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Protesting Without Spending a Night in Jail

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protetsing without getting arrested

When you stop and think about it, the United States is a country created by protesters. The pilgrims who settled on Plymouth Rock were protesting Henry the VIII’s creation of the Church of England. The members of the Boston Tea Party objected to the tea tax, and the American Revolution was basically a protest about not having representation in Parliament.

So, feeling a need to get out and protest something is perfectly acceptable. And, you’ll be glad to know that there are ways to protest without spending a night in jail.

A Year of Protest

While protests aren’t anything new, there’s no denying the fact that there have been more protests, and more media coverage of the protests, since Trump became president. People from both political parties are quick to create marches designed to advertise their personal feelings on a variety of topics. There have been times when the police have gotten involved in the protests and arrested both violent and peaceful protesters.

The Potential Cost of Getting Arrested While Protesting

On the very day that Trump was inaugurated, approximately 200 protestors were arrested. Most faced charges of felony rioting. This is a very serious charge. If convicted, a protester charged with felony rioting can spend up to 10 years in prison and be required to pay a $25,000 fine as well as paying for any damages they did during the protest.

While the high number of people arrested and the severity of the charges filed against them are scary, don’t let that prevent you from standing up for what you believe in.

Keep the Peace

Even though some peaceful people occasionally get arrested when police are forced to get involved with a protest, as long as the overall protest remains peaceful, you’ll be fine. The United States Constitution grants you the right to protest peacefully.
Make sure that everyone involved with the protest understands that it’s really important to make sure nothing gets out of hand.
Before the march or stand in begins, set some basic rules that everyone agrees to.

First, no vandalism. The urge to spray paint your message on the side of a building may be strong, but you must resist. Anything from spray painting to breaking windows is enough to bring the police running and for protesters to get arrested. Don’t assume that just because you’re not doing anything, that you won’t be arrested. In these cases, the police generally arrest every protester that’s in the area.
Be mindful of access points. While the idea of blocking traffic is often popular amoungst protesters, it’s also the kind of thing that can result in you getting charge with non-violent civil disobedience. When you’re protesting you can’t block the streets, sidewalks, or points of public access.

Know what is and isn’t private property. The only time it’s okay to protest on someone’s private property is if you have permission from the property owner. If you don’t, they can have you arrested and charged with trespassing.

If the police do show up to your protest, it’s important that you remain respectful. By being polite to the officer when they question you and ask to see your idea, you increase the chances of them letting you go, rather than putting you in the back of the squad car and taking a free trip to the city jail.

Are Drones Legal During Emergency Situations

Are Drones Legal During Emergency Situations

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Are Drones Legal During Emergency Situations

Over the past few years, the general population has become obsessed with drones. One of the best things about drones is the ability to use them to take pictures of things that simply aren’t possible to get through more conventional methods. Most of the time, they’re harmless, but Los Angeles law officials are concerned about the small drones flying around during emergency situations.

The Problem

The issue of drones and what to do about them in the middle of a crisis was first brought up during the Lilac fire in San Diego. The fire was brutal, by the time fire fighters stopped the blaze, more than 150 buildings had been damaged and thousands of people had been forced to flee the city. It was a spectacular and heartbreaking crisis that proved to much for one drone owner to resist. They sent their small drone up into the sky, above the fire, presumably to capture some pictures of the blaze.
When they did so, it’s likely that the drone owner thought they were okay. It didn’t occur to them that as a result of their actions, emergency crews would be forced to suspend their attempts to suppress the blaze for a full hour as they tried to decide what to do about the drone. The concern was that if they sent their own firefighting drones up into the air, they would collide with the private drone, creating an expensive accident.

Drone Killers to the Rescue

Based on this one event, one police department decided that they needed to be prepared to encounter drones during future emergency situations, which is why the purchased an electronic tool that has been dubbed, the Drone Killer. The Drone Killers only function is to disable any drone that might be flying around during and emergency, sending it crashing to the ground. The Drone Killer currently has the ability to disable more than one hundred different types of popular drones.

Could Legal Action Be Around the Corner

As soon as society became obsessed with drones, law makers started exploring legal options connected the un-manned aircraft. Interfering with emergency air craft has always been a concern. It’s likely that using the drone killer is just the first step in dealing with drones during emergency situations. It’s reasonable to assume that it won’t be long before law makers start arresting people who fly their drones over fires, traffic accidents, and near hospitals.

