Can You Buy Cigarettes and Alcohol With an Expired ID?

Posted on July 26, 2023 by karen

We’ve all done it from time to time. We lose track of time and fail to renew our state identification when our birthday rolls around. Some of us don’t realize the oversite until we try to purchase cigarettes or alcohol and are denied because of our expired identification.

If you’re the type of person to say oops, sorry, I’ll take care of that and leave the alcohol or cigarettes behind, you’re doing exactly what you’re supposed to. If you’re the type of person who throws a fit and yells about how unfair it is and that since you’re old enough the store should sell to you anyway, you’re in the wrong.

The way the law works, buying cigarettes and alcohol is a privilege, not a right. The only big requirement they have in place is that you have a legal identification on you. California lawmakers feel that if you can’t follow that simple instruction, you probably don’t need whatever it is you want to buy. It’s not fair to expect cashiers to bend the rules for you. The same is true if you try to purchase some restricted over-the-counter cold medications.

Not only are you not supposed to purchase things like cigarettes and alcohol while using an expired identification, but you also aren’t allowed to find someone who does have a valid identification to purchase the items for you.

If you plan on buying cigarettes or alcohol it’s in your best interest to take a quick glance at your identification and make sure it hasn’t expired. If you look and realize that you are overdue to renew it, get yourself to the DMV as quickly as possible and rectify the situation. Renewing your identification not only means you’re able to buy alcohol and cigarettes but that you won’t have to worry about getting a ticket for driving on an expired license or not being allowed to fly.

Are My TikTok Videos Protected by Copyright Law?

Posted on July 26, 2023 by karen

Many people have made a career out of posting TikTok videos. They have used their videos to build brands, become influencers, and even launch marketing/acting/singing careers.

Anyone who has worked to build a successful TikTok platform knows exactly how much thought and effort go into the creation of each video. As their platform grows, they have also discovered how highly prized a good video and even an entire account is to people who want the success of a TikTok platform but who aren’t willing to actually create one of their own.

The surge of TikTok videos and even accounts that are getting hacked, stolen, and even copied has made people ask if the TikTok videos they post are protected by copyright law.

The answer is that when it comes to TikTok and copyright law, the issue is murky.

The sad reality is that it appears that TikTok is less concerned about protecting the content that people post to the video channel and more concerned with the idea that account owners are actually using copyrighted content. As a result, it’s far easier for, say, a singer who has a song that someone used in a TikTok video without the artist’s permission than it is for a video creator to argue that their entire video was stolen by another user.

If you are a content creator and are worried about your TikTok videos getting copied and used by someone else, it’s up to you to make sure that each video you post is copyrighted.

The first thing you need to do is read through TikTok’s Intellectual Property Policy. This is a great way to learn exactly what legal rights you do and don’t retain once you post your video. When you read through this policy, you’ll discover that as far as TikTok is concerned, you retain full ownership of your video. This is good news should your video be stolen. You can pursue legal action, though the experience will likely be costly. Just beware that based on the past experiences of some people, TikTok has not been very supportive when it comes to reclaiming your videos and even your hacked account.

Another thing to keep in mind when creating TikTok videos is that it’s a great deal easier to prove that a video is yours is keeping all the work you’ve done on it. Don’t delete things like your outline, your script, and unedited versions of your video. Save these in your cloud or as an email attachment. Having these things can really help you prove that you are, in fact, the creator of the video and, therefore, the only person who can use the content.

How to Get Bailed Out of Jail Quickly In Memphis

Posted on July 13, 2023 by karen

No one wants to sit in a jail cell longer than necessary. The longer you’re locked up, the larger the financial, emotional, and even mental toll the experience takes on you. The good news is that there are some things you can do that will help speed up the bail bond process.

Stay Calm, Cool, and Collected

The worst thing you can do after being arrested is lose your temper. Not only will throwing a fit not accomplish anything, but it can also make the situation worse. It’s not unheard of for a fit of temper to result in a person getting charged with additional crimes after they’ve been arrested. These additional charges delay the process and can result in your bail becoming even higher or even getting denied altogether.

Let Others Know What Happened

Many people try to hide their predicament from others, but in the long run, this is a mistake. Letting your loved ones know what has happened is in your best interest. Not only can they make sure that everyone close is aware of the situation, but they can also start to see if collecting enough money to post your bail is possible.

Reach Out to Memphis Bail Bonds

We have several decades’ worth of experience helping people just like yourself. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can help you set up a payment plan, approve your collateral, and connect with a co-signer. The sooner this is done, the sooner we can post the bail bond and release you from jail.

Another thing that helps speed up the process is having some critical information that we require on hand when you first contact us.

