Texting and Driving in California

texting and driving

It doesn’t matter how many images of horrific wrecks insurance companies and auto agencies put out to warn drivers of the dangers of texting and driving, we still do it. Each of us has this weird impression that surely sending a quick response to the most recent incoming text won’t do anything wrong.

Since the warnings aren’t enough to convince the vast majority of us to stop texting while we’re behind the wheel, California lawmakers have decided to pass laws that they hope will discourage the dangerous habit.

The issue of texting and driving is covered by California’s distracted driving laws. These laws weren’t altered in 2021, but it’s always a good idea to review them. Especially if your budget and driving record can’t take the hit of another ticket.

At this point, the ...

Abandoned Cars in California

Abandoned Cars in California

California law states that any “vehicle which has been left unattended, standing, parked upon or within 10 feet of the traveled portion of the highway for more than 48 hours, or a vehicle left standing or parked on private property more than 24 hours or upon other public property for more than 30 days,” is an abandoned vehicle. The same is true of a vehicle that’s been left on the side of the highway for 72 hours and hasn’t been reported by the owner.

If you are the owner of a piece of property that has an abandoned car on it, you’re not allowed to automatically assume ownership of the vehicle. Legally, you’re required to report it. The state will then process the vehicle and ultimately decide what to do with it...

Public Intoxication Laws in California

Public Intoxication Laws in California

Everyone knows that if you get behind the wheel and drive your car after you’ve had too much to drink that you’ll be arrested and have to deal with some serious legal consequences. What you might not know is that alcohol can get you into trouble even if you don’t plan on driving.

If you’re severely drunk (or under the influence of drugs) while in public, you could be charged with public intoxication in California.

The good news is that the police probably won’t arrest you just because you’ve had one too many and are walking home. However, if you’re the type of person who makes strange choices when you’re drunk, you’re night out could end with you getting locked in a jail cell.

In California, the police can arrest you if you for public intoxication if you’re in public and...

When Does a Prank Go too Far?

When Does a Prank Go too Far?

Most of us have been involved in pranks, both as the person pulling the prank on another and as someone who has been pranked. In most cases, the pranks are fun and no one is emotionally or physically hurt, but there is always an exception.

The best indicator that a prank has gone too far is that the police have gotten involved. In the eyes of the law, it doesn’t matter if you were pulling a prank or if you deliberately set about to hurt someone. If a law was broken, you could end up in jail.

Most pranks attract legal attention because someone has gotten seriously hurt or property was damaged during the prank.

Here is a small sample of the type of pranks that could potentially get you into hot legal water.

Making Prank Calls

Prank calls seem harmless...

The Difference Between Manslaughter and Involuntary Manslaughter

The Difference Between Manslaughter and Involuntary Manslaughter

From a legal standpoint, manslaughter is, “the unlawful killing of a human being without any malice aforethought.”

What that means is that something you did resulted in the death of someone else. What separates it from other types of murder charges is that you didn’t actively think you were going to do something that would trigger their death. There was zero premeditation.

What is Manslaughter

Manslaughter, which is sometimes referred to as voluntary manslaughter, happens when the court rules that the victim provoked you. A perfect example of this is if you’re at a bar and someone is harassing you. If you decide you’ve had enough and punch your heckler and they die, that’s manslaughter.

You didn’t plan on murdering the person and their actions provoked the attack, but at the ...

Tips to Help you File your 2020 Tax Return

Tips to Help you File your 2020 Tax Return

Yes it’s only February and your 2020 tax return isn’t due until mid-April, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore that tax season is officially here. The last thing you want to do is wait until a few days before the deadline to file. Turning your thoughts to your tax return now and creating a plan to help you prepare them reduces a great deal of tax season stress.

The key to keeping your stress levels low during tax season is creating a plan. Create a list of specific tasks that need to be completed and determine when you’ll do them. You’ll be amazed how much a solid plan of attack smooths out the process of filing your 2020 tax return.

Gather Your Paperwork

The paperwork you need to have on hand before you’re ready to start preparing your tax return includes:

  • W2s
  • Documents that...

Fun Facts Are Your Crime Warnings

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It’s Fun Facts time! Well, these may be fun facts, but truth-be-told, it might not always be fun, especially when we tell you that these fun facts are all laws that you have probably broken before, and didn’t even know.

• If you still receive mail addressed to the tenant who lived in your apartment before you, it is illegal for you to open or throw out their mail.
• Carrying a permanent marker while out in public is actually a no-no. To the authorities, a permanent marker is considered a graffiti tool and graffiti is illegal. It is also illegal to give a permanent marker to a minor.
• The Happy Birthday song is actually copyrighted, and anytime you sing that song, you are committing a crime.

Now, the likelihood of you being arrested for committing any of these crimes is low...

How to Pick the Right Bail Bond Company

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Trying to decide on the best bail bond company to help you bail your loved one out of jail is a tough decision to make when there is a lot of legal jargon that you do not understand and you are stressed knowing your loved one has been arrested. We hope you are never in such a situation, but if you are, here are some things to look for when doing your research:

Affordability
California bail bond companies charge 10% of the full bail amount, called the premium. Find a company who can offer a discount to turn the 10% into 8%, and have 0 hidden fees and interest.

Flexibility
Paying for bail is hard. You need a company who can work with you and understands your needs. Find a company who can get you a good customized payment plan.

Availability
You are bound to have questions and concerns now an...