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Leaving Your Dog at Home Means You Won’t Face Jail Time

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leaving dog in car

Summer is fast approaching and that means the temperatures will soar. That means it’s time to start rethinking your habit of taking your dog every where you go, or if you do decide to take your dog while you’re running errands, you better have a plan for what you’re going to do with them, and that plan can’t be leave them in the car.

Penal Code 597-7

The state of California has very clear laws about leaving dogs unattended in hot cars during the summertime. You can’t do it. If you try, you’ll be in violation of serious animal abuse laws. Not only can someone break into your car to rescue your dog, you’ll also be arrested, and quite possibly lose your dog and the right to ever own another one.

Penal Code 597-7 specifically addresses the issue of pets that are left unattended in California vehicles during hot days.

You’ll be in violation of the law if:

  • You fail to provide your dog with enough ventilation
  • The dog appears to not have been given enough food or water
  • If the current temperature is deemed too hot or too cold for your dog to be waiting in the car
  • If some other situation has taken place that puts your dog’s life or health in jeopardy while they’re waiting in the car

    • If you do any of these things, you’ll be in violation of Penal Code 597-7 and will be charged with animal cruelty.

    How Hot Does it Have to be Before It’s Too Hot

    Just because you’re comfortable outside, you shouldn’t assume that it’s okay for your dog to be left in the car. Studies indicate that even temperatures as low as 72 degrees Fahrenheit can be deadly to a dog that’s trapped in a car, especially if that car is parked in direct sunlight. On an 85 degree day, your car’s internal temperature can sour to 120 degrees in less than half an hour.

    But What About Tying Them to Bike Rail or Lamp Post

    If your plan to avoid leaving your dog in the hot car while you shop or visit the dentist is tying them outside, think again. California law, Code 122335 HS, clearly prohibits you from tying your dog to a stationary object, something that has gotten a few dog owners into trouble after they tried chaining their dogs out in their yards.

    The Penalties Connected to Penal Code 597-7

    If you’re convicted of violating Penal Code 597-7 and your dog didn’t suffer any health problems from being locked in the car, you’ll face a maximum fine of $100 per animal that was in the car. If your dog did require treatment as a result of your actions, you’ll looking at a $500 fine and could spend up to six months in a California county jail. The prosecution may also chose to hit you with animal neglect charges.

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    Always Look for a Good Deal

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    There are many people out there who hate to spend money on themselves, but they will happily spend as much as they want on their loved ones. No price is too great when it means making a loved one happy. Even if you are someone like this, you should still try to find a good deal when it comes to making expensive purchases for your loved ones. After all, you do not want to spend all of your money on one thing when you could spend it on multiple purchases.

    This is why, when you need to bail a friend or family member out of jail, you should shop around. By doing so, you find Penny Bail Bonds in San Bernardino, and are able to learn about some of the discounts that we offer. For instance, we offer a discount on the price of the bail bond for qualified clients.

    Qualifying for this discount is really simple. All a client has to do, is make sure that one of the co-signers for the bail bond is a union member, a member of the military, a member of AARP, is a homeowner, or has a private attorney. So long as one of the co-signers meets one of those requirements, then we will be able to give you a discount. We can give you a 20% discount on the price of the bail bond.

    Another way we help clients save money, is by giving qualified clients a chance to save up their money. One of the hardest parts about bailing someone out of jail, is finding the necessary funds to post bail in just a few hours. It can be impossible for some people. That is why we give clients with good credit the ability to get their first month free. This means that you would be able to bail your loved one out of jail, and not make your first payment on the bond until a month later. This gives our clients the time they need to gather their funds.

    Lastly, we make bail bonds affordable by offering customized payment plans to all of our clients. The cost of the bail bond is broken up into manageable monthly payments. These payments will be designed to work with the client’s unique budget. This way, our clients can actually afford to post bail by not needing ridiculously large amounts of money.

    This is why it is important to shop around for a good deal. Looking for a good deal does not mean that a person is cheap, it means they are smart. They know how to spend their money wisely, but still in a way that allows them to take care of their friends and family members.

    Call 866-736-6977 or click Chat With Us now to get a good deal on a bail bond.

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    What Happens During and After the Booking Process?

