5 Craziest Crimes of the Week

(Newser) – A crime-fighting fencer and a bizarre cold case involving decades-old murders make the cut: Fencing Coach Foils Crime as Only a Fencing Coach Can: Two Nashville robbers had the misfortune to try to steal a purse in a shopping center parking lot just as Franco Scaramuzza pulled in. That's because Scaramuzza is a fencing coach who had just left practice and still had his equipment with him.Cops: Elderly Pair Killed Their Spouses, Kids Decades Ago: It's a pretty shocking allegation: that a Missouri couple in their seventies killed their spouses, along with two children, decades ago. But that's exactly what prosecutors allege.9-Year-Old Assaults Teacher After She Takes iPad: Police in Rock Hill, South Carolina, were summoned to a school when a boy erupted into a rage after his 26-year-old female teacher made the mistake of ... confiscating his iPad.Inmate Allegedly Plots Murder via Paper Airplanes: A Long Island man accused of rape also faces murder conspiracy charges after police say he tried to recruit a fellow inmate to kill his alleged victim and a witness. His method of communication? Paper airplanes, of course.Cops: Drug Dealer Accidentally Texts Police: A detective in New Jersey's Andover Township got a strange text on his new cell phone: Hey, it asked, want to buy a quarter-pound of pot? The result might be the easiest bust of the year.Click for more crazy crimes.

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Sex Crimes: Sex Offender Registration

A sex crime refers to unwanted and uninvited sexual contact; however, sex crimes encompass a wide range of criminal acts. A person can be convicted of "indecent exposure" in California, which is considered a sex crime. This can simply entail urinating in public, engaging in sexual acts in a public place, or other forms of public nudity. In no way does a woman exposing her breasts for breastfeeding entail a criminal offense.

Sex crimes include: rape, spousal rape, sexual assault, indecent exposure, internet crimes, prostitution, child molestation, sodomy, sexual battery and more. How a person is penalized will depend upon the age of the victim, their criminal record and the nature of the crime.

One of the most serious aspects of a sex crime conviction involves sex offender registration. The sex offender registry is a national registry in which the offender must register no matter where they live. Failure to update one's address or failing to notify law enforcement when you move can result in serious criminal consequences including years behind bars.

As a registered sex offender, you are required to provide your headshot, your home address and what you were convicted for. This information is made public, meaning your future employers, you landlord, your neighbors and your friends can have access to your personal information. As a registered sex offender, you could have restrictions as to where you live and how close you can come to a school or park. If nothing less, it's virtually impossible to escape the social stigma associated with being a registered sex offender and this stigma will haunt you for the rest of your life.

Yes, sex offenses are serious in nature; however, it is not uncommon for the alleged abuser to the victim of lies and deceit. This is especially common in the case of a bitter divorce or heated child custody battle. Sadly, as in most sex crime cases, there are often no witnesses to the crime in question and it comes down to whether or not the judge or jury believes your side of the story. An ultimate conviction can have serious, life-altering consequences that are extremely devastating if you have any children. Meaning, a conviction can force you to move out of your home, and it can limit your access to your own children.

If you are being accused of a sex crime, you owe it to yourself to hire legal representation. Don't assume the truth will set you free. Even children can be very convincing liars if they are out to harm you for some reason or another. It will take a skilled, meticulous and aggressive lawyer to question every aspect of the evidence and witness testimony.

The Law Office of Robert M. Helfend has been serving the residents of Los Angeles since 1984. Attorney Helfend represents clients in all types of criminal charges including: sex crimes, fraud, domestic violence, child pornography, DUI, drug crimes, fraud, grand theft, burglary, federal crimes, medical marijuana and murder. He can inform his clients about three strikes law, any possible search and seizure violations, and he can assist clients in national federal crime defense. Whether your case is large or small, he has the knowledge and experience to defend clients in both the state and federal courts. Contact a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer from the firm by calling them at (800) 834-6434.

Defense for Internet Crimes Against Children

There are harsh penalties for internet crimes against children. Any crime involving a minor will be more harshly punished than the same crime committed against an adult. Because these crimes are treated so severely, most people hire representation to defend them against these charges. It is statistically proven that a defense attorney can increase the chances of a lesser sentence. This can reduce the jail time and fines associated with these crimes against children.

Most charges associated with crimes against children are sexual. Child pornography or the soliciting of sex are the most common reasons for these accusations. A defense attorney will most likely conduct an investigation into the circumstances of the arrest and the evidence of the crime. Since these crimes occur over the internet, there can be hard evidence proving guilt. On the flip side, a computer may not contain any information at all and the evidence may all be given by word of mouth. If there are holes in testimony or a lack of solid evidence, charges may be overturned. Other tactics a defense lawyer may use to defend a person include:

Unlawful arrest - Officers of the law are responsible for following correct procedure during an arrest. If they do not, the accused individual may have his or her case thrown out.
Mental illness - Many people commit crimes due to a mental health condition that they cannot control.
First charge - Those who have a clean record may be able to use this information to secure a lesser charge.
Innocence - In many cases, individuals are wrongly accused, and an experienced attorney can show this.

To learn more about internet crime defense, visit the website of the San Jose criminal attorneys at the Jensen Law Office today.

James Witherspoon

Drug Crimes: An Overview

If you or a loved one have been accused of any type of drug crime, it is imperative that you contact a criminal defense attorney for legal aid as soon as possible As drug crimes are on the rise throughout the country, local and state authorities as well as government agencies like the Drug Enforcement Administration are stepping up their fight against this offense. However, in their eagerness to stop this crime, it is not uncommon for people to be falsely accused, falsely convicted, and falsely imprisoned. If this is your case, you need information concerning your situation so that you can make the best decision for you.

