Posts Tagged with apple valley bail bonds

Peeping Tom Laws in California
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Peeping Tom Laws in California

Peeping Tom Laws in California

F or those unaware, a peeping tom is typically a man who spies on a woman while she’s changing. What was once a fairly common scene in movies has since died off as people admitted just how creepy the act of peeping is.

The act is so despised that there are laws against peeping and spying on people. Everyone has a right to privacy, especially when a person is in the safety of their own home, or other private areas. That is why the state of California has laws against the act. If a person thinks they want to spy on someone in a private setting, they should think again. This is not a law that a person should be breaking.

California Penal Code 647

Since spying and peeping on someone is such a big deal, because it is an invasion of privacy, many states and even the federal government have enacted laws against the act. In the state of California, spying and peeping is illegal under California Penal Code (PC) 647 i& j.

PC 647 i focuses on the act of peeping while loitering. Under this law, peeping while loitering is considered delaying or lingering on someone else’s private property without reason for being there while peeking into the door or window of an inhabited building. An inhabited building is any structure that a person lives in. If a person does this, then they are guilty of breaking this law.

PC 647 j focuses on invasion of privacy. This part of the law covers a few different acts, such as:

  • Using a telescope or other device to spy on someone.
  • Secretly photographing or recording a person’s body under their clothes for the purpose of sexual gratification.
  • Secretly recording someone in a private room in order to see them in their underwear.

Committing any of these acts is a crime under this law, and can get a person into serious legal trouble.

Penalties of Peeping in California

Breaking PC 647 is seen as form of disorderly conduct, which makes it a misdemeanor offense. This means that a person will face the following consequences for a first time offense:

  • Up to 6 months in county jail.
  • A max fine of $1,000.

These are the typical penalties for this crime, provided the victim is an adult. However, if the victim of the spying is a minor, anyone under the age of 18, then the consequences are more severe. For subsequent peeping offenses, or for peeping on a minor, the consequences are:

  • Up to 1 year in county jail.
  • A max fine of $2,000.

However, despite the nature of the crime, a conviction under PC 647 does not require a person to register as a sex offender.

No One Wants to Be Spied On

No one likes to be spied on especially when they are in their underwear or are naked. Everyone has a right to privacy, especially in their own home, in a restroom, or in a changing room. This is why peeping tom laws have been enacted to try to prevent people from committing the act at all.

Anyone caught breaking these laws will face jail time, and if they continue to break the law after that, the consequences will get worse for the person. Basically, it is never a good idea to spy or peep on someone. Doing so will get a person into trouble.

What do you think about California’s peeping tom laws and their consequences? Are the consequences enough, or should they be harsher? Should peepers be required to register as sex offenders?

Tagging and Graffiti Laws Here in California
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Tagging and Graffiti Laws Here in California

Tagging and Graffiti Laws Here in California

Tagging and graffiti are two things that most people have seen, especially if they live in an urban area. Pretty much every large city in the country is littered with graffiti and other signs of tagging. A lot of times, these random markings can make signs unreadable, and change the look of the city for the worse. That is why most states have laws against graffiti.

California is one such state. California Penal Code (PC) 594 covers all sorts of vandalism, from breaking something to marking it up with paint or markers. While the crimes of graffiti and vandalism may seem minor to some, they are a very big deal to others. This is especially true for anyone stuck having to clean up the mess.

California Penal Code 594

PC 594 here in the state of California outlines every possible crime that could be considered vandalism and the punishments for them all. As far as the law is concerned, vandalism is considered to occur when someone maliciously defaces, damages, or destroys someone else’s property.

Vandalism can be any number of things, from

:

  • Smashing mailboxes.
  • Keying someone’s car.
  • Writing a name in wet cement.
  • Breaking someone’s fine china.

Basically, if someone messes with someone else’s stuff with the express intent of breaking or harming it, then they are guilty of vandalism. In fact, this can even be true if two people own something together, and one of them breaks the item. The other person could charge the first with vandalism in the state of California.

Penalties of Vandalism

As far as the punishments for vandalism go, they are dependent on the amount of damage done, the person’s criminal history, if they have one, and what exactly the person vandalized. For instance, vandalizing a place of worship comes with steeper consequences than simply vandalizing someone’s home.

If the amount of damage done totals less than $400, then the vandalism is a misdemeanor charge. This means that the person faces:

  • Up to 1 year in county jail.
  • A max fine of $1,000 unless the person has any prior vandalism charges, in which case the max fine is $5,000.
  • Informal probation.

