Crime and Punishment
What if I use a fake ID?
Using a fake ID is against the law and is either a misdemeanor or petty offense. It doesn′t make any difference why you′re using it or where. You may be trying to get into an age-restricted club, movie, or pool hall, or even enlist in …
Can I gamble? What if I win the lottery?
“You wanna bet?” “Put your money where your mouth is.” “I′ll bet you 5 bucks I′m right.” Everyone has said something like this at one time or another. Most of the time, you′re kidding. However, if you′re serious and you expect to collect on a bet or …
Is it illegal to belong to a gang?
In the United States, it′s not against the law to be a member of a gang. The First Amendment′s freedom of assembly gives you the right to join any group or club, assuming you meet their requirements. Membership in the Ku Klux Klan, a neo-Nazi …
What if I damage someone else′s property?
If you damage property, it makes little difference whether it was a car, home, school, or business. And it doesn′t matter whether the act was intentional or not. The issue becomes one of accountability and restitution. If the act is intentional or malicious, it′s called …
What if I start a fire that gets out of control?
Most fires are either accidental or acts of nature: defective wiring or appliances, lightning, campfires, or explosions. A number of fires, though, are intentionally set. Depending on the amount of damage and the exact cause, these fires constitute crimes called arson or reckless burning. Arson …
What is trespassing?
The definition of trespassing is entering or remaining on someone′s property without permission. You′ve probably seen these signs like “Private Property”, “Do Not Enter” and “No Trespassing” on vacant lots, wooded areas, abandoned houses or near factories. If there′s a sign posted (whether you see it or …