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    What-Happens-During-and-After-the-Booking-Process

    The booking process is what happens after a person was just arrested. This process involves a series of procedures the defendant goes through in order to be properly and formally documented into the system; this is when the official arrest record is created. The booking process is standard procedure for all defendants, and there is no possibility of getting out of it.

    Here is what happens during the booking process:

    • The defendant’s name will be documented, as well as the crime they are being accused of.
    • They will have their mugshots taken from the front and the sides.
    • Any loose items that were on them at the time of their arrest will be confiscated, such as a cell phone and a wallet.
    • DNA samples will be taken.
    • There will be a health screening, which will include tests to look for transmittable diseases like tuberculosis that can put other inmates and officers in jail.
    • They will change out of their clothes and into an orange jumpsuit. Their clothes will be confiscated.
    • An officer will conduct a full body search of the defendant.
    • An officer will search for any outstanding arrest warrants for the defendant.

    After the booking process is the arraignment hearing, where the charges against the defendant are formally delivered. The defendant will also learn whether or not bail is granted and if so, how much their bail is. If a defendant posts bail, then they will get their loose items and clothes back and they can return home. However, they will have to wait for the booking process to be completed in order to be released; some test results can take extra time to come back.

    From this point on, if they posted bail with a bail bond, they just need to make sure to stay on top of their payments. They will need to show up for court as scheduled. They will also take advantage of this freedom to return to work and spend important quality time with loved ones for support. Setting time aside to meet with their lawyer is also imperative so they can work on preparing for court.

    It is an uphill battle, but it is not impossible to get through this situation.

    No-Exceptions-to-Underage-Drinking

    No Exceptions to Underage Drinking

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    No-Exceptions-to-Underage-Drinking

    Even if it happens under your roof and under your supervision, underage drinking is illegal in California.

    The minimum drinking age across the United States is 21, but there are some states that allow exceptions to this rule when teens are drinking in the presence of, and with the permission of their parents. Some of those states include Virginia, South Carolina, and New Mexico. California is excluded from this list, meaning that even if a parent gives their 20 year old a sip of their cocktail, they can get in trouble.

    In California, supplying a minor with alcohol is most often a misdemeanor offense. Adults who are charged with this misdemeanor will face time in jail, up to 1 year, though it is usually less than 2 months.

    They will also pay a fine of no more than $5,000, but fines between $500 and $1,000 are more common. There will be a court fee of $100-$200, and they could be placed on probation. Probation requirements would vary; it could be that the person just needs to check in with a probation officer every now and then or they may need to maintain a steady job. If it was a business that supplied alcohol to a minor, that business can lose its alcohol license and they would have additional fees to pay.

    If someone is seriously injured or killed as a direct result of underage drinking, then the charges are brought up to a felony offense. In this case, consequences include 1+ years in prison, thousands of dollars in fines, probation, and again, a lost liquor license if applicable.

    You cannot expect the court to be forgiving if a parent supplies alcohol to their child. There is just no way of knowing if the judge will be kind or not. Everybody knows the minimum drinking age is 21 and that there are no exceptions to this rule. Due to this law, there is no reason a parent should give alcohol to their underage children.

    Hit-the-Slopes-This-Winter

    Hit the Slopes This Winter

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    Hit-the-Slopes-This-Winter

    Explore the mountains of California by coasting down the slopes. Even though it currently feels like summer, the winter weather is around the corner. With it being winter, hopefully it’s just a matter of time before we get more snow on the mountains. Some places have seen snow fall already. Other places have just been relying on man-made snow.

    Most snowboarders and skiers are chomping at the bit for more snow fall. If you’re new to the slopes, or just don’t know where to go, try visiting websites like Visit California and Ski California. Sport stores will also be up to date on the local slopes. Fortunately for Californians, it doesn’t matter if you’re in southern, northern, or central California, the mountains are always close by.

    Here are several popular slopes:

    • Mammoth Mountain
    • Mt. High
    • Big Bear
    • Mt. Shasta
    • Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
    • Northstar
    • Snow Valley

    If you’re ready to shred like Shaun White, but don’t have any gear, don’t worry. Most slopes have gear rental places nearby the resort for their customers. Sport stores will also have gear that you can rent out for several days.

    If you’re new to the slopes this season, get prepared by taking a safety class or try going with someone who is familiar with the slopes. In order to get lessons or a guide to teach you the basics, it’s best to talk to the resorts or sporting stores. They typically have classes you can sign up for.