If the cost of the damage is greater than $400 dollars, the prosecution can charge the crime as either a misdemeanor or as a felony. With misdemeanor vandalism charges in this case, a person faces:

  • Up to one year in county jail.
  • A max fine of $10,000, unless the cost of the damages was higher than $10,000, in which case the max fine would be $50,000.
  • Informal probation

If the cost of damages was over $400 dollars and the crime is being charged as a felony, then the person faces:

  • A jail sentence ranging from 16 months to 3 years.
  • A max fine of $10,000, unless the cost of the damages was higher than $10,000, in which case the max fine would be $50,000.
  • Informal probation.

Consequences of Graffiti in California

Graffiti can be penalized differently in California if the damage done costs less than $250. California PC’s 640.5 and 640.6 only cover the act of graffiti. These offenses come with slightly less harsh consequences, and increase in severity with subsequent offenses.

The first time someone is charged with this crime, they face an infraction level offense:

  • A max fine of $1,000.
  • Community service.

The second time someone is charged with this crime, they face a misdemeanor level offense:

  • Up to 6 months in jail.
  • A max fine of $2,000.
  • Community service.

For a third, or any subsequent offense after that, a person will face a misdemeanor level offense:

  • Up to 1 year in jail.
  • A max fine of $3,000.
  • Community service.

Don’t Damage Someone Else’s Property

Aside from the state having its own law against graffiti and vandalism as a whole, many cities have their own takes on ordinances regarding graffiti. Some cities have even prohibited minors, anyone under 18, from being in possession of graffiti tools such as cans of spray paint and permanent markers. As such parents may want to be careful with giving their children Sharpies. Some cities take that act very seriously, while others couldn’t care less.

Graffiti and vandalism are not fun to deal with, and they are not fun to look at either. That is why the state of California has laws against both vandalism and graffiti. Any person caught breaking those laws will face the consequences.

What do you think of California’s laws surrounding vandalism and graffiti? Are the consequences too steep, just right, or not harsh enough? Why is that?

Knowing Weird Laws Can Be a Benefit
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Knowing Weird Laws Can Be a Benefit

Did you know that in California, women may not drive in a housecoat, or that no vehicle without a driver may exceed 60 miles per hour? We are not pulling your leg. These are real laws that are still written in California’s law books. They are not the only weird, odd, peculiar laws this state still has today. In addition to those,

𔅐 It is illegal to spit in Burlingame, unless you are on a baseball diamond.
𔅐 Women may not wear high heels in Carmel.
𔅐 Pinball machines are outlawed in El Monte.
𔅐 Any man who has a mustache in Eureka is forbidden to kiss a woman, even if she is his girlfriend or wife.
𔅐 Anyone who wishes to purchase a wax container must be at least 18 years of age.
𔅐 In Hollywood, no one may drive over 2,000 sheep down Hollywood Boulevard.
𔅐 It is illegal to drink intoxicating cement in Indian Wells.
𔅐 Moth hunting is illegal in Los Angeles when done under a street light.
𔅐 In Norco, having a rhinoceros as a pet is allowed as long as the owner gets a $100 license first.
𔅐 Molesting butterflies is strictly prohibited in Pacific Grove.
𔅐 Dogs are not allowed to chase squirrels in the summer.
𔅐 Unless they do not mind being fined $250, San Diegans must take their Christmas lights down by February 2.
𔅐 People who are classified as “ugly” may not walk down the streets of San Francisco.
𔅐 Having more than two cats or dogs as pets is not allowed in San Jose.
𔅐 In Walnut, every child must get a special permit from the sheriff in order to wear a mask on Halloween.

If you search the Internet, you will find so many more weird laws that still exist in California and will leave you scratching your head. In fact, every state in the U.S. has their share of odd laws and it is pretty entertaining to read.

We hope you never get arrested for violating one of these wacky laws but if you do, call Apple Valley Bail Bonds anytime. We will look past your embarrassment and bail you out of jail as soon as possible.

We can be reached online, and at 760-247-4444.

How You Should Handle Fireworks in California
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How You Should Handle Fireworks in California

In order to have fun and celebrate the 4th of July, you need to understand the proper safety rules. Drinking responsibly is something you practice and preach day in and day out. However, fireworks safety is something you do not see or use on a regular basis. If you do not really know the safety rules for fireworks usage, do not be ashamed, just keep reading.

First things first: fireworks are not toys and must only be handled by those who are responsible enough to know how to use them safely.

Fireworks should be used outdoors, and there should be a supply of water within easy reach. Instructions are printed on the fireworks package, so whoever is involved should read through those thoroughly before using them.

The person setting off the fireworks should not wear loose clothing, as they do not want it to get in the way and catch fire. In addition, fireworks should be used away from other people, tall objects like trees and power-lines, gas sources, and flammable material.

Every year, there are several stories on people who injured themselves, or caused damage to property, because of fireworks that were mishandled. You do not want to be one of those people.

