Our FirstCall lawyers have extensive experience in successfully defending cases in front of State and Federal Courts. Whether you are located in San Diego, Vista, Escondido, Orange, Anaheim, Tustin, Santa Ana, or Los Angeles or anywhere in California, our lawyers are ready to assist you with your criminal defense matter, such as DUI, domestic violence, drugs, weapons, trafficking, battery and assault, fraud and much more. This section does not apply to the request or acceptance by any retired commissioner of civil marriages of a fee for the performance of a marriage.

2022 California Code
Penal Code – PEN
PART 1 – OF CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS
TITLE 5 – OF CRIMES BY AND AGAINST THE EXECUTIVE POWER OF THE STATE
Section 72.

Universal Citation: CA Penal Code § 72 (2022)

72. Every person who, with intent to defraud, presents for allowance or for payment to any state board or officer, or to any county, city, or district board or officer, authorized to allow or pay the same if genuine, any false or fraudulent claim, bill, account, voucher, or writing, is punishable either by imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not more than one year, by a fine of not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine, or by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170, by a fine of not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both such imprisonment and fine.

As used in this section “officer” includes a “carrier,” as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 14124.70 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, authorized to act as an agent for a state board or officer or a county, city, or district board or officer, as the case may be.

(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 15, Sec. 237. (AB 109) Effective April 4, 2011. Operative October 1, 2011, by Sec. 636 of Ch. 15, as amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 39, Sec. 68.)

Section 72.5.

Universal Citation: CA Penal Code § 72.5 (2022)

72.5. (a) Every person who, knowing a claim seeks public funds for reimbursement of costs incurred in attending a political function organized to support or oppose any political party or political candidate, presents such a claim for allowance or for payment to any state board or officer, or to any county, city, or district board or officer authorized to allow or pay such claims, is punishable either by imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not more than one year, by a fine of not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both such imprisonment and fine, or by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170, by a fine of not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both such imprisonment and fine.

(b) Every person who, knowing a claim seeks public funds for reimbursement of costs incurred to gain admittance to a political function expressly organized to support or oppose any ballot measure, presents such a claim for allowance or for payment to any state board or officer, or to any county, city, or district board or officer authorized to allow or pay those claims is punishable either by imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not more than one year, by a fine of not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine, or by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170, by a fine of not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine.

(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 15, Sec. 238. (AB 109) Effective April 4, 2011. Operative October 1, 2011, by Sec. 636 of Ch. 15, as amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 39, Sec. 68.)

Because of the complexity of criminal defense charges and procedures it is imperative that you connect with one of our super knowledgeable and aggressive FirstCall lawyers. FirstCall lawyers serve all of Southern California, from San Diego and North County to Orange, Anaheim, Tustin, Santa Ana and Los Angeles and Northern California as well.

One of the major mistakes many people charged with criminal offenses make is to attempt to represent themselves. This is no different that trying to perform a surgery on oneself. Criminal defense law is very complex and therefore, only with the assistance of an experienced land aggressive lawyer, the person can navigate the maze of laws and Court procedures in their criminal cases. Our FirstCall lawyers are very experienced, proactive and can identify the best options for you under the specific circumstances of your case. FirstCall lawyers represent clients throughout Southern California, from San Diego to Los Angeles, and in between, Vista, Escondido, Orange, Anaheim, Santa and Tustin, as well as in areas of Northern California both in State and Federal Courts.