Drug possession is the most common drug crime and is exactly what it sounds like: being found to have an illegal substance in your possession. This violates both state and federal laws and can be punished as an infraction (as in marijuana possession in California), a misdemeanor, or a felony (if the amount found was over a certain weight). Drug possession laws also cover the possession of drug paraphernalia. If syringes, pipes, needles, or any piece of equipment used to sell drugs is found, the individual could be prosecuted. Some states have made it legal to use marijuana for medicinal purposes, but confusion can occur as it still violates federal law.

Drug manufacturing and cultivation is a more serious offense and it includes growing or producing an illicit drug. For example, it is not uncommon for regular people to grow the plant cannabis in their homes. With easy access to the growing equipment and the information necessary to grow marijuana, it has been gaining in popularity over the past years throughout the country. Other drugs such as LSD and ecstasy are not so easy to manufacture. These are not grown, but created in a lab through the use of chemicals.

The sale, transportation, importation, and exportation of controlled substances are all part of drug trafficking. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, the federal trafficking penalties will differ depending on the type of drug and the amount that was being transported. Penalties could range from heavy penalties to decades in state prison. If you have been accused of any of these drug crimes, it is imperative that you speak with a drug crime defense attorney as soon as possible. You should do everything possible to retain your freedom and stay out of jail.

Greco & Associates is a criminal defense law firm serving clients in Fort Bend, TX and the surrounding areas. They have years of experience in standing up for those who have been accused of drug possession, drug manufacturing, drug trafficking, and many other drug crimes. They understand that not everyone who has been accused of a crime is guilty and so will work tirelessly to get your charges reduced or dropped. By speaking to a Fort Bend drug crime lawyer from their team, you will get the advantage of gaining insight from a former chief prosecutor. To learn more or talk to one of their lawyers, contact a Fort Bend drug attorney from the team today!

Crimes and Self-Defense Products - Important Things You Should Know

Crimes have existed far longer than the laws that are designed to control and punish them. Over the years, communities have refined ways with which to fight crime. With self-awareness came the need for self-protection and the appearance of self defense products, if only to protect oneself from the physical harm associated with certain crimes. Today, personal protection products have come a long way; from the most cleverly disguised tools to gadgets using the latest technology. But can the presence and availability of these items deter crime or at best, discourage it?

Crimes and self defense products

The statistics are sobering enough: every 10 seconds, at least 3 crimes involving property occur. Every 15 to 20 seconds, a home gets burglarized. Dozens of crimes against persons occur every hour, attacks that very often involve physical assault. The fact is that majority of these crimes are preventable, if only the victims had enough knowledge, skills and access to a protection tool.

Self-defense products not only serve to stop an attacker, they are also effective for deterring any attacks. A home with a surveillance and alarm system, for example, is least likely to be considered an easy target for burglars than a house that doesn't have any kind of protection.

Many self defense products have also figured in helping solve crimes. Hidden cameras and other surveillance systems have helped record and monitor criminal activities, identify suspects and victims and help police in stopping and arresting the criminal.

Can self-defense products promote aggression?

Self defense products are designed to empower people and protect themselves, their loved ones and their property. These products are not meant to be used to initiate an attack; only to prevent, parry or deter.

Furthermore, many of these devices are restricted by state or federal laws. The use of tasers, tear gas and pepper sprays, for example, are limited for use by some laws. The stopping power of these products is also designed to ensure that they are used in non-lethal ways.

The Bottom line

Crime can and will exist with or without anyone owning or using self-defense products. The point here is, why bother allowing yourself to be victimized if, through the use of personal protection products, you could minimize the chances that you could be attacked or hurt? A simple defensive gadget can actually even help you survive an attack.

Furthermore, people who own and use self defense products are generally more confident. As a result, they are not viewed by would-be attackers as vulnerable or weak. Knowing that you can protect and defend yourself against an attack is often an effective means to curb crime. Quite simply, self-defense products make it difficult for crime to occur.

Steve Thibeault is an expert in self defense products. His company, TBO-TECH INC, has been providing quality self defense products such as stun guns and pepper sprays since the year 2000.

Internet Crimes: Definition and Penalties

An internet crime, or cybercrime, refers to any illegal practice that involves the use of a computer or network, or targets a computer or network. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, their key priorities in regards to cybercrimes are: computer intrusion, online predators, piracy, and fraud. Computer intrusion costs individuals and companies billions of dollars every year. By breaking into personal computers, laptops, and networks, hackers can disrupt and sometimes permanently damage vital computer systems. The reasons for computer intrusion vary from the theft of personal information to illegal business practices to terrorism.

Child pornography and online predators are another important focus of the FBI. The Innocent Images National Initiative is part of their Cyber Crimes Program and is dedicated to fighting the spread of child pornography online. It is against federal and state laws to make, own, sell, or distribute any pornographic materials that contain minors. Although each state is different, even the possession of one picture can lead to five years in prison. As one of the fastest growing crimes on the internet, it can be used for a number of purposes. Pedophiles view it, but others use it to prepare children for child prostitution, an act known as child grooming. 18 U.S.C. Chapter 110, Sexual Exploitation and Other Abuse of Children, states that violators can be punished by fifteen years in federal prison.

A crime that has garnered a mass amount of media attention is that of piracy: intellectual property theft. Intellectual property includes: music, books, movies, art, inventions, phrases, designs, and more. Materials that are protected by copyright or trademarks are illegal to copy or distribute without permission. Penalties for piracy vary based on the amount copies or distributed. The FBI has been working on educating the public regarding the seriousness of this crime and the fact that it is theft.