To start the bail bond process, we need the following things:

Your legal name
Date of birth
List charges you’re facing
What jail you’re being held at
Your inmate/booking number
The bail amount

The reasons you should contact Memphis Bail Bonds include the following:

24/7 Bail bond service
20% Discount for veterans
Phone/online approvals
0% Interest payment plans
No hidden fees
No collateral is required for working signers

Consultations are always free. Simply call (615)544-0000 for additional information.

How to Keep Your Life on Track While You’re Out on Bail

Posted on July 13, 2023 by karen

Just because you have been released from jail on a bail bond doesn’t mean you’re life will go back to being completely normal. You’ve only been released from jail. Official criminal charges against you will still impact your living over the next few months. You must keep your life on track and organized until your legal matters have been settled.

Here are a few tips that will help you keep your life on track while you’re out on bail.

Review any Restrictions Connected to Your Bail

If you have only been charged with minor crimes, likely, there aren’t any real restrictions connected to your bail. However, if the charges are more serious, the judge probably laid out some rules you must follow if you don’t want your bail revoked. Take some time to review these restrictions and make sure you fully understand how they will impact your day-to-day life.

Let Your Employer Know About Your Situation

Many people hope to hide the news that they’ve been arrested from their employer, but that isn’t always a good idea. First, information about who has been charged with what is readily available in local and online papers. If your employer frequently checks police records or county information, they will likely learn about your charges. It’s far better that they get the news from you.

The second issue is that there will be mandatory court dates in your future; it’s important for your employer to understand why you need those upcoming times off.

Arrange Your Finances so That you Have Budgeted for Bail Bond Payments.

If you signed up for Memphis Bail Bonds zero-down, zero-interest payment plan, you will want to sit down with your normal budget and figure out how to incorporate the regular payments into your budget.

Record Court Date Onto Your Calendar

The most important rule connected to being bailed out of jail is that you must attend all of your mandatory court dates. Don’t assume that you don’t have to go just because it’s something only your lawyer will speak about; you still do. Failing to appear at any mandatory court dates results in the automatic revocation of your bail.

In addition to knowing your court dates, make sure you take some time beforehand to arrange for reliable transportation.

The services our clients enjoy include the following:

20% discounts for some applicants
Zero worry about hidden fees
Zero-down bail bond
Zero-interest bail bond
Flexible payment plans
Simple contracts
24/7 service
Phone consultations
Online consultations

To learn more about bail, call (615)544-0000. Free consultations are available 24/7!

Fentanyl Crisis Awareness | What You Should Know

Posted on July 12, 2023 by karen

It seems like every few years, one drug falls out of favor, and another takes it’s place. In the past, serious concerns have been raised about LSD, heroin, cocaine, meth, and more. The current drug of concern is fentanyl.

Technically speaking, fentanyl is a legal drug. It’s a synthetic opioid that’s used to treat pain. When used properly, it improves the quality of life for those who struggle with chronic pain. The problem is that fentanyl has become a street drug. The illegal use of fentanyl has led to a steady increase in overdose deaths during the past decade. There is even a current case that’s gaining a great deal of national media attention in which a wife is accused of using fentanyl to murder her spouse.

Using fentanyl without the use of a prescription is illegal, but the legal consequences of using fentanyl are in the process of becoming more severe.

The House of Representatives recently passed legislation that’s specifically geared towards individuals who abuse fentanyl. It is an issue that has helped unite both Democrat and Republican politicians.

One of the main purposes behind the new legislation is to have fentanyl listed as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. If the legislation becomes law, it means that the prison sentences for fentanyl related crimes will become significantly more severe. While the bill still has to gain both Congressional and Presidential approval before it becomes law, it does appear that the White House is in favor of the bill.

At this point, if you’re caught with a small amount of fentanyl and don’t have a prescription, you will likely be charged with a misdemeanor. If the quantity is larger, you’ll face felony charges. The biggest decision maker between a misdemeanor and felony is the amount of fentanyl you are in possession of and if you have it for personal use or if evidence suggest that you’re involved with the sale or trafficking of fentanyl.

It is not unusual for someone who is in possession of a large amount of fentanyl to be convicted of a drug crime and be sentenced to up to ten years in prison. If you’re accused of trafficking fentanyl, you will face federal charges and could be sentenced to spend the rest of your life in prison and/or fined $1 million and $50 million.

How to Stay Safe While Using a Rideshare Program

Posted on July 12, 2023 by karen

There’s no denying that rideshare programs like Uber and Lyft have changed how we think about transportation. We love the fact that we can use a smartphone app to arrange a ride rather than having to hope that we can find and hail a cab. We know that the driver knows exactly where our destination is, so there’s no concern that the cab driver will get you halfway there and then decide they’re no longer interested in transporting you. We especially love the fact that we know exactly how much the trip will cost when we book it.

