Archive for category: Chino Bail Bonds

What to Do About Stray Animals

Most pet owners are very good at what they do and truly love the animal in their care. All they want is what is best for their furry companion. Unfortunately, not everyone is like that. Some people get animals simply to have one, and once they realize how much work and money it takes to properly care for an animal, they abandon it. Sometimes the people move and don’t want to take the animal with it.

There are all kinds of ways that an animal can end up as a stray. When people encounter stray animals on the street, they aren’t always sure what to do. Do they just ignore the animal, but what if it walks up to them? Should they report the animal to animal control? An animal lover may want to try and help the poor critter. However, doing so could get a person hurt. This is why it is so important for a person to know what to do when encountering a stray animal.

How to Handle Stray Animals

When it comes to dealing with stray animals, a person needs to be cautious, they never know how an animal will behave. Some animals living on the street may be kind, others may be far more aggressive. While rare, some strays may even be carrying diseases such as rabies.

Experts recommend that people should never approach unfamiliar animals. Instead, when encountering an animal for the first time, a person should remain calm, still, and quiet. Never run away or make loud noise. Doing so could scare the animal and make it more aggressive. If the animal approaches the person, they should let it sniff them and avoid making direct eye contact.

Never approach an animal that is eating, sleeping, or caring for babies as they can be more defensive and aggressive in these situations.

If the animal knocks the person to the ground, then they need to curl up into a ball and cover their ears and neck.

If an animal is behaving strangely or aggressively, they should report it to animal control. Alert them of what the animal looks like and where it is located so the professionals can try to deal with it.

California Animal Abuse Laws

Here in California, a pet owner is expected to take care of their animal. Most people think of abuse as actively hurting someone or something. However, as far as the state of California is concerned, animal abuse also includes neglecting the animal. This means that if a person abandons their animal, they could face consequences under the state’s animal abuse law.

Penal Code (PC) 597 can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts of the case and the person’s criminal record. As a misdemeanor, the crime comes with:

Up to 1 year in jail.
A max fine of $20,000.

A felony charge comes with:

16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison.
A max fine of $20,000.

Don’t Abandon Animals

The proper thing for a person to do who no longer wants an animal is to either try to rehome it or give it to an animal shelter. While trying to rehome the animal requires more work, it is the cheaper option. Just try reaching out to friends and family members to see if they, or anyone they know, is looking for an animal. Also try posting about the animal on social media accounts.

If that fails, then a person should look into surrendering an animal to a shelter. This does cost some money, but at least the animal will be cared for and safe.

When it comes to approaching stray animals, it is recommended that people don’t do that. Just give the animal its space and if it does approach a person, they should be cautious. What do you think of California’s animal abuse laws and their consequences? Do they match, or do the consequences need to be readjusted? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.

Is It Legal to Drive With an Animal on Your Lap?

January 14, 2020/in Blog, Chino Bail Bonds, Chino Hills Bail Bonds, Rancho Cucamonga Bail Bonds, Redlands Bail Bonds, Rialto Bail Bonds, San Bernardino Bail Bonds /by crystal

Pretty much every pet owner out there has a furry companion that they would do everything they can for. Some pet owners love their critters so much that they take them everywhere they go. This seems like a harmless and fun way for a person to spend time with their beloved companion, however it can be dangerous and even illegal in some states.

Laws from Across the Country

Across the nation, different states have different rules about how pets can be transported in cars. This can make driving through different states with a furry companion that much harder. Any driver looking to take their pet somewhere, especially on road trips, needs to be aware of these laws. If they aren’t, they could inadvertently end up in trouble with the law.

Some states, such as Hawaii and Arizona, have specific laws that make it illegal to drive with a pet in the person’s lap or in the driver’s immediate vicinity. Other states such as Maine and Connecticut can use their state’s distracted driving laws against drivers with pets on their lap.

The state of New Jersey takes things a step further. In this state, officers can stop any driver who improperly transports an animal, such as driving with the animal in their lap, and charge the person with animal cruelty. A person found guilty of this can face fines ranging from $250 to $1,000 dollars and can even face up to 6 months of jail time.