Lastly, another widespread internet crime is fraud. Fraud is a broad category of crimes that involve dishonest acts. When misrepresentation occurs on the internet, it becomes a cybercrime. The most common reason for fraud is monetary gain and can be civil or criminal in nature, depending on the law of the state. The main types of fraud are: identity theft, credit card fraud, bankruptcy fraud, and securities fraud.

If you have been accused of any type of internet crime, it is highly encouraged that you speak with a legal professional as soon as possible. As these crimes can be investigated by government agencies, you need a strong legal representative to be on your side. Time is crucial, so do not wait to get the help you need.

The Miller Law Firm has over twenty years of experience in criminal defense law. With a former assistant state prosecutor on their team, they have the skill and ability to handle even the most complex and serious criminal cases. By speaking to a Sarasota criminal attorney from their team, you could receive the strong legal representation you need to get your case dismissed. From drug crimes to DUI to sex crimes and theft crimes, they have handled hundreds of criminal cases. You deserve professional and high-quality legal defense and they could be able to help you get your life back on track and retain your freedom. To learn more about how they can help you, contact a Sarasota criminal lawyer from their firm. They are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, so call today or visit their website at http://www.sarasotacriminaldefenselawfirm.com.

Sex Crimes - Personal Responsibility for Criminal Behavior

Why do people commit crimes? Answer, because they want to. Criminal behavior is the expression of deviance within all of us. Basically, criminals are us, and we are them. Some do minor things, like run a stop sign, cheat on their taxes, or take property from their employer. Others do serious acts of criminal behavior that cause death, trauma and destruction. The criminal underworld is composed of all kinds of people. Like you and me, they come from all walks of life. And, they are not much different than the rest of so called "law abiding" citizens. Criminals are males, females, young, old, single, married, etc. Of special interest to law enforcement is the area referred to as sex crimes. In this regard, again the criminological question arises about the nature of sex crimes and the reason for their commission. Often, the various media, politicians and some in law enforcement assert a causal connection between such crimes and adult oriented entertainment. In reality, there is no scientific data to support such a connection. But, what is the "want to" within the rubric the human psyche? Or, instead of the "want to", the so called "desire, urging, yearning," and so forth often heard from so many criminals. That's an age old question that may defy conventional explanation.

Many studies have tried over the years to draw a direct correlation. Basically, there is none. Keep in mind, people act in criminal ways because that is their preference. We need to alert to spurious notions about such behavior. Criminals serving long terms in prison, or facing execution, have sometimes indicated a connection exists. But, you have to wonder about their motivation. After all, criminals will tell you whatever you want to know. Making stuff up and lying about their intentions is generic to the criminal. Their opinions on matters of criminal behavior should be taken a suspicious. In short, behavior is not a notion of some simply mirroring behavior they viewed in a magazine, video or on television. Criminal behavior is more than "monkey see - monkey do". Just like other crimes, sex crimes are acts of opportunity, personal motive, individual gain versus risk and ability. These criminal acts stem from premeditation and the individual pursuit of power and control over other people. Crimes involving a sexual dimension represent innate motives of personal expression. In fact, in some countries, the dramatic increase in adult materials has shown a corresponding decrease in sex crimes.

Some researchers have pointed out that criminals would probably lose interest in doing something that was made legal by society. Rape, for example, is not motivated by sex. Instead, sex is a weapon, but the motive relates to power, anger, aggression and violence. Crimes boil down to issues of gain, opportunity and ability. As such, criminal acts of a sexual nature concern potency, power and perception on the part of the perpetrator. Criminals are people who refuse to obey the law and act in a responsible manner. In order to obtain the personal gain, the criminal pursues the exhibition of his or her fantasy world. This might include playing con games with potential victims. He or she may capitalize upon exceptional interpersonal communication skills. Criminals may assert a façade of decency in order to snare their objective. Using various skills, they may find intimidation often works.

Like a bully, the criminal seeks out those who appear vulnerable. They learn early how to manipulate others. Domination and taking something raises the excitement level to heightened degrees. Sex crimes become an expression of anti-social behavior. According to some researchers, criminals who commit sex crimes show a significant resistance to changing their "deviant behavior patterns". In spite of various treatment approaches, success rates with such criminals remains extremely low. And, on top of that, there is little definitive evidence that shows treatment reduces repeat behavior. But, before they are caught, why do they commit such acts? A host of reasons have been suggested. Is it genetic, hormonal, or social? What is the gain they received from the commission of heinous acts of brutality?

Criminal behavior demonstrates the offender's ability to carry out his or her need to fulfill a fantasy. The inner workings of an individual's psyche can defy the imagination. Freedom of choice is at the core of criminal behavior. The criminal's motives become an extension of their personality. At a crime scene, this is the signature by which the criminal defines his or her actions. Behaviors are motivated by internal desires that stem from the fantasy life of the individual. The passion or power behind the motivation to commit an act of deviance or criminal behavior relates to basic desires of control, dominance, anger, revenge and displays of perceived inadequacy. As such, our crime control strategies and tactics must consider what really motivates the criminal. The who, what, where, why and how, provides the basis for the continuum by which solve the puzzle of criminal behavior.

Manipulation, domination, power and control become expressions of the complex internal thinking by which perpetrators act out sexual proclivities. Everyone has sexual motivations. Not everyone carries them into the reality of injuring another person. These inclinations are most likely associated with behavioral learning processes, social interaction, personality and psycho-physical dynamics. The personality is the strongest factor. This is important from a criminological perspective. Yet, in spite of the overall interaction of the person's makeup, the decision-making processes are important. People do things out of their own desire to do them. Desire, opportunity and ability become influential aspects in deciding on a course of action. That course of action may hurt or kill another person. Human sexual behavior is connected to the psychological state of the individual.

