Panhandling

PEN § 415, 602, 647(c) - Misdemeanor

• Maximum fine: $1000
• Maximum term: 1Y
• Probation/parole at home eligible: Y
• Community service eligible: Y

Panhandling for gratuitous donations is protected under the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment. Merely requesting and/or receiving a gratuitous (free) donation is not a violation of law and cannot form the basis for a detention. However, aggressive panhandling is illegal under California law. Accosting Panhandling; the solicitation of donations in an unreasonably insistent, threatening, intimidating, or intrusive manner. Approaching and/or stopping somebody in order to speak to that person in an unreasonably insistent, threatening, intimidating, or intrusive manner.