California Law

Here in California, the laws surrounding the transportation of animals are surprisingly lax. The state only has one law regarding the transportation of animals in vehicles, and it applies to pick-up trucks.

Vehicle Code (VC) 23117 states that no driver should transport an animal in the back of a vehicle in a space intended for any load unless the space is enclosed or has side and tail racks that are at least 46 inches high, has installed means of preventing the animal from getting out, or the animal is in a cage.

Basically, this means an animal can’t be carried in the bed of a truck unless the sides of the truck are higher than 46 inches, the animal is tied to the bed of the truck, or the animal is in a cage of some sort. This means that as long as an animal is in an enclosed space, such as the interior of the car, they are being transported safely and correctly.

This law does not apply to the transportation of livestock or the transportation of a ranch dog for ranching/farming purposes.

The consequences of breaking this law for the first time come with a fine ranging from $50 to $100. A second or any subsequent offense within a year will earn a person a fine ranging from $75 to $200.

Why These Laws Exist

The important fact to remember is that these laws exist for safety reasons. Transporting the animal safely keeps not only the critter safe, but the driver as well. A pet owner wants to make sure that in the event of an accident, their companion stays safe. This means keeping it safe and secure in the vehicle.

On top of the pet’s safety, there is the driver’s safety to consider as well. Everyone knows how dangerous distracted driving can be. What people may not realize is just how many things can be considered distracted driving besides using cellphones. Having to deal with a pet, especially one that is on the driver’s lap, can be very distracting. If the driver becomes too engrossed in whatever their pet is doing in their car, they could cause an accident.

What do you think of all of these different takes on laws surrounding the transportation of animal? Which state has your favorite law and which one takes things too far? Does California need to update its own animal transportation and distracted driving laws? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.

Speeding Is a Big Deal

January 3, 2020/in Blog, Chino Bail Bonds, Chino Hills Bail Bonds, Ontario Bail Bonds, Redlands Bail Bonds, Rialto Bail Bonds, San Bernardino Bail Bonds /by crystal

There are so many different laws here in California that it is practically impossible for a single person to remember every law within the state. However, there are some laws that everyone knows about and yet choose to ignore. There are a few select laws out there that people break all of the time, some even daily, because they don’t view it as a big deal.

A perfect example of this are speed limits. There are many drivers out there, especially here in California that view speed limits as suggestions. Some people view the limits as the slowest possible speed they will go. For the others, anyone going the speed limit is driving too slow. Still, speeding is illegal and incredibly dangerous, and should be avoided.

California Speeding Law

Here in California, speeding is made illegal under Vehicle Code (VC) 22350. This law makes it illegal for a person to drive faster than is considered safe for the circumstances. The exact wording is:

“No person shall drive a vehicle on the highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of person or property.”

In basic terms, this means that a person cannot drive at speeds on a road that a normal person would view as fast or dangerous. This is especially true on smaller or more crowded roads. This also includes when the weather makes the road dangerous through rain, snow, wind, and fog.

A driver is expected to exercise the proper caution and restraint needed in different situations. Just because a road has a certain speed limit does not mean a driver has to do that speed limit all the time. Sometimes the weather may require slowing down.

Consequences of Speeding in California

There are three different consequences a person can face when they are caught speeding by law enforcement:

They can receive a fine and have their license suspended.
Receive points on their driver’s record.
Be held negligent for any accidents that occur due to the speeding.

When it comes to fines and license suspension, the exact amounts depend on how fast the person was going. If the speeds were under 100 miles per hour (MPH), then the person will face the following:

$35 for 1 to 15 MPH over the limit.
$70 for 16 to 25 MPH over the limit.
$100 for 26 MPH over the limit.

If the speeds where over 100 MPH, then the person will face the following for a first time offense:

A base fine of $500.
30 day license suspension.

A second offense of driving over 100 MPH in 3 years comes with:

A base fine of $750.
6 month license suspension.