For some, crime has a sensual nature. Criminal behavior expresses a seductive attraction for committing crimes. For those who choose to commit crimes, the apparent rewards for such actions are more pleasurable than the apparent risks. The process involves weighing the gain minus the pain. This plausible benefit over the risks delivers a positive reinforcement for the perpetrator. Criminality becomes a hedonistic approach to life's experiences. Human efforts are aimed at maximizing the rewards and minimizing the potential penalties. To the criminal, crime is a way by which sexuality becomes expressive. Fantasies inside are released to the external reality. The motivation is stimulated by the satisfaction of criminal behavior.

In many acts of violence, criminals seek out victims to express issues of power and control. These elements relate to domination, enslavement and supremacy. In addition, there is a cause/effect connection in acting core fantasies within the individual's ideation. Sexuality, while not necessarily the weapon, becomes the "vehicle" by which violence and death are inflicted. Offenders may demonstrate similarities among different acts of criminal behavior. At the same, there may also be differences in the behaviors expressed by the criminal behavior. "Signatures" unique to the individual criminal may be left behind at the crime scene. The challenge is understanding what the message means. Such efforts fall on the investigative resources available to foster crime solution.

Sex crimes are perpetrated by people intent on carrying out their personal fantasies. Sexually offensive behaviors that violate established legal constraints emanate from the fantasy life of the perpetrator. Fantasies are the basis, or templates, by which the criminal will implement his or her plans. Criminals mentally sketch out, or otherwise rehearse how they intend to commit certain acts. In this planning process, the criminal will consider his or her motives, means and opportunities, given their individual skill levels. Within their mental calculations, they contemplate what it will be like to actually do the crime. This mental "role play" seldom satisfies the real fantasy going on in their thinking processes.

So, planning is essential to their motives and intentions to inflict their desires upon others. If caught, the criminal can be expected to assert all manner of defenses, rationalization or excuses. He or she will try to be very persuasive in minimizing the criminal behavior. Victims and the crimes are sometimes referred to as "things" or "objects" in order to devalue the significant of what the criminal did. And, further investigation will often reveal there were other victims prior to the perpetrator being caught. Power and control, using sex as a weapon, are key elements in the ideation of the criminal. Overall, the criminal does not empathize with the condition, position or importance of the victim. In the mind of the criminal, only he or she is important. Dominating and blaming the victim is essential to the acting out of the fantasy. Criminals will defend themselves by saying the victim "wanted it". Every effort will be made to deflect, deceive and avoid the truth.

Criminal behavior, in particular sex crimes, is directed toward the ends justifying the means. To the criminal, he or she strives to get what they want by whatever means possible. Excuses will be plentiful. Especially when they get caught. They will begin building the basis of a justifiable defense. In time, they will be so convincing that they will become the victim. The true victim will be forgotten, in the public's rush to be sympathetically gullible. Yet, desire, opportunity, ability and vulnerable victims remain central to the ingredients of criminal behavior. The challenge for society and the criminal justice system will be understanding the games criminals play. Human sexuality is at the core of criminal behavior inclinations. In order to ensure a high level of public safety, criminals must be held accountable and punished to fullest extent of the law. There can be no exceptions, regardless of socio-economic or political status.

Bio-Sketch - Randy Gonzalez
http://www.drgonzo.org
http://www.facebook.com/Dr.RandyGonzalez

Randy Gonzalez has been an active member of the criminal justice field for the past 39 years. He has been a police officer, deputy sheriff, and police instructor, as well as a private detective. Dr. Gonzalez has been a former police chief and police academy director, and serves as a professor of criminology on the faculty of a major private university. Dr. Gonzalez holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in Criminology, an M.P.A. degree in Public Administration, a Ph.D. in Philosophy.

Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act - Felonies and Misdemeanors

The words "computer crime" generally conjures one of two ideas: high-tech espionage or child pornography. However, in Oklahoma these take on a much broader approach. From online solicitation of a minor and other internet sex crimes to hacking and fraud, these crimes in Oklahoma are clearly defined by the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act (21 O.S. 1951 et. seq.). Section 1953 of the Oklahoma Statutes deems the following to be criminal offenses: (partial list)

1. Willfully, and without authorization, gain or attempt to gain access to and damage, modify, alter, delete, destroy, copy, make use of, disclose or take possession of a computer, network or any other property;

2. Use a computer or any other property as defined for the purpose of devising or executing a scheme or artifice with the intent to defraud, deceive, extort or for the purpose of controlling or obtaining money, property, services or other thing of value by means of a false or fraudulent pretense or representation;

3. Willfully exceed the limits of authorization and damage, modify, alter, destroy, copy, delete, disclose or take possession of a computer, computer system, computer network or any other property;

4. Willfully and without authorization, gain or attempt to gain access to a computer, computer system, computer network or any other property;

Under the Oklahoma law, some of these crimes are misdemeanor offenses, but most of the offenses are felonies. Misdemeanors include:

• Accessing a computer or network without authorization

• Using or allowing the use of a computer service without authorization

• Using a computer, computer system, or computer network to abuse, threaten, or harass another individual

The six remaining crimes are felonies. Some specific examples of CPU crime include internet fraud; computer sexual exploitation; copyright piracy (illegally downloading music, for example); hacking; and development and distribution of viruses, worms, bots, spyware, and malware.