Another thing that happens yearly is people getting citations or being arrested for violating California’s fireworks laws. Again, you do not want to be one of these people.

Those who do end up arrested for violating fireworks laws are more than likely going to be allowed to post bail, and they can do this with cash bail or a bail bond. For a bail bond, Apple Valley Bail Bonds is the bail bond company to rely on, and they can be reached 24/7 both online, and at 760-247-4444.

Did You Know You can be Charged with a Hit and Run Even if it’s Not Your Fault?
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Did You Know You can be Charged with a Hit and Run Even if it’s Not Your Fault?

In California, you can be charged with a hit and run, even if the accident was not your fault. If you are involved in an accident, you are required to give your contact information to the other driver before you leave, regardless if the accident was your fault or not.

You can be charged with a misdemeanor if you caused damage, not just to another vehicle but also to property, like a building, a window, a fence, or even another person’s pet.

You can be charged with a felony hit and run if you leave the scene without providing any contact information even though you know that the other driver and his or her passengers were unhurt. If you had passengers in your vehicle and they were injured in the hit and run, then you can be charged with the felony.

The penalties for hit and run crimes will vary based on the extent of the accident and damage, and even the kindness of the other driver. Fines for hit and runs where someone was injured can be between as much as $20,000 and prison sentences can be as long as 4 years. For hit and run crimes that only involved property damage, fines can be as high as $1,000 and jail time can be as long as 6 months. In addition, a person would likely get their license suspended or revoked for up to 6 months. As for the insurance company, they can either increase the premiums or cancel insurance altogether.

Some misdemeanor charges can be settled in a civil suit instead of criminal punishment, if the other driver agrees to it. In this case, the other driver is sparing you from the harsher punishments like jail time.

If you are ever involved in a car accident, make sure to stay on the scene and exchange contact and insurance information with the others who are involved. If there are witnesses around, get their contact information as well, in case you need them to provide eyewitness accounts. Take photos of any damage done to your vehicle, the other vehicle, and any property. Then, you can contact your insurance company and let them know you have been involved in a car accident. You want to go through the standard steps of resolving a car accident rather than fleeing the scene and suddenly making this into a felony hit and run.

Though you will need to take the next few weeks to deal with insurance companies and getting your car repaired, it is the better alternative to becoming a wanted person for a hit and run and then paying those felony consequences.

California’s Good Samaritan Law and Pets
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California’s Good Samaritan Law and Pets

In California, we love our pets as much as we love our brothers and sisters, which is why we have a Good Samaritan law that makes it legal to smash a car window to save an animal. The law has been in effect for almost a year, and it is designed to protect the individual who smashed the car window from criminal charges. In order to be fully protected, the individual must remain present after smashing the window until the police arrive.

Everyone knows that a hot car is a dangerous weapon. If it is hot outside, the car is even hotter inside, and the car heats up very quickly too. Even 5 minutes inside a hot car can be deadly. For example, in 2016, on a 91 degree day in San Diego, firefighters rescued a dog from a car that was found to be 160 degrees on the inside. How did they know the inside temperature? Their thermal imaging camera.

Many other states have similar Good Samaritan laws, and some even extend their legislation to protect individuals from smashing car windows to save a human life. California does not currently have such a law, but any citizens who see a young child left alone in a hot car are encouraged to call security or the police.

It is important to remember that for the individual breaking a car window, they must stay on the scene to talk with the police. If they flee, they may lose their protection in the matter, and can be charged with vandalism.

Is the Convenience Worth the Risk?
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Is the Convenience Worth the Risk?

Leaving Your Child Unattended in the Car

Do you choose convenience over safety and responsibility, or the other way around? For example, when you have your 4 year old child with you and you need to run into the store to pick up toilet paper on the way home, would you consider leaving your child alone in the parked car? You’d only run into the store for 5 minutes. You are thinking that if you have to bring them, you would certainly be slowed down because they can get fussy.

If you do consider the more convenient idea of leaving your child alone in the car for a few minutes, you should think again. Not only is this an irresponsible decision, it would be an illegal one. In California, it is illegal to leave a child 6 years old or younger in the car unattended unless they are supervised by someone who is at least 12 years old. Moreover, even if your child is old enough by law to be left alone in the car, do you think they are ready, responsible, and mature enough? Can they be trusted not to open the door if a stranger approaches, or not to just get out and wander on their own? Are they nervous about being left alone, because they have not had that experience before?

Another factor to take into consideration is the weather outside. If it is hot outside, then the inside of the car can be deadly. The interior of a car can heat up rapidly. Young children can die if they are left in a hot car.