A third offense of driving over 100 MPH in 5 years comes with:

A base fine of $1,000.
1 year license suspension.

On top of the fines, a person will also receive a point on their driver’s license. Acquiring too many points within a time period can lead to a person having their license suspended. If a driver gets:

4 points in 12 months,
6 points in 24 months, or
8 points in 36 months,

Then they will be designated a negligent driver and have their driving license suspended.

Lastly, since driving at excessive speeds makes it more likely for a person to cause an accident, drivers who are caught speeding will be held responsible for any accidents that they caused. This means they will also have to face the consequences of any accidents that result from the speeding.

Don’t Speed While Driving

Many drivers fail to realize just how dangerous and problematic speeding can be. Speeding does increase the chances of a driver causing an accident. This is especially true in inclement weather, which is why the state law mentions that drivers need to adjust their speed to match their conditions. If a driver wants to avoid any trouble and fines, then they need to follow posted speed limits and adjust those speeds to match conditions. By doing so, a driver reduces the chances of causing an accident and getting a ticket.

What do you think of speeding and the state’s laws on it? Are the consequences for speeding fair or too extreme? Let us know in the comments down below.

Is is a a Good Idea to Warm Up You Car When it’s Cold?

January 3, 2020/in Bail Bonds, Blog, Chino Bail Bonds, Chino Hills Bail Bonds, Fontana Bail Bonds, Redlands Bail Bonds, Rialto Bail Bonds, San Bernardino Bail Bonds /by crystal

When the weather grows colder, people begin to do everything that they can to avoid being cold for any length of time. They spend more time indoors, bundle up in extra layers before venturing outside, and even warm up their cars before getting into them.

Many people view leaving a car idling as a great way to keep themselves warm during the coldest part of the year. Unfortunately, this practice can have several adverse consequences. Leaving a car idling to warm up can actually be bad for the vehicle, is a great way to get it stolen, and can even be illegal here in California.

Cold Idling Can Be Damaging

In the thick of winter, the common wisdom is that when you are gearing up to take your car out in the cold weather, you should start up your engine, and let it idle to warm up. It sounds like a great idea, but can actually be damaging to modern cars.

The concept of warming up the engine before driving originally came around with cars that had carburetors. On these older cars, the carburetors created a mixture of gasoline and air to dump into the engine. This method works fine at certain temperatures, but when things get cold, the mixture ratio needs to be modified to remain efficient.

Unlike modern cars with fuel injection, these older cars couldn’t automatically compensate for colder temperatures. This lead to people needing to let their cars warm up to normal operating temps before being able to drive anywhere. Nowadays, cars can adjust the mixture on their own to run efficiently.

The fastest way to get a car warmed up is to just drive it. When a car is idling in the cold, some of the gas in the engine can begin to coat the interior pieces and remove the oil that is supposed to be there to help it run smoothly. This means the parts rub together, cause friction and begin to wear down a little bit faster, making it very important to get the engine warmed up, and the fastest way to do that is to drive it.

Cold Idling Can Be Dangerous

Aside from being damaging to a car, leaving a car idling can also be dangerous. Typically, the only thing keeping thieves from stealing a car is the fact that they need a key to get in and get it moving. If a person leaves their car idling in their driveway, what is to stop someone from walking up to the car, hoping in, and driving off with it? Even if the car is locked while idling, all a person has to do is break a window and then drive off. That is why a car should not be left idling in a driveway or on the street.

Some people may try to get around this by having the car idle in the garage, which is dangerous for a different reason. Cars burn gasoline to create their power, which creates carbon dioxide (CO²) gas as a byproduct. This gas is toxic to humans, and if left running in a closed off room like a garage, the gas will fill the garage and begin seeping into the house, which can lead to death. This is part of the reason why houses are supposed to have CO² sensors in them.

Idling Can Be Illegal

Lastly, leaving cars idling to warm up can be illegal in certain circumstances. This is typically done in an effort to reduce carbon emissions across the state. California has enacted laws that make it illegal for commercial diesel vehicles to be left idling for more than five minutes. Violations of this law can result in fines, some of which are very hefty.

