Common Unintentional Crimes That Could Ruin Your Record

You might think you’re a good citizen who knows and follows all the rules. But chances are that you are breaking more laws than you could even imagine. Interestingly, many laws people break innocently are everyday activities they casually engage in. The legal system is generally complex, and the laws often vary by state and country. This makes it challenging for people to keep up, especially when visiting new territories. This article will tell you about some common unintentional crimes, why they happen, and how regular people can avoid them.

Driving Drunk

Many people think it is okay to drive after a few drinks because they believe their bodies can tolerate high amounts of alcohol. But driving with even a small amount of alcohol in your system can impair your coordination, reaction time, and even your judgment. Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most common unintentional crimes people commit, and it often comes with serious consequences such as hefty fines, mandatory education programs, license suspension, and even imprisonment.

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Some countries and states have laws to severely penalize drivers caught with blood alcohol levels higher than the minimum allowed. The state of Arizona in the United States, for example, has ARS-28-1382, an extreme DUI Statute that criminalizes driving or being in control of a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Level between 0.15% and 0.199%. Beyond the penalties associated with impaired driving, you must also consider the risk to your own life and that of other road users. So, when having a good time with friends, plan ahead and designate a sober driver to take you safely home. Otherwise, use a ride-share service or wait until you’re entirely sober before getting behind the wheels of a car.

Failing to Report a Car Accident

Don’t assume that there’s no need to inform the authorities just because a car accident is minor and didn’t result in major injuries. This can put you in serious legal trouble, depending on the laws applicable to your location. Many places require drivers to report accidents when the damage exceeds a specific amount or if someone is injured, no matter how minor, or killed in the accident.

You might be tempted to quickly leave the scene if you feel no one saw you when you hit a traffic sign, mailbox, fence, or parked vehicle. However, you could be charged with a hit-and-run if you do so. To avoid fines, license suspension, or jail term, move your vehicle to a safe location after an accident, check to ensure everyone involved is safe, and call for emergency response services if anyone is injured. Next, exchange information, including insurance details, names, phone numbers, and driver’s license information, with the other driver. It is also a good idea to notify your insurance company and document details about the accident scene, including the traffic signs, vehicle damage, license plates, and road conditions. Consider taking photos of the scene for accurate reporting.

Feeding Wildlife

You might think you’re being kind and thoughtful by feeding wildlife, such as ducks, geese, deer, squirrels, raccoons, and deer. However, this seemingly harmless act can come with unintended consequences for you and the animal you’re feeding. The laws prohibiting feeding wildlife help keep both wildlife and humans safe and protect ecosystems. If wild animals are constantly fed by humans, they could lose their natural ability to forage, resulting in dependence on humans for survival. Not only does this alter their natural behavior, but it could also lead to malnourishment and the spread of disease among the animals and people.

So, instead of feeding wild animals, you come across and risk legal repercussions. Look for other ways to help them by supporting local conservation efforts around you and contributing to wildlife rehabilitation centers. You can also plant native trees and flowers, which can serve as natural food sources for animals. When in parks and wildlife conservation areas, follow guidelines to ensure those habitats are protected.

Using Someone Else’s Wi-Fi

Using someone else’s Wi-Fi connection without their permission might seem harmless, but it puts you at cybersecurity and legal risk. Some jurisdictions classify this act, also known as Wi-Fi piggybacking, as a form of theft or hacking, even if no one is directly harmed as a result of it. So don’t just assume that any open network that isn’t protected by a password is free for public use. You don’t want to be charged with a misdemeanor offense or jeopardize your safety when using untrusted networks.

Cybercriminals sometimes leave Wi-Fi connections open to monitor the online activities of people who log into their networks. In the process, they could steal your personal information or transmit malware to your device. And if the owner of the connection is involved in criminal activities, such as downloading pirated content, cyber crimes, or child pornography, you could unknowingly be linked to them. So, whenever you’re unsure if a Wi-Fi network you want to connect to is legal and safe, try to obtain explicit consent by asking the staff at a library, hotel, or cafe about such connections and for the login credentials.

Bear in mind that some internet service providers have terms and conditions that prohibit the sharing of internet connection with others whether or not the Wi-Fi subscriber grants access. So, if you need regular internet access, consider purchasing yours rather than relying on other people’s networks.

Improper Disposal of Hazardous Waste

Expect some civil charges with hefty penalties if you dispose of hazardous waste such as used motor oils, batteries, pesticides, compressed gas tanks, fluorescent light bulbs, and printer inkjet cartridges improperly.  Such waste products are either flammable, corrosive, or toxic, making them a potential threat to human and animal health and the environment.

It is crucial to find out from local authorities what the guidelines for disposal of such products are. You also want to store them in a suitable manner while waiting for the appropriate disposal method. Some cities offer special drop-off or recycling locations for disposal of such products.

Jaywalking

Not only is crossing the street outside the designated crosswalk harmful to pedestrians, but it is also illegal and punishable by fines in many cities. If you cross a busy traffic street without the right of way or ignore traffic signals in a city that strictly enforces pedestrian violation laws, you might be charged and fined. So, be patient and cross the street in the right area, and only when it is safe.