Along with the increasing access to computers and the internet comes increased responsibility for ethical use of technology. By abusing the privileges of technology through internet sex crimes and other computer crimes, one risks the consequences of conviction. Conviction of a misdemeanor computer crime in Oklahoma is can result in a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail and up to $5,000 in fines. Oklahoma computer crime felonies are punishable by fines of $5,000 to $100,000 and a maximum prison sentence of ten years. Additionally those convicted are also subject to civil lawsuits as well as criminal charges.

For more information please see this site Oklahoma computer crimes defense lawyer

Information on White Collar Crimes

White-collar crimes once referred to illegal acts committed by business people in the course of their employment. However, now any non-violent and sophisticated economic crime would qualify as a white-collar crime. As a rule, white-collar crimes verlap with corporate crime because the opportunity for fraud, bribery, insider trading, embezzlement, computer crime, and forgery is more available to white-collar employees.

White-collar crimes are usually associated with business and do not involve violence or bodily injury to another person. Those crimes generally associated with lending institutions which involve bank fraud, such as making false statements to obtain a loan, filing false reports or returns with government agencies, embezzlement, using the mail or wire communications to defraud, and paying or accepting bribes are considered to be white-collar crimes.

Depending upon whether state or federal laws have been violated, white collar crime may be prosecuted in state or federal courts. The penalties for such crimes usually vary, but in some cases they may be as severe as those prescribed for violent crimes. In any case it is wise to talk with an attorney before answering any questions, if you are questioned by a law enforcement officer or another governmental agent about possible criminal conduct.

Visit New York Attorneys at http://www.nylawprofessionals.com for any law assistance.

Preventing Crimes at Home

Crimes happen everywhere, whether you are on the streets, inside your home, or in your office. You should always be alert and ready for any crimes that might happen. Some people think that they are safe inside their home but to their dismay, crimes still happen even inside your own premises. Criminals enter your home to take your prized belongings or inflict harm to any member of your family. For this reason, it is important that you follow crime prevention tips to keep you and your family safe.

There are many government entities that are committed to safeguarding and protecting us from harm. To be specific, our police are always on the lookout for criminals to prevent them from doing crimes or hurting the people within their designated area. But then, we should also learn to protect ourselves and our loved ones. One way to do it is by following simple tips to prevent crimes from happening inside our homes.

Below are some crime preventions tips that can help protect you and your family from being victims of crimes.

1.) Keep your house locked and well-lighted.

Make sure that every part of your home is well-lighted and even the outside of your home should have lamp posts so that you will see anybody that is prowling or hiding behind the bushes or near your gate. Even at night, make sure to keep your lights outside always turned on. Also, before going to sleep or leaving the house, you should keep your doors and windows securely locked. Tell other members of your family to keep your doors well-locked before leaving your home.

2.) Never allow strangers to enter your home.

Some criminals pretend to need something from you like using your phone or looking for a person when in fact they only want to enter your home and get your valuable possessions. They might even cause harm on you in order to make their plans work. If a stranger asks to use your phone, let him wait outside and tell him that you'll make the call for him.

3.) Prepare a list of important numbers.

Make a list of important numbers which include numbers of the nearest police station, hospital, office numbers of all family members and village guard. Teach small children how to dial 911 and to memorize the numbers of their police station. Keep the list in a visible location like posting them near the telephone or the refrigerator.

4.) Know your neighbors

It is important for you to know your neighbors and all the people in your area. That way you can easily distinguish a stranger from a resident. It is also best to befriend your neighbors and watch over their house when they're not around. For sure, they will also do the same when no one's inside your home.

5.) Conduct a background check before hiring an employee.

Before getting a new driver, housemaid, babysitter or security guard, you should conduct and background check and see if they have police records and if they have done a crime in the past. Ask them to present their police clearance, NBI clearance or any official clearances to prove their record is clean.

6.) Teach your children safety rules.

Your children should learn the basic safety rules that are important in protecting them especially when they're alone at home. Teach them to how to dial or memorize important numbers, how to lock the doors and windows, how they can reach you and what to do first when they notice stangers inside your home.

7.) Keep money in the bank.

Many crimes committed are considered an "inside job" mainly because a person which might be your housemaid or houseboy connects with outside criminals in robbing your house and getting your money or jewelry. To prevent this, you should keep your money in banks or keep them well hidden inside your home. Never inform anyone that you have huge amount of money within your home. Money is said to be the root of all evil and with money many crimes are committed because people are tempted to steal money from other people.

Are you planning to hire a new housemaid or security guard for your home? Well, you should first check their police records and see if they got a clean record. Click on the link to learn how to do background check online --> http://www.lookup-online.com/police-records

New York City Computer Crimes

The term "computer crimes" is not one often heard in criminal news. Most people don't even realize it exists. Nevertheless, it is specifically addressed by most states' legislatures. In New York, it is codified in Section 156 of New York Penal Code. This article, provides a short glimpse into what is considered a New York computer crime.

The most common offense is Unauthorized use of a computer. You may be guilty of this crime if you knowingly use a machine or a system without authorization and the computer or system you use is protected by password or another security feature. This offense is s a class A misdemeanor.

Another common charge is Computer Trespass, which means knowingly using a computer without authorization with an intent to commit or attempt to commit any felony or, alternatively, the person knowingly gains access to computer material. This is a class E felony offense.

Next in line is Computer tampering. This offense may be in several degrees depending on circumstances. You may be guilty of this tampering in the fourth degree for using a computer (even with permission) and intentionally altering or destroying data or a program of another person without permission to do so. Computer tampering in the fourth degree is a class A misdemeanor.

If, in addition to this, the person has an intent to commit any felony or if the person has been previously convicted of cyber crime or theft of services crime, or the act of deleting computer material was deliberate or with the intent to cause damages for more than $1000 dollars, the person may be guilty in computer tampering in the third degree, which is a class E felony.