    Remember to dress for a successful day at the slopes. Dress for the cold and also prepare to be damp from the snow. Get pumped and ready for the snow this winter. Explore and venture out of your comfort zone by hitting the slopes.

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    Want Someone Out of Jail in a Hurry?

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    Do you want to get a friend or family member out of jail in a hurry? Of course you do! Nobody wants someone they care about to suffer, and that’s all a loved one will be doing in jail. That is why you want to act quickly, and rescue your friend or family member from jail. You know that he should be back home where he belongs.

    In order to get your loved one out of jail in a hurry, you are going to need to find a bail bond company that works quickly. Luckily, you know about Penny Bail Bonds in San Bernardino. We have been rescuing people from jail in a hurry since 1987. We have years of experience with bail bonds, meaning we know how to get bail bonds delivered in a hurry.

    Our agents get to work the moment you talk to them. All they need to get started is your loved one’s name, birthday, and the county of his or her arrest. With that information, our agents will be able to scour through the jail database to find your loved one and gather the rest of his information. Once all of the paperwork has been filled out and signed, and we have received the initial payment for the bail bond, we will deliver the bail to the jail where your loved one is being held.

    Penny Bail Bonds in San Bernardino can help you get your loved one out of jail in as little as a few hours in some counties. Once we start working for you, you can rest easy knowing that we will not rest until we have secured your loved one’s release from jail. We do not quit until your loved one is back home, safe and sound.

    Get started right now by calling 866-736-6977 or by clicking Chat With Us now.

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    Preparing for an Earthquake

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    Here in California, is important to be prepared for an earthquake at any moment. Our state has dozens of earthquakes a day, it’s just that they are too small for people to notice. However, once in a while, California gets hit with a large earthquake that damages property and infrastructure. While rare, it is important to be prepared for these types of earthquakes. It could save your life, as well as the lives of your loved ones.

    To begin with, it is important to have a good supply of food and water stored away. How much? Enough food and water to last each family member 3 days. That may seem like a lot, but resources may be hard to get in the first few days after a large earthquake.

    It is also extremely important to have a family emergency plan. Try to come up with 2 ways to exit every room in the house. Designate a safe area outside where everyone in the family knows to meet after an earthquake. Make sure everyone knows where the shut off valves and switches are for the utilities. This means water, gas, and electricity. The shaking can damage these systems and cause leaks, which can be dangerous. That is why everyone should know how to turn these off in an emergency.

    Everyone in the family should also know the location of emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits. In addition, everyone should have a flashlight and a pair of shoes or slippers near their bed. These will come in handy if an earthquake happens during the night.

    You should keep important documents, such as social security cards, birth certificates, and proof of ownership certificates in a fire proof safe. The safe should be stored in a safe place that can be accessed in times of emergency. Also, be sure to mount all tall object to your walls to prevent them from falling over during an earthquake.

    Doing all of this is a great way to prepare for an earthquake. Knowing all of this can also help keep you and your loved one’s calm during such an event, which can save lives.

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    You can Be Fined for Crossing the Street During the Countdown

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    Believe it or not, a person is violating the law if they cross the street in the intersection when the hand is flashing with a countdown. Many Californians do not realize, or they forget, that it is actually illegal. They believe that they merely have that countdown left to get across the street safely. Actually, pedestrians may only legally cross the street when the signal shows the human figure.

    Samuel Chu is learning this law the hard way. He was given a $202 citation from an officer for stepping into the street when the crossing sign was counting down.

    In fact, it is not uncommon for officers to issue these citations. It simply is not widely reported, which is why citizens may not know the law. Over the last 4 years, Los Angeles police officers issued 17,000 such citations.

    Now, a couple of Los Angeles politicians are looking to change up the law so that pedestrians are not slapped with such an expensive ticket for such a minor offense. Councilman Jose Huizar and Assemblyman Miguel Santiago are pushing to ratify the law and let pedestrians legally continue crossing the street until the flashing light ends and the hand stops. As expected, there are pros and cons on both sides that are to be evaluated before any changes are made, which likely would not be for some time anyway.

    A citation like this is often unexpected because most people who are given one do not realize they are violating the law. To them, they are merely crossing the street in the intersection as they should be. Nonetheless, it is against the law to cross the street when the signal is flashing.