The same rules apply to leaving pets alone in a car as well. If the store does not allow you to bring your pet in while you shop, you need to leave them in the car. If it is hot outside, open some windows or better yet, if possible, tie them to a meter, bike rack, or something outside that offers plenty of shade.

There are penalties for parents who leave their child unattended in the car, which include a fine and time in jail. Plus, there is the possibility that your child could be harmed. That is the worst one of all. So next time, skip the convenience and go with the safe, responsible decision. Even if it is less convenient and time efficient for you. Instead of leaving your child in the car, bring them with you, or take them home first.

Laws You Probably Did Not Know You Were Breaking
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Laws You Probably Did Not Know You Were Breaking

“It is not every day that you break a law,” you think to yourself. Little do you know that statement might actually be false. It could very well be that you are breaking some law everyday and you do not even realize it. It is not just you, a lot of people are breaking a handful of laws everyday without even knowing. Here are some of those laws:

Letting someone else use your Netflix account.

Last year, it was made officially illegal to share your password to streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu. Before it became a law, everyone knew that technically sharing your account with any number of friends or family is wrong. You can have 5 friends use your account yet you are only paying the low rate. Now it is officially illegal to share your password; did you know that?

Connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi

Have you ever sat nearby a coffee shop and connected to their Wi-Fi because they do not have it password protected? Have you ever done this and not ordered anything from the store? Well, this is illegal, and if you are caught and charged, you can be put into jail. Wait until you get home to check your social media feed.

Giving a fake name on the Internet

Have you ever signed up for newsletters, deals, and subscriptions but did not provide your real or full name? Well, providing a fake name on the Internet is illegal under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.

Singing “Happy Birthday”

It is not a birthday unless someone sings the Happy Birthday song. Is it still a party when the police show up? Technically, the Happy Birthday song is copyrighted, meaning that anyone who sings it in public is violating the law. At least that was the law until a few years ago, when a U.S. District Judge decided that was not the case and declared it public domain for all.

If you are worrying now because you have broken these laws countless times, and you think you can no longer sing anyone “Happy Birthday,” do not panic. You are not the only one. Besides, how many times have you gotten away with singing Happy Birthday, now?

If you find yourself actually getting arrested for violating one of these laws, or any other law, do not worry. Apple Valley Bail Bonds is here to bail you out of jail.

We can be reached 24/7 both online and at 760-247-4444.

What Counts As Drug Possession?
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What Counts As Drug Possession?

With the passing of prop 64, the topic of drug possession has become more prominent in recent months. While it is now legal for people 21 and older to possess some small amount of marijuana, this is the only drug that has been legalized. Even still, there are rules and restrictions to its use.

Even though the recreational use of marijuana was legalized, many other drugs and substances remain illegal to use and possess. Some of these illegal substances are:

• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Meth
• Ecstasy
• LSD

Possessing any of these drugs can get a person in trouble with the law. Now you might be wondering what constitutes as possession in California?

Possession of a drug could be:

• Having it on your person
• Having it in your glove-box or anywhere else in your vehicle
• Having it in your house

When it comes to punishment for illegal possession of controlled substances, things can vary. Illegal possession of most controlled substances is considered a misdemeanor offense in California thanks to the recently passed Prop 47. This means that someone convicted of drug possession faces no more than a year in jail, and/or a small fine. In many instances, the defendant will be required to participate in a drug treatment program.

New Jersey’s Failed Bail Replacement
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New Jersey’s Failed Bail Replacement

At the start of this year, the state of New Jersey eliminated its bail system in favor of a system where judges determine whether or not it is safe to release the defendant. The idea of this new system was to be fairer to people who would not be able to generate the funds needed to pay for bail. This is the very same system that lawmakers want to implement in California.

It is easy to see how this system sounds like a good idea. You remove the need for people to pay to get out of jail, thus allowing even the poorest person to get out of jail. Unfortunately for many people, this new system is a problem. This system does little to protect victims, or deter criminals.

Many officers refer to this new setup as a revolving door system. Criminals get arrested, and are back out the street by the end of the day. The punishment for committing a crime has been removed, thus allowing the criminals to continue with their ways. This puts thousands of innocent people at risk.

Of course, these criminals will still face charges, they have only been released for the period of their trial. However, since they have been released, there is nothing to stop them from committing more crimes during this period. This differs from when someone is out on bail, since the person out on bail has something to lose. This person paid to get out of jail, and will have wasted the money if he or she gets arrested again.

If the defendant did nothing to get out, like they do in this new system, then there is nothing preventing him or her from committing another crime. Let New Jersey be an example for California, this planned new system will not benefit anyone other than the criminals. Bail offers a person incentive to be on his or her best behavior, and another set of eyes to watch that person during the trial process.