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...

Bail Amounts for Common Offenses

In order to be released from jail, a person must meet certain “requirements.” This includes:

• Having not yet been convicted of the crime.
• Having solid, reliable relationships with others in the community. This shows that the defendant is likely to appear for court and less likely to flee.
• Not appearing as a threat to the public.
• Having little to no prior criminal history.
• Being accused of a crime that is neither serious nor violent.
• Being granted bail.

How much bail is will really depend on a case by case basis. Understandably, the more serious the crime was, the more expensive the bail will be. Additionally, if the defendant is a repeat offender, they are more likely to have a higher bail than a person who is a first time offender...

Celebrities Have to Pay for Bail Too

Celebrities are frequently given the red carpet treatment almost anywhere they go, for almost everything they do. They get special VIP access and treatment that the public never gets to experience. For all the glitz and glam, it sure seems beneficial to have a well-known name and face.

Occasionally, celebrities do not get special treatment. In fact, having star-status brings them more attention than they want. For example, being a celebrity and having a run-in with the law. Celebrities do not get away if they break the law. Just like any other person who broke the law, a celebrity must face the same legal proceedings and possible consequences as everyone else...

Do Not Believe Everything You Read Online

You always hear that you should not believe everything you see online, and unfortunately, it still needs to be said. You can still find stories online of people who were scammed or cheated out of money.

This can happen quite often on websites such as Craigslist and Amazon were goods and services are sold and exchanged. People will advertise that they are selling one thing, but then fail to deliver on that promise. When a buyer gets their product, if they do actually get their product, they find out that what was sent did not match what was pictured.

This is why most sites have introduced review systems. This allows clients to leave a warning to any future clients. The reviews also help prospective clients determine if they want to buy anything from that seller...

Neighbors Partying Too Much?

Do you have neighbors who love to party and create a lot of noise late at night, or even into the morning hours? If so, they have probably awoken you, or prevented you, from sleep on numerous occasions.

If you are like most people, you like being able to sleep so that you will have enough energy to face the day tomorrow. This means these noisy neighbors are preventing you from efficiently handling your days. If that is indeed the case, you probably want them to stop with all of the racket.

Your first step to handling this problem, should be to politely confront your neighbors. Let them know that they are making quite a bit of noise and that it is keeping you awake. Be sure to be nice and not be rude or mean to them, doing so could make the situation worse...

Are You Ready for the Next Big One?

As Californians, we are always on the lookout for the next big earthquake. The San Andreas Fault runs along the entire length of the state, making California highly susceptible to earthquakes. In fact, California has around 10,000 earthquakes a year.

Since our state is so prone to shaking, it is important for all of us to be prepared for the next big quake. Here are some tips to help keep you ready for the next big earthquake:

• Have an earthquake plan ready. This way, you will have a better idea of how to react when an earthquake happens.
• Make sure large objects like bookcases or china hutches are bolted to studs in the wall so they cannot fall over during a quake.
• Locate a spot in every room of your house where you can find shelter during a quake...

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...

One Day, Your Arrest will be Forgotten

“Stressed” is an extreme understatement when you learn your loved one has been arrested and you need to help bail them out of jail, deal with lawyers, and go through trial. You and your family are not responsible for taking care of everything. Professional bail agents and lawyers will help you out a great deal of the way, alleviating a lot of that stress. A big part of your job would be is to offer emotional support to your loved one. If you think you are stressed, imagine what they are thinking. You need to reassure them that this is not the end of their life.

Think of it this way: you might know someone else who was arrested once and dealt with everything you are dealing with right now...

What I Should and Shouldn’t Do if Arrested

Chaos ensues when someone is arrested. Sometimes, the person is neglectful of what they should and should not do or say because they are stressed and not thinking clearly. They need to cooperate with the police, but at the same time, they need to protect themselves as much as possible. Just because someone is arrested does not mean they have no rights. A person is innocent until proven guilty, and they have rights no matter what.

Upon an arrest, here are some things the person should consider for their benefit:

Remain silent – This is the defendant’s right to refuse further questioning from the police until their lawyer arrives.
Get a lawyer – Defendants have the right to a lawyer to help fight their case in court and represent them...

Did You Know Owning a Pet Is Good for You?

Any pet owner will tell you that owning a pet makes their life better. However, what most people do not realize is that owning a pet can actually improve their health. There have been several studies that show owning a pet can be extremely beneficial for a person’s health, both physically and psychologically.

Improves Mood – Owners and pets share a special bond. Pets loves there owners, and get excited when they come home. It is a big deal for them. They make their owners feel wanted and needed, which is a great self-esteem boost.

Decrease Stress – Research has shown that people experience less stress when they have a pet with them, then when they have a spouse or family member with them. This may be due to the fact that pets love their owners unconditionally.

Lower Blood Pressure –...