In California, it is illegal to engage in a sex act with a minor and to attempt to meet with one for lewd purposes. Under California Penal Code section 288.4 (PC), you can be charged with the solicitation of a minor, even if the other person involved was actually an adult. The laws concerning sexual […]
Is it a Crime to Doorbell/Ding Dong Ditch?
Ding dong ditching, or as many people in San Diego call it, “doorbell ditching,” involves ringing people’s doorbells and running away before they answer. The game is nothing new, dating back at least to the 1800s, when it was called “ring and run,” “knock, knock, ginger,” “knock door run,” “Knicky nine doors,” and “knocky door […]
“Swatting” is the False Report of an Emergency
The SWAT (or Special Weapons and Tactics) team is an elite unit of police officers tasked with handling particularly dangerous situations. While this special team helps resolve some particularly deadly situations, their presence can sometimes escalate certain circumstances a heavily armed and aggressive force isn’t necessary. Unfortunately, the aggressive nature of the SWAT team is […]
Making Harassing, Threatening or Obscene Phone Calls in California
Most people have prank called at least a few phone numbers in their lifetimes. And realistically, there’s no real harm in asking someone if their refrigerator is running. But when prank phone calls get out of hand and start involving threats, obscenity or repeated calls to the same victim, they become a form of harassment […]
The Crime of Sexual Extortion in Vista, California
Sexual extortion, often called “sextortion,” could technically involve all types of exploitation, but the acts covered by California law involve blackmailing someone by threatening to release their nude or otherwise sexually explicit images or videos. It doesn’t matter if the blackmail is an attempt to extort money, sexual favors, or any other type of property; […]
Criminal Threats Charges in California (422 & 422.3 (PC))
Under California law, it is illegal to threaten to harm another person. Threats directed at individuals are generally prosecuted under Penal Code 422 (PC), while 422.3 (PC) addresses threats involving mass violence or public locations such as schools, churches, workplaces, airports, and hospitals. Depending on the specifics of the case, prosecutors may file charges under […]
The Most Common Crimes Committed On Social Media
For all the good social media has done in helping to connect people, it has also helped people commit crimes in a number of ways. While the most obvious recent example was the planning far-right agitators did before storming the capitol, there are many other ways social media can be used for criminal acts. Here […]
Is Doxing Legal Under California Law?
The internet is often filled with hate speech and trash-talking. Most of these behaviors are covered by the First Amendment; however, the California legislature has taken steps to balance the public’s right to free speech with their right to privacy and safety. As a result, activities such as hacking and swatting are against the law. Similarly, sharing someone’s personal […]
Surprising Things Police Can Do Without A Warrant
The Constitution may protect you from unreasonable search and seizure, but many people have no idea how complex search warrant laws are. For example, the police cannot search your cell phone without a warrant, but they can search your car without a warrant if they have “reasonable suspicion.” In fact, they can do many things […]
