multiple subdivisions with distinct penalty sub-tiers (including an infraction tier — fine up to $1,000 — for certain first violations with no injury). The tiers below summarise the main penalty structure; exact subdivision mapping needs an official re-check.

Statute: Cal. Penal Code § 502(c), (d)
Official source: Secondary summaries quoting Cal. Penal Code § 502 (non-official)
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors beyond tier, loss amount, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.