New York computer tampering in the second degree involves committing the crime of computer tampering in the fourth degree plus intentionally altering or destroying data or a program so as to cause damages for more than three thousand dollars. Computer tampering in the second degree is a class D felony. Finally, if an act causes more than $50,000 in damages, the person could be guilty of computer tampering in the first degree, a class C felony.

Tampering aside, another line of statutes deals with illegal copying of computer related material. Under NY Penal Law 156.30, a person may be guilty of unlawful duplication of computer related material when they illegally copy or duplicate software or any program data causing owners economic damages in the amount of more than $2,500 or copying these materials with an intent to commit felony. Unlawful duplication of computer related material is a class E felony.

You don't have to illegally duplicate software to violate the statute. Simple possession of stolen data may be a felony, too. For example, under Section 156.35, a person is guilty of criminal possession of computer related material when having no right to do so, he knowingly possesses, a copy, reproduction or duplicate of any data or program which was copied, reproduced or duplicated in violation of section 156.30 with intent to benefit himself or a person other than an owner. Criminal possession of computer related material is a class E felony.

New York law allows for some defenses in cyber crimes cases. Some of them include a defense that the defendant had reasonable grounds to believe that he had authorization to do all the proscribed activities.

Joseph Potashnik is a Computer Crimes Attorney in NYC He represents people accused of state and federal offenses, including white-collar and fraud crime, drugs and weapons crimes, and computer crimes. He also defends professionals such as physicians and teachers facing professional discipline. Please visit Mr. Potashnik's website at http://www.jpdefense.com for more information.

Drug Charges and Drug-Related Crimes

The government has noticed a strong tie between illegal drugs and other crimes. In fact, one study found that people who use illicit drugs are 16 times more likely to be arrested for crimes like larceny or theft. Thus, it should come as no surprise that law enforcement officials are very serious about drug charges and other drug-related crimes.

First, it is crime to participate in any stage of the creation of drugs. You can be charged with crimes such as the manufacture of illegal substances, the distribution of illicit drugs, and the possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. These are generally called drug-defined crimes. If you participate in other crimes, such as auto theft or burglary, while taking illegal drugs, these crimes are called drug-related offenses.

Next, drugs are often tied to several other types of crimes, like child endangerment. Child endangerment is a charge that is often applied to other crimes. For instance, if a person chooses to drink and drive with a child in the vehicle, the driver can be charged with DUI child endangerment. This also applies illegal drug activity. Should a person manufacture or abuse drugs in the presence of children, the drug abuser can be charged with the drug-defined charge as well as child endangerment.

Another drug-related offense is sexual assault. Some people will give victims drugs like benzodiazepines in order to make them helpless to fight back against rape or other types of sexual assault. Although benzodiazepines may be prescribed as anti-depressants, people can illegally acquire these medications to carry out various forms of sexual assault.

If you are charged with a drug-defined crime or a drug-related offense, this can leave a permanent black mark on your record. Then, you may be forced to report this on every application you fill out, work or otherwise. This can prevent you from reaching your goals and living your life normally. If you have been accused of these crimes, you should not face them without the help of an experienced attorney. For more information, please contact a Dallas drug defense lawyer from the Lassiter Law Offices today.

California Drug Crimes

In the United States, controlled substances are strictly regulated under state and federal drug laws. It is against the law to possess, cultivate, manufacture or distribute illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, LSD, ecstasy and heroine. It is also unlawful to commit prescription fraud crimes. Such crimes include obtaining a prescription by untruthful means, selling prescription medication to someone other than the person to whom it was prescribed or selling prescription medications in a "back door" pharmacy type operation.

Drug crimes can be charged against a single person with a small amount of marijuana, or a high school student selling ecstasy or someone trafficking large amounts of cocaine across state lines. Since drug crimes cover such a wide spectrum of offenses, almost no one can evade the potential of being convicted, whether an upstanding citizen or a career criminal.

Drug Crimes in California

Let's take a look at a few of the specific criminal offenses that pertain to drugs, under California law:


"Possession of a Controlled Substance" - Health and Safety Code Section 11350
"Possession for Sale of Narcotics" - Health and Safety Code Section 11351
"Sale or Transportation of a Controlled Substance" - Health and Safety Code Section 11352
"Possession of Drug Paraphernalia" - Health and Safety Code Section 11364
"Possession of Methamphetamine" - Health and Safety Code Section 11377
"Manufacturing Drugs & Narcotics" - Health and Safety Code Section 11379.6
"Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance" - Health and Safety Code Section 11550

A defendant may face criminal charges related to possession of a controlled substance or may be arrested and charged for manufacturing, transporting or selling drugs. A defendant may even be criminally charged for being "under the influence" of an illegal drug.

These crimes are frequently charged against minors. In these cases they are considered juvenile crimes and are typically handled in the juvenile courts. Unfortunately, minors can be easily influenced by their peers and wind up partaking in the illegal consumption or sale of drugs such as marijuana, their parents' prescription medication, or exchanging club drugs at parties or nightclubs. How the minor's case is handled by the prosecution will depend upon their age, the nature of the drug offense and any prior criminal history. An experienced attorney can help both the minor and the parents by aggressively pursuing the lightest sentence possible, so as to avoid serious penalties for the accused.

A suspect can be arrested and convicted of any type of offense related to an illegal controlled substance. Possession of a small amount of drugs for personal use, drug paraphernalia on a person or in their control or growth of one or more marijuana plants are all illegal acts. Nearly any type of activity connected with drugs is criminalized and can be punished to the full extent of the law. For this reason, it is essential that a person who is arrested retain the services of a highly experienced criminal defense lawyer who can use their experience and negotiation skills to alleviate the criminal consequences that the accused faces.