While the state laws primarily apply to commercial diesel vehicles, some counties and cities have their own anti-idling laws. These laws are typically enacted either to protect people from having their car stolen, or to protect the environment. Basically, before anyone leaves their car idling to warm up, they should make sure that it isn’t illegal where they live.

It’s Best Not to Idle

Dealing with the cold can always be a bit bitter and unpleasant, which is why people often prefer to let their car warm up before driving off in it. However, doing this can be a bad idea for several reasons. It is unnecessary and damaging to modern cars with fuel injection motors. It can be dangerous as it opens a person up to having their car stolen, or filling their house with CO². Lastly, it can be illegal in certain areas and under certain circumstances.

What do you think of letting a car idle to warm up? Do you still think it is a good idea or not? What about California’s anti-idling laws? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.

Why Was Your A One Arrested?

December 19, 2019/in Blog, Chino Bail Bonds, Chino Hills Bail Bonds, Rancho Cucamonga Bail Bonds, Redlands Bail Bonds, Rialto Bail Bonds, San Bernardino Bail Bonds /by crystal

You never know what a friend or family member could get arrested for. After all, you never really expected a loved one to get arrested at all. Once you learn of a loved one’s arrest, you may not actually know why he or she was arrested. Trying to find that information on your own can be difficult, especially when your loved one can only talk to you for so long.

Luckily, there are professionals who can help you. All you have to do is contact Penny Bail Bonds in San Bernardino. For over 30 years, we have helped Californians deal with bail and rescue their loved ones from jail. We can do the same for you. We provide all kinds of services for our clients, including:

24/7 Bail bond service
20% Discount
Phone approvals
0% Interest payment plans
No hidden fees
No collateral with working signer
Se habla Español

Once we locate your loved one in the county jail system, which we can do with just their name, birthday, and county of arrest, we can answer all of your questions. We can even tell you why your loved one was arrested in the first place. Once you are satisfied and all of your questions have been answered, then we can begin the bail bond process.

Our expert bail agents have plenty of experience with bail, and so they can guide you through the whole process. With our bail agents helping you, your loved one can be out of jail in as little as 2 hours in some counties. Regardless of how long it takes, our agents will work nonstop to get your loved one out of jail.

No matter how surprising the arrest of a loved one can be for you, there is no reason to panic. Penny Bail Bonds in San Bernardino has plenty of experience helping people rescue their loved ones from jail. You can count on us to be there for you and to answer any questions that you might have about your loved one’s arrest.

Want to talk to a bail agent for free? Just call 866-736-6977 or click Chat With Us now.

Why Was Your Loved One Arrested?

December 18, 2019/in Blog, Chino Bail Bonds, Chino Hills Bail Bonds, Rancho Cucamonga Bail Bonds, Redlands Bail Bonds, San Bernardino Bail Bonds /by crystal

24/7 Bail bond service
20% Discount
Phone approvals
0% Interest payment plans
No hidden fees
No collateral with working signer
Se habla Español

Want to talk to a bail agent for free? Just call 818-703-7120 or click Chat With Us now.

How Long Does Release Take?

December 18, 2019/in Blog, Chino Bail Bonds, Chino Hills Bail Bonds, Redlands Bail Bonds, Rialto Bail Bonds, San Bernardino Bail Bonds /by crystal

When you learn of a loved one’s arrest, you want to get them out of jail as quickly as you can. You never want someone that you care about to suffer, which is what is happening when they have been arrested and sent to jail. That is why you spring into action to rescue your loved one from jail.

When it comes to getting people released from jail quickly, you can count on Penny Bail Bonds in San Bernardino. We are bail experts and are dedicated to helping our clients get their loved ones out of jail quickly. We won’t stop working for you until your loved one is back home, safe and sound.

How long the release process takes is dependent on a few different factors. The first factor being how ready the client is to post bail. Do they have all of the paperwork and funds ready to go when they call? The more prepared the client is, the faster it is to get someone out of jail.