Most of us are so accustomed to using rideshare programs that we seldom think about the potential danger connected to each drive or the steps we should take to stay safe.

The biggest source of danger connected to rideshare programs doesn’t come from those who are involved in the program but rather from individuals who are willing to take advantage of a crime of opportunity. There are countless horror stories from people who thought they were getting into a rideshare vehicle only to get assaulted, robbed, or worse, when they got into the wrong vehicle.

Being observant is the single best way to make sure that you’re not a victim of rideshare mistaken identity. Pay careful attention to all the details you receive from the rideshare app and make sure that they match the vehicle you’re about to climb into. If anything is even slightly amiss, immediately leave the area, get somewhere safe, and contact the authorities.

Speaking of waiting for a rideshare vehicle. Be mindful of where you’re catching your ride. Whenever possible, wait inside a building rather than on the side of the street. If you’re unable to stay inside, wait in a well-lit area that has several other people in the same place.

While reports about problem drivers aren’t common, every once in a while, a passenger will report their driver. The simple truth is that you shouldn’t trust anyone. When you’re riding by yourself, sit in the back seat, which puts some space between you and the driver. You shouldn’t bring any valuables with you, and while it’s polite to have a conversation with the driver, make sure you don’t provide them with any personal information about yourself.

Whenever you’re using a rideshare program, let a trusted family member or friend know where you’re going, what rideshare program you’re using, and when you expect to arrive. Once you’ve reached your destination, contact the person and let them know that you’re safe.

Different Types of Criminal Pleas

Posted on October 5, 2022 by karen

Shortly after you’ve been formally arrested and charged with a crime, you’ll have an arraignment. The arraignment is your first opportunity to tell a judge how you plead.

There are three different ways you can plea:

Guilty
Not guilty
No-contest

Guilty

A plea of guilty should be self-explanatory. When you tell the judge that you’re guilty, you admit that you committed the crimes for which you’ve been charged and that you’re ready to face the consequences. While everyone has their own reasons for pleading guilty at the arraignment, one of the main reasons they do so is because they’re hoping that by admitting to their guilt right away, they will get a smaller sentence than if the case went to trial.

Not Guilty

When you plead not guilty, you’re telling the judge that you’re taking no credit for the crimes you’ve been charged with. When you plead not guilty at the arraignment, the case progresses to the next stage and often ends with a jury trial. Many people plead not guilty because they want an opportunity to negotiate with the prosecution and potentially reach a plea agreement that would result in a lesser charge or less severe sentence.

No-Contest

No-contest pleas are a bit confusing. When you plead no contest, you’re telling the judge that you are willing to accept the consequences of the criminal charge. A no-contest plea is handled the same way as a guilty plea. When you plea no-contest, your case will go directly from the arraignment phase to the sentencing phase.

The main reason people decide to plea no-contest is that they are worried about civil lawsuits. The criminal court views a no-contest plea as a guilty plea. When you plea no-contest, the plaintiff in a civil case can’t say that you ever openly admitted your guilt.

The way you plea at an arraignment has a long-lasting impact on your life, especially if you’re facing felony charges. Considering how serious the situation is, you should never enter any plea without first consulting with a defense attorney.

What You Need to Know About Shoplifting

Posted on October 5, 2022 by karen

A surprising number of people have shoplifted during their lifetime. It’s especially common with young children who will often take something from candy racks. Teenagers will also sometimes shoplift because they were dared by their friends or because they are simply looking for a way to rebel.

The problem with shoplifting is that it is against the law. If you’re caught, you face some serious legal consequences.

Shoplifting occurs when you remove something from a store without paying for it. There are times when this happens by accident, such as a pair of earrings getting overlooked by a cashier or a small item getting forgotten in a cart because you were distracted by a grumpy toddler, but most of the time, shoplifting is done deliberately.

In most accidental cases, the store management will review any security tapes they have or talk to the cashier who waited on you. If it’s clear that the item was accidentally taken from the shop, they’ll likely ask you to pay for it and let you go.

However, if they discover that the shoplifting was intentional, they’ll likely file criminal charges.

If you’re arrested as a result of your shoplifting, you’ll be charged with theft. The value of the merchandise you removed from the store determines if you’re charged with petty theft or grand theft. If the total value of merchandise taken during a single shoplifting episode is less than $950 you’ll be charged with petty theft which is a misdemeanor. If you took more than $950 worth of stuff, you’re facing felony grand theft charges.