Penalties for Drug-Related Offenses

Drug crimes range in severity with the possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal use being a "lesser" drug offense, and running a full scale drug trafficking operation being a much greater offense. The crimes can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on a variety of factors. For example, the type, amount and intent are all taken into consideration when making a charge. The prosecution and the judge will also evaluate whether the suspect has a prior criminal history, and they will examine the circumstances surrounding the case. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help you defend your rights and make sure that the more positive aspects of the situation do not get overlooked by the prosecution. These tactics will help ensure that you are not sentenced with harsher penalties than necessary.

Someone found with less than an ounce of marijuana on their person will most likely face misdemeanor penalties whereas someone found operating a methamphetamine lab will face felony charges and years behind bars. Whenever a person is arrested for a drug crime it is always in their best interests to seek legal representation from a private criminal defense attorney. Even if someone is found in possession of a small amount of drugs for recreational use, their arrest and subsequent criminal conviction could have a lasting effect on their family and their future career. Having the right lawyer on your side during the criminal process could mean the difference between spending time behind bars or being placed on probation. Especially if it is your first arrest or offense, there may be alternatives to jail available that might allow you to maintain your freedom and avoid a lengthy term sentence. You are urged to take a moment to contact a criminal defense lawyer in your area who can work on your behalf, aggressively seeking the least severe criminal penalties for you.

Martinian & Associates, Inc. has been obtaining powerful and workable results for their clients in the Los Angeles area for years. Their firm handles all types of criminal defense charges including drug charges, federal crimes, sex crimes and more serious crimes such as manslaughter and murder. Through years of experience, the team has developed effective strategies which have helped their clients receive reduced penalties, lighter sentences and even dropped charges. No case is too large or too small when it comes to seeking the representation you deserve. If you would like to learn more about how they may be able to help, contact a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney at (888) 847-9821.

White Collar Crimes

White collar crime tends to refer to crimes committed at a business by a businessman or woman. Criminology expert and sociologist, Edwin Sutherland, in a 1939 speech, coined the term. A white collar criminal is considered less likely to commit another crime, and punishment may be softer than for crimes involving violence. Evidence in a white collar crime usually involves a "paper trail," of evidence that investigators use to prosecute the case.

Types of White Collar Crimes



Embezzlement - the taking of someone's property by a person with whom it is entrusted.

Bribery - occurs when someone gives or takes a bribe.

Larceny - involves taking someone's property without paying for or returning it.

Extortion - also known as blackmail.

Fraud - this often includes but is not limited to health care fraud and tax fraud.

Price Fixing - an agreement between two parties to set prices for a certain product, thereby violating free market operations.

Racketeering - the extortion of money by force or a pattern of criminal activity committed to further the interests of a criminal syndicate.

Computer Fraud - using a computer to commit a crime.

Obstruction of Justice - interfering with the criminal process by impeding an investigation.

Perjury - lying while under oath in a judicial proceeding.

Securities and Commodities Law Violations

Environmental Law Violations

White collar crimes can be prosecuted at the state or federal level, depending on whether a state or federal law was broken. If convicted, these crimes usually result in jail time, large fines, and restitution to the victims of the crime. For people who have been victimized by white collar crime, hiring a criminal attorney is often helpful when attempting to recover monies lost.

Do Not Be A Victim: High Tech Fraud Crimes To Watch Out For

Having a crime perpetrated against you is always a possibility, but it has never been so easy to do in the past than it is today. It seems that fraud crimes will always outdistance the deterrents put in place to stop them, but with the ever-increasing reliance of the world upon the Internet, these acts have been multiplying at an alarming rate. Thousands of people fall victim to scams and identity theft every single day, and so this does not happen to you, we will outline the most prevalent types of cyber crimes happening, and tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of them.

Common Types of Electronic Fraud Crimes

Identity Theft: Identity fraud is one of the most prevalent, and most sinister of all the cyber crimes occurring today. Every piece of information you put out on the Internet can be linked together to create a cyber identity for you, and if thieves gain access to enough of those pieces, they can use that information in a lot of ways, most of which can cause a financial crisis for you. It can ruin your credit rating, drain your bank accounts and leave you owing money you never even got to spend.

Sadly, because electronic activity can be easy to trace if the thieves are sloppy in their computer practices, some of them will go the extra mile, and do things the old fashioned way, like going through your garbage, or stealing your mail. Always monitor your mail delivery closely, and if you go away on vacation, be sure to stop the delivery. When you want to discard paid bills and other sensitive documents that could give someone your bank account information or your social security number, shred before discarding it.

Phishing: Phishing is the practice of fraud being committed through the use of fraudulent emails. They will come to your inbox on a daily basis, and they will be phrased in one of two ways: verifying secure information or announcing that you have money owed to you. The first type looks and reads, at first glance, like an official document from your bank, your credit card companies, your insurance company, or a government office. Some of these are quite sophisticated, right down to the company logo. One important thing to remember about this type of fraud is that legitimate companies that traffic in secure, personal information on a daily basis, will never just send an email. They have customer service departments that will call you personally if there is an issue.

These kinds of emails, as well as the ones that announce that you have won a lottery or are entitled to a bequest of some kind, are easily detected if you know what to look for. Read through them carefully, and the first thing you may notice is a lack of a personal address in the letter, your name will probably not even be mentioned. Second, the phrasing will seem off, somehow, especially if they are being sent by someone not completely fluent in English. They will often include a highlighted Internet link, and if you run your cursor across it, without clicking, it will reveal the web domain the thieves are using. More often than not, it will have nothing to do with the company that supposedly sent them. Delete it, and forget it.