The next factor, is where was the person arrested? Different jails operate at different speeds. Larger jails tend to take longer to release an inmate than a smaller one would. This is due to the fact that the larger jails have more inmates to handle and more paperwork to process on any given day. That is why we recommend posting bail before your loved one is transferred to a larger jail where it will take longer to get him or her out.

With Penny Bail Bonds in San Bernardino helping, your loved one can be out of jail in just a few short hours. In some counties, we can have someone out of jail in just 2 hours. In others, a release can take up to a day to be processed. No matter where your loved one is being held, you can count on Penny Bail Bonds in San Bernardino to help you get your loved one out of jail as quickly as possible.

Some of the other services we provide include:

24/7 Bail bond service
20% Discount
Phone approvals
0% Interest payment plans
No hidden fees
No collateral with working signer
Se habla Español

We are here for you, just call 818-703-7120 or click Chat With Us now.

Is It Legal to Leave a Pet Alone in a Cold Car?

December 16, 2019/in Blog, Chino Bail Bonds, Chino Hills Bail Bonds, Redlands Bail Bonds, Rialto Bail Bonds, San Bernardino Bail Bonds, Upland Bail Bonds /by crystal

Every time summer rolls around, you begin to see articles all over about the dangers of leaving pets and children unattended in vehicles. In the hot weather, the temperatures inside a vehicle can quickly become unbearable and even deadly. Some people still fail to recognize this fact.

On the other side of the coin, is the act of leaving pets alone in cars in cold weather. Being exposed to cold temperatures can be just as dangerous and deadly as being exposed to hot temperatures. This is why experts warn against leaving animals unattended in cars in cold weather too.

Cold Weather Is Dangerous Too

In hot weather, the inside temperatures in a car can drastically increase to dangerous levels. However, unlike with hot weather, cold temperatures inside a car cannot drastically decrease. Still this doesn’t mean they can’t be dangerous. In cold weather, car temperatures will simply lower until they match outside temperatures, which can be below freezing. It is these kinds of conditions that pet owners need to consider.

On cold days, there can be different factors that play into how warm or cold the interior of a car can become. If the weather is cold, but the sun is out, the interior temperatures can be comfortable. In some cases, they could even become dangerous for animals. However, if the weather is overcast and it is raining or snowing, then the interior of the car will likely become too cold for anyone, even pets.

Another aspect to consider is that even though most pets have fur, this does not make it impossible for them to get cold. Fur is essentially a permanent jacket that animals have to wear. It makes them more resistant to the cold, but it does eventually get too cold for them just like how even with a jacket, cold weather can become too much to deal with for people.

On top of this is the fact that not all fur is the same. Some fur is better suited for cold weather, like the fur on huskies. Meanwhile, other breeds of dogs like Chihuahuas are more suited for warmer environments.

Essentially, a pet owner needs to be aware of both the weather outside and what their pet can handle. If they don’t, they could end up risking their pet’s health and safety. Here in California, that can get a person into some trouble.

Penal Code 597.7

Here in California, Penal Code (PC) 597.7 makes it a crime for a person to leave an animal unattended in a vehicle if doing so threatens the health or safety of the animal. While this law is primarily concerned with leaving animals in hot cars, it also applies to animals left in cold cars as well. This is due to the fact that it refers to leaving animals in conditions that could cause harm.

If a person is convicted of this crime, they will face the following depending on the circumstances. If it is a first time offense and no animal suffered any great bodily injuries, then the person faces a fine of $100 per animal. If an animal did suffer a great bodily injury, then the person faces a fine up to $500 and a jail sentence of 6 months.

Any subsequent offenses of this crime results in a $500 fine and a 6 month jail stay regardless of whether or not any animals suffered any great bodily injuries.

In addition, a person needs to consider that here in California, law enforcement officers who see an animal suffering in a vehicle are allowed to do whatever they need to in order to rescue the animal. This means that on top of the fines and jail time, the person could be looking at some repair bills as well.