With both petty and grand theft, you could face possible jail time, though the amount of time you spend incarcerated and the location varies. With a petty theft conviction, the maximum sentence is 6 months in a county jail. The maximum jail time associated with a grand theft conviction is a year.

It isn’t unusual for a judge to look at the circumstances surrounding the shoplifting incident and decide that community service, a fine, restitution, and probation are sufficient sentences.

One of the big things the judge will look at while they are trying to settle on an appropriate sentence is your criminal history. They will be far more willing to entertain a mild sentence that includes nothing more than a small fine and community service if this is your first brush with the law. If you already have a criminal record, especially that record includes other theft charges, they may decide to hit you with the maximum sentence.

What is Catfishing?

Posted on September 21, 2022 by karen

What we currently refer to as catfishing, which is pretending to be someone else for the specific purpose of deceiving another, isn’t a new concept. It has been happening since the beginning of time. The difference between now and all the historic cases of catfishing is that social media has made deceit and connecting with people easier than ever.

Using the term catfish to describe the act of assuming a fake identity in order to dupe another became commonplace shortly after a 2010 documentary called Catfish premiered. The documentary gave a detailed and fascinating account of a woman who was completely deceived by a young man with a Facebook account.

Catfishing could be considered a bit of a long con. The perpetrator puts a great deal of time and effort into setting up the scam. They must create a fake account, post fake photos, and come up with a good story. Most importantly they must know why they’re embarking on their catfishing escapade.

Every person has their own reason for setting up a catfishing scheme. Some people do it just because they want to see if they can have a good time. Stories like the old email con from the supposed Nigerian prince who needed money do it for financial gain. Sometimes it’s a desperate attempt to connect with someone and establish a romantic connection. There are even cases like the one involving Jonelle Potter who launched a catfishing campaign that Jonishing convinced her father and boyfriend to murder for her.

The good news is that most catfishing schemes don’t end in murder, though the victims frequently lose a great deal of money to the catfisher before the con runs its course. In 2021, 3,023 California victims revealed that not only had they become ensnared in a catfishing scam, but that they had given the person running the scam. It’s estimated that the 3,023 victims collectively lost $183,928,230. And that was just in California!

The laws surrounding catfishing are… murky.

Many states don’t have a law that specifically prohibits catfishing. What they do have are laws that deal with the outcome of catfishing, such as extortion and fraud. If convicted of either offense, the person who perpetrated the catfishing scheme will be a felon and likely spend some time in a state prison. It’s also highly likely that additional crimes such as identity theft (if you assume the identity of a real person for your catfishing scheme,) phishing, and electronic harassment.

3 Common Social Media Crimes

Posted on September 21, 2022 by karen

Most of us love social media sites. They provide us with an easy way to stay in touch with loved ones, the ability to let people know what we’re up to and to simply check in with someone.

What many of us don’t think about is how individuals with criminal intentions can use social media against us.

If you love your social media platforms, there are some common social media crimes you should know about. Once you’re aware of these crimes and cons, you can take steps to monitor your account and protect yourself.

Hacking

Hacking is a huge problem, particularly with Facebook. Every single day, there are stories about someone’s account either being hacked or someone creating a mirror account and using their newly gained access to gain access to another person’s computer files, contacts, and personal information.

In many cases, these hacking cases eventually turn into identity theft situations which is why it’s important to quickly change passwords and contact the social media platform’s administrators as soon as the hacking attempt is discovered.

Stalking and Bullying

Everything good has a downside. The praise, encouragement, and general good vibes you receive when you share the good news on social media sites are balanced by the stalking and bullying that is found all over social media. The bullying is bad. It can quickly eat at the victim’s self-confidence. There have even been cases of social media bullying leading to suicide.

Alongside the bullying is stalking. While this is mostly only discussed when someone is talking about a public profile, it can be a problem for anyone who uses social media sites. Not only can a stalker follow us virtually, but when we post personal information, including pictures of our homes/cars/vacation spots, we create a situation where a stalker could also start following us in real-time. This is why it’s so important to be very conscious about how much personal information you post on social media sites and to carefully go over every picture and make sure there isn’t anything a stalker could use to pinpoint your location.

Vacation Robberies

Vacation robberies have been around forever, the original Home Alone plot was based around a vacation robbery, but they used to require the thieves to pay attention to a specific neighborhood and learn the signs that someone was out of town. Today, thieves who participate in vacation robberies simply have to pay attention to social media and see who is talking about vacation while they are out of town.

The best way to avoid being a victim of a vacation robbery is to resist the urge to post vacation photos on your social media sites until you’re home. When posting, be very clear that you’re home and that your home isn’t ripe for a robbery.

What steps do you take to avoid common social media crimes?