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Last Modified on Mar 03, 2026
New California Laws Taking Effect – All You Need to Know
There are new California laws taking effect in 2026 that you should know. In October 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law several reforms that have caused sweeping changes throughout the criminal justice system. This shift can impact you or a loved one facing an arrest and the charges that can follow. Educating yourself and understanding the law can be helpful, but you may need an advocate who can guide you through the legal process.
The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores can be that advocate. We have over a decade of experience and want to share our knowledge of these new laws that took effect on January 1, 2026. Many of them have changed how we defend our clients, including those facing DUI convictions and the consequences that follow. We can offer the support you’ve been looking for. Don’t face your criminal defense case alone.
Crime Data in California
Crime data and the safety of California’s citizens influenced the decisions behind these new laws. According to Open Justice, which collects statistics on crime across California, in 2024, there were 246,105 felony arrests and 531,508 misdemeanor arrests. Over 777,000 crimes resulted in charges.
In Los Angeles County, the numbers reflected the area’s higher population. There were 58,153 felony arrests and 97,093 misdemeanor arrests. LA County accounts for almost a fifth of the state’s misdemeanor charges.
New California Laws
There are hundreds of new California laws in 2026. Many of them are related to healthcare, education, housing, and workplace rights. Laws have been expanded in the areas of immigration protection, reducing racial bias, AI safety, and personal data use. Several criminal defense laws have been highlighted as well.
New DUI Laws
There have been a few additions to the DUI laws that may affect your case:
AB 1087: For an offender who is charged with vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, the minimum amount of probation is three years with a maximum of five years.
AB 366: This law applies to ignition interlock devices (IID), which are installed in the offender’s car after a DUI conviction. It’s a breathalyzer that measures the driver’s blood alcohol level to determine whether they can operate the vehicle. IID’s are commonly used with first-time DUI offenders. With AB 366, their use across the state has been extended to 2033.
AB 321: In DUI cases, the prosecution can decide whether to file a charge as a misdemeanor or a felony. This is referred to as a “wobbler.” The new law allows the judge assigned to the DUI case to reduce the felony charge to a misdemeanor any time prior to trial.
The DMV’s New Program
The California Department of Motor Vehicles has a new program called Forwarding Actions for Speeding Tickets (FAST). If someone gets a speeding ticket for going 100 miles per hour or more, the DMV will review their driving record and make decisions about how to proceed. This is being piloted to reduce racing on California’s highways.
New Burglary Laws
Burglary is defined as entering a structure to commit a crime. Theft is often involved, and technological advances are now taken into account:
AB 486. Key programming and duplicating devices have been added to the list of burglary tools. These devices allow people to break into buildings or residences that use programmed cards rather than metal keys.
New Victims’ Rights in 2026
Victims’ rights have been a topic recently in California. These new laws indicate that lawmakers are taking certain steps to protect more victims:
AB 250: This law addresses adult survivors of sexual assault and opens a window of time, between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2027, when the statute of limitations is not applicable. Adult victims can come forward to accuse people and/or institutions that may have tried to cover up sexual assault and abuse allegations in the past.
AB 406: To reduce discrimination, this law allows victims of violent crimes and their families to take leave from work to attend court proceedings. This secures their job and gives them the opportunity to be involved in meetings with law enforcement, testifying on their own behalf, and being present for hearings and trials.
FAQs About New California Laws Taking Effect This Year
How Effective Is an IID?
An IID (Ignition Interlock Device) is highly effective in detecting blood alcohol and deterring people from driving while intoxicated. There are cases of false positives when exhaling into the device after using mouthwash, drinking energy drinks, or eating certain foods. People with diabetes can trigger the machine when there’s too much sugar on their breath.
Can the DMV Suspend Your License Under Their New FAST Program?
Yes, if you have a ticket for driving over 100 miles per hour, the DMV can suspend your license. They look at your driving record to determine if you pose a threat to the community due to the number of speeding tickets and other traffic violations you’ve been issued. You can hire a Los Angeles County DUI lawyer to help with your case.
Under the New Law, Can You Have Felonies Cleaned From Your Record?
The new law is SB 731, which is called the Clean Slate Act. It seals a person’s record of felony convictions once they’ve served their sentence, in addition to not committing any new crimes for four years. A seasoned criminal defense attorney can review your case to see if you qualify under these new rules.
What Is the New Law About Mass Violence in California?
A new law, Senate Bill 19, changes the ways that law enforcement can respond to threats of mass violence. It is now a crime to make a credible threat to institutions, such as schools, childcare centers, places of worship, and hospitals. If law enforcement finds proof of a plan to injure or kill many people after a threat, the offender can be prosecuted.
Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Southern California
The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores has represented over 2,000 criminal cases in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties. With over 15 years of experience, we know how to face the persecution and get results in your case. You need a California criminal defense attorney you can trust and who understands the new laws. We can do that for you. If you’re facing criminal charges and need help, contact us today for a consultation.