Leave the Critter at Home

Most pet owners adore and cherish their furry companions. That is why they are often brought everywhere. Unfortunately, leaving pets alone in cars isn’t always safe. Pet owners need to be aware of the weather, whether it is too hot or too cold, before leaving a pet alone. As much as the animal may be loved, sometimes it is best for it to be left at home in a more climate controlled environment.

What do you think of California’s law on leaving pets unattended in cars? Did you realize that it applied to both hot and cold conditions? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.

How to Avoid Road Rage

December 16, 2019/in Blog, Chino Bail Bonds, Chino Hills Bail Bonds, Rancho Cucamonga Bail Bonds, Redlands Bail Bonds, Rialto Bail Bonds, San Bernardino Bail Bonds /by crystal

The holidays are such a fun time of the year. They are a chance to get together with friends and family members who have been dearly missed for the last year. With everyone wanting to visit someone, a whole lot of travel is involved with the holiday season. Unfortunately, that fact, combined with the cold and stormy weather, can cause quite a bit of travel trouble.

When the roads get packed with people, tensions can run high. Road rage becomes a very real possibility in what is supposed to be a fun and relaxing time. No one wants to deal with road rage on an average day, let alone around the holidays.

Tips for Avoiding Road Rage

In order to help everyone have a happy holiday season while driving around, here are some tips on how to best avoid road rage.

Be courteous when driving. Use turn signals and always check blind spots before merging. Doing this can very easily prevent an accident, or an almost accident, which will help everyone remain calm.
Don’t drive while upset. Studies have shown that the people most likely to suffer from road rage are those who are already emotionally unstable before they get behind the wheel. If a person was just in a bad fight or breakup, then they shouldn’t drive.
Don’t give obscene gestures. Spreading anger around, by doing things such as flipping people off, only makes other drivers angry, which makes the whole situation worse for everyone.
Don’t go home if followed. If an aggressive driver is following someone, that person should not go home and instead head to the nearest law enforcement station and call the authorities to alert them to the situation.
Don’t rush yourself. When it comes to driving, there are many things a driver can’t control, such as accidents and rush hour. Instead of trying to rush to get to somewhere on time, a driver sometimes needs to accept the fact that they are going to be late due to forces beyond their control.
Don’t try to teach a lesson. Don’t speed up to block aggressive drivers from merging since doing that can make things worse. Instead, leave plenty of room for the driver to merge and move on. Take the high road, so to speak.
Everyone makes mistakes. For the time being, every driver out there is human. This means that every driver, including yourself, is bound to make a mistake or two. Don’t hold it against them.
Give yourself extra time. If a driver knows they are going to encounter traffic, they should leave for their destination earlier than they normally would to give themselves plenty of time.
Listen to calm music. Doing this simple task has been shown to help calm drivers down, reducing their chances of succumbing to road rage.
Never engage aggressive drivers. If an angry driver gets out of their car to talk to someone else, the other driver should not get out of their own vehicle. Aggressive drivers can be unpredictable due to their rage and may try to hurt other drivers. Instead, call the police for assistance.
Only use horns for defensive driving. An example of this would be when a driver is merging but hasn’t noticed your car being in the way.
Report aggressive drivers. If a driver is driving recklessly and angrily, report them to the proper authorities. Doing so could prevent them from causing an accident or hurting someone.

Getting Arrested for Road Rage

While road rage itself is not a crime, there are four different crimes that a person can end up committing if they give in to road rage here in California. These four crimes are:

Assault with a deadly weapon. This is the same as assault, except a deadly weapon is involved, and guess what, a car can count as a deadly weapon. This means that threatening to run someone over is a crime. This can be either a misdemeanor or felony offense. As a felony it comes with up to 4 years in state prison.
Assault. This occurs when someone threatens to harm another individual and the other person believes that threat. This is a misdemeanor offense that comes with up to 6 months in jail and a max fine of $1,000.
Battery. Battery occurs when someone actually attacks another individual. This crime starts as a misdemeanor that comes with up to 6 months in jail and a max fine of $2,000. However, if someone is seriously injured, there will be harsher consequences.
Reckless driving. Driving without regard for safety is a crime that often results in misdemeanor charges that come with a 90 day jail stay and a max fine of $1,000. If someone is hurt due to the reckless driving, the consequences get even worse.

