Los Angeles Statute on Penal Code 365.7 – A Misdemeanor

Penal Code 365.7 is a misdemeanor for knowingly and fraudulently representing through verbal or written notice to be the owner or trainer of any canine licensed as, to be qualified as, or identified as, a guide, signal, or service dog.  Penal Code 365.7 is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months, by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment. An owner is defined as any person who owns a guide, signal, or service dog, or who is authorized by the owner to use the guide, signal, or service dog.

Los Angeles Enforcement of False Service Dog – PC365.7

Routine arrests are made in the city of Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and throughout Los Angeles for owners who disguise their dogs as service to obtain rights to premises, such as stores, restaurants, hotels, and other public places where animals are not allowed. Arrests for service dog fraud is very common where the owner has the dog where a vest that says service dog and makes representation to the employees of the premises. Service dog fraud also arises where a landlord wants to terminate the lease for pets living on the premises

Online websites mislead people to believe that a service dog vest or identification tag will be justification for allowing access.  The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing has received thousands of complaints regarding service dogs and peace officers are targeting people with service dogs.

The Khachatourians Law Group is experienced in dismissing first time allegations arising in criminal charges for Penal Code 365.7.   If you have been issued for a citation for violation PC365.7 and have a court appearance either at 210 West Temple at Criminal Courts Building in Los Angeles or have a cases in Airport Courthouse located at 11701 La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045, call Attorney Arthur Khachatourians for a defense consultation – 818-590-8294.