The Illegal & Unlawful

Unusual Laws: Watch Your Mouth

I’ll Say Whatever The ...  I Want
In America, we relish the fact that we have the right to say whatever we want.

But in some states, there are exceptions to that rule.

Even in this day and age, there are state laws that make it illegal to use profane language in public, but there are laws beyond that including laws that dictate where you can use certain language and even who you can encourage to use such language.

For example, 36-year-old Wesley Force Jr. was arrested for public cursing.

The incident occurred earlier this year when Force got into a disagreement with the …

By |September 12th, 2013|The Illegal & Unlawful|Comments Off on Unusual Laws: Watch Your Mouth
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Man Robs Bank For $1 To Get Health Care In Jail

Everyone will agree that health care is expensive- especially for those who don't carry insurance.

But have things gotten so bad that people are willing to be sent to jail in order to see a doctor?

Defendant Tim Alsip says yes.

This Portland, OR defendant decided to have himself rearrested so he could receive free medical care.

Bank employees said the man walked into their storefront last week, walked up to the counter and produced a demand note.  The note indicated that Alsip was "holding them up and that he wanted one dollar".   The teller was a bit confused, but complied.

The man then …

By |August 27th, 2013|The Illegal & Unlawful|Comments Off on Man Robs Bank For $1 To Get Health Care In Jail
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Rustle a Cactus, Meet The Cactus Cops

In your life, you probably never thought you would hear these words together: cactus rustler.

Or another great term: cactus cops.

But in Arizona, the term is actually widely used. It refers to anyone who removes or attempts to remove a protected plant from its natural habitat, specifically the iconic saguaro cactus, without a special permit.

The laws were implemented in order to protect the native species of plants that grow in Arizona, both from people who want to transport the plants for profit and those who just want to maim them for fun.

Many of the plants that are native to Arizona …

By |August 19th, 2013|The Illegal & Unlawful|Comments Off on Rustle a Cactus, Meet The Cactus Cops
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It Is Illegal to Wrestle a Bear

Sometimes you hear about a law and it just makes you ask, “Why does that have to be a law?”

And then you realize it’s because someone out there has done it! And what’s worse, there are still some people who want to do it.
That’s a startling thought when you see that it is illegal to wrestle bears in Illinois as well as other states.
A no-brainer, right? Who in their right mind is going to go up against a massive bear in a one-on-one wrestling match?

Apparently, (more…)

By |August 7th, 2013|The Illegal & Unlawful|Comments Off on It Is Illegal to Wrestle a Bear
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Drunk Driver Drives Herself To Jail

Most people who drive while under the influence try to avoid getting caught.

That is, unless you're Lynn Clemens.

Earlier this week, the 46 year-old Alabama resident decided to indulge in quite a few adult beverages.  At some point in the evening, after drinking herself into a sufficient stupor, she decided she needed to go to jail.

Authorities aren't sure why she hoped in her car and sped off to the county jail, although they have pointed out that intoxicated persons don't exactly think with a clear head.

Sheriff's deputies said they found her (more…)

By |August 2nd, 2013|The Illegal & Unlawful|Comments Off on Drunk Driver Drives Herself To Jail
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Taxi! I Need You To Take Me To 7-Eleven So I Can Rob It

It's not often that a person hails a cab to bring them to a hold up.

That is, unless you're 25 year-old Ariana Bolmer.  The incident took place last week.  Although it's unclear how she came up with the plan, it's assumed she realized her wallet was as bare as her pantry.

Bolmer proceeded to hatch what she believed was a fool-proof heist.

Hail a cab- have them take her to the 7-Eleven on Bayshore Boulevard, and then ask the driver to wait around the corner.  If the driver asks (more…)

By |August 1st, 2013|The Illegal & Unlawful|Comments Off on Taxi! I Need You To Take Me To 7-Eleven So I Can Rob It
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Near Naked Home Invader Calls 9-1-1 On Himself

A 21 year-old Virginia man was arrested after breaking into a Chesapeake home.

Authorities say they were tipped off as to the home invasion after suspect Mark Fulk called 9-1-1 on himself.

Investigators say the man was practically naked when he broke into the residence.  The homeowners said he was clad in a small towel.

Fulk hopped on the offensive when he was discovered.  He dropped his towel and reached for a kitchen knife.

He threatened to kill the couple.  Jim and Helen Hardee said they were concerned for their lives.

At some point during the altercation, Fulk requested to (more…)

By |July 25th, 2013|The Illegal & Unlawful|Comments Off on Near Naked Home Invader Calls 9-1-1 On Himself
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The Next Five Christmases In Jail

Defendant Betina Young has been ordered to serve just fifteen days in jail for issuing driver's licenses and identification cards to people who have entered the country illegally.

The sentence will be served three days at a time over the course of the next five years.

Those three days, according to Ohio Judge Michael Holbrook, will take place over the Christmas holiday.

This creative sentencing is known throughout the county as a "Holbrook holiday".   It's creator says he's been using this type of punishment for nearly a decade.  He asks defendants about annual dates that are important to them.  Some choose the …

By |July 25th, 2013|The Illegal & Unlawful|Comments Off on The Next Five Christmases In Jail
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It Is Illegal to Wear a Zoot Suit on Los Angeles Streets

When we hear the term “Zoot Suit,” we might flash to the music of “Cherry Poppin’ Daddies” from the 90s.
You may not know that song was based on a real 1943 Los Angeles riot. Yes, only in Los Angeles, right?
Yes, sailors and marines duked it out with the minorities who shunned war-time laws against the making and wearing of the extravagant suits. The long jacket featured overly-padded shoulders and the pants that were severely tapered down to the ankle.

This look was the height of fashion during the rise of the jazz era in the 1940s and was favored by …

By |July 24th, 2013|The Illegal & Unlawful|Comments Off on It Is Illegal to Wear a Zoot Suit on Los Angeles Streets
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Elderly Car Thief Nabbed; Too Slow Putting Walker Into The Trunk

Most car thieves will agree that speed is of the essence.  This is not just important in terms of the getaway, it's especially important during the time the vehicle is being stolen.

An elderly Australian man apparently forgot this rule when he robbed a woman at knife point and attempted to jack her car.

Authorities were able to nab the thief because he was too slow in placing his walker into the trunk.

Queensland Police reportedly said the incident took place in the parking lot of a local retail store.  The man is said to have entered the establishment to buy a …

By |July 11th, 2013|The Illegal & Unlawful|Comments Off on Elderly Car Thief Nabbed; Too Slow Putting Walker Into The Trunk
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