Drive Safely This Holiday Season

The holiday season is supposed to be fun and relaxing, unfortunately there is a whole lot of traffic to wade through. As frustrating as traffic can be, it should be expected around this time of year. This means drivers should prepare to deal with traffic so they are less likely to give in to road rage.

A great way to do that is by following the tips above. Doing that can also help keep a driver from getting into trouble with the law around the holidays. Nobody wants that.

Do you have any tips for dealing with road rage that you think might help others? If so, share them in the comments down below!

California’s Privacy Laws

November 18, 2019/in Blog, Chino Bail Bonds, Chino Hills Bail Bonds, Redlands Bail Bonds, Rialto Bail Bonds, San Bernardino Bail Bonds, Upland Bail Bonds /by crystal

Everybody has a right to privacy, especially here in California. No one wants to deal with someone spying on them in private situations. That is why the state of California has a few different laws revolving around people’s right to privacy.

According to state law, there are certain areas where a person should be able to expect and receive privacy. Anyone who breaks that privacy can face legal consequences. California residents should be aware of these laws so that they don’t end up accidentally breaking them.

Laws about Recording People in California

California Penal Code (PC) 647 is the state’s disorderly conduct law. It covers all sorts of things from prostitution, aggressive begging, and invasion of privacy. Specifically, sections i and j of this law relate to privacy.

PC 647i refers to the act of peeping. Under this law, it is a crime for a person to linger, loiter, or prowl on someone’s private property and peek into the doors and windows of any inhabited structure. An example of this would be trespassing onto someone else’s property and then peeking into their home’s window to see if their home, or peeking into a bedroom to watch someone changing clothes.

PC 647j makes it a crime for any person to look into an area where a person would normally expect privacy. It doesn’t matter if a person uses their eyes, binoculars, a cellphone, or any other sort of device to look into the area. Areas where privacy is naturally expected include:

Bedrooms.
Bathrooms.
Changing rooms.
Tanning booths.
Any other room where one would reasonably expect privacy.

Examples of breaking this law would include recording someone in a bathroom or changing room, or even filming someone under their clothes.

Another law to consider when referring to privacy is California’s eavesdropping law, PC 632. California is considered a two-party consent state. This means that in order for a confidential conversation to be recorded, all parties involved need to give their consent. If a person records a private conversation without consent from everyone involved, they could face legal trouble.

Penalties of Invasion of Privacy

The penalties for invasion of privacy vary depending on which law was broken. For instance, both PC 647i & j fall under California’s disorderly conduct law. Both of these crimes are primarily charged as misdemeanors. This means they come with the following consequences:

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

However, if a person has been charged with an offense under PC 647j before, or the victim of the crime was under the age of 18, the charges increase to:

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

Meanwhile, PC 632 is known as a wobbler offense. This means it can either be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony depending on the facts of the case and the accused’s criminal record. When charged as a misdemeanor, the person faces:

Up to 1 year in county jail.
A max fine of $2,500.

Meanwhile, felony eavesdropping charges can earn a person:

Up to 3 years in state prison.
A max fine of $2,500.

Don’t Record People in Private

In today’s modern world, where recording another person is so easily accomplished thanks to smart devices, knowing these laws is extra important. No one wants to end up in legal trouble for breaking a law they didn’t know about or understand. When it comes to recording people, whether it’s a conversation or a video, it is illegal to do so in situations where the recorded parties would normally expect privacy.

One key point to note is that law enforcement officers while on the job, are able to be recorded. This is due to the fact that they are civil employees and out in public where they would not normally expect privacy.

What do you think of California’s privacy laws surrounding recordings? Do you agree with them, or do you think they need to be modified? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.