Bogus Auctions and Sales: With the advent of the Internet, it is pretty easy to dupe someone out of their money by offering items for sale. Several instances have already arisen on sites like eBay, where a picture of the item was sent to the winner of the auction, but not the item. To avoid this happening to you, never deal with anyone whose reputation you cannot verify through the site itself.

Avoiding Prosecution

Sadly, being a victim of fraud crimes will not always stop at you losing money or having your identity stolen. It can also lead to you being prosecuted because of something the thief did while pretending to be you. Hire an attorney at the first sign that you are a victim of cyber crimes.

Want to learn more about how you can protect yourself from fraud crimes like these? The Law Office of Philip Averbuck has successfully defended victims of fraud for years, and can best advise you on how to proceed, call him today. Also check out our new page on Electronic Fraud Crimes.

Being at the Wrong Place at the Wrong Time With the Wrong "Friends": Accomplice Liability Crimes

All too often, individuals find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong "friends;" as a result, they find themselves charged as a criminal accomplice. The argument that you had no idea of what was going on may not stand - even if it's true - and you may be pulled into a criminal case under the theory of accomplice liability.

What the prosecution has to prove in a case like this is that the accomplice took part in the crime, wanted it to take place, and indicated this intention by his actions or participation. Many times, though, the aider or abettor can be found guilty of a different crime than the primary individual accused of the actual crime. The aider or abettor is charged with a more serious offence or a lesser one, depending on the circumstances and evidence available.

Many times the accused abettor to a crime will argue that even though he was present when a crime took place, he took no part in it, nor did he even know it was going to happen. This can still lead to serious consequences, since proving these assertions requires more than an honest face.

What can be even more shocking is that many individuals are charged as being part of crimes they didn't even witness. In this case, the mere fact of knowing that a crime was going to take place and providing the opportunity for it to happen can be enough to land an individual in serious trouble.

For example, let's say you had a friend who wanted to rob a liquor store and asked if he could borrow your car so he would be able to flee the scene quickly. You complied and gave him your car. You aided him in committing the crime, so you are now an abettor and subject to being charged as party to the offence. It doesn't matter whether or not the crime was discussed in detail beforehand. You knew the crime was going to be committed and you assisted in an indirect way.

Then again, there are examples when being present when an offence occurs will not get you in trouble, provided you had no knowledge that the crime was about to take place. For example, let's say an individual offered to drive you home from a party. You accepted. However, you did not know the vehicle with which he was taking you home was stolen. On your journey home, the driver was pulled over and charged with the offence. If there are no facts proving that you knew the car was stolen, you will not be convicted. It is not enough to find you guilty just because you happened to be in a stolen vehicle.

The moral of this story: watch the company you keep - don't get involved if something seems suspicious, because your indirect actions could still land you behind bars.

Michael Waddington is an expert court martial attorney defending military personnel worldwide. He defends all levels of court martial cases. He is a partner in the Augusta, Georgia, law firm of Gonzalez & Waddington. His worldwide practice focuses on military criminal court martial cases. http://www.ucmjdefense.com

White Collar Crimes - What You Need to Know

White collar crime is a broad legal term that encompasses various types of criminal offenses that are non-violent in nature, and usually involve fraud and illegal business or financial transactions. Bank fraud, credit card fraud, social security fraud, identity theft, money laundering, counterfeiting, insider trading, identity theft and forgery are examples of white collar crimes. These crimes are prosecuted seriously by federal and state attorneys.

By way of background, Edwin Sutherland, a notable sociologist, first coined the term, "white collar crime" in 1939 when he argued that there must be significant differences between crimes like burglary, robbery and murder, which he categorized as blue collar crimes and the ones he categorized as white collar ones, such as fraud. Sutherland went further saying that white collar crimes are more injurious to the society than their blue collar counterparts, and that white collar offenders are treated with more lenience.

The legal term was originally intended to categorize offenders, but it has been used since then to include a wide range of nonviolent offenses. Today the Department of Justice defines white collar crime as "offenses of non violent illegal activities which primarily entail traditional ideas of deception, manipulation, deceit, subterfuge and breach of trust."

One of the most common types of crimes committed by white collar workers is embezzlement. This type of offense takes place when a person dishonestly handles money that is entrusted to his or her care. For instance, when an employee takes money from a corporate account, and spends the money for his or her personal gain.

Another type that is often associated with this form of crime is fraud. The most common types of fraud today include internet fraud, credit card fraud, commercial fraud, phone or telemarketing fraud, mail fraud, insurance fraud and healthcare fraud.

If you are notified that you are under investigation of a white collar crime, it is wise if that you hire an attorney right away. Remember that you are not obligated to speak with law enforcement officers at all about the alleged offense and it is wise that you do not do so before consulting with a criminal defense attorney. All too often those under investigation for white collar crimes mistakenly believe they can talk their way out of an arrest.

Just bear the things I discussed in this article about this particular type of crime so that you won't commit another mistake when you are charged with it.

Disclaimer: Any information contained in this article should not be construed as legal advice.

Tim Nies' unique and valuable experience in defense litigation puts him in an excellent position to take on the most complex civil and criminal cases. If you are looking for a Stuart FL criminal defense attorney, you can visit The Law Offices of Van Riper and Nies and talk to a Stuart Florida criminal defense lawyer today!

An Explanation of Hate Crimes

Crimes of this nature are defined as criminal acts against an individual or a group of people because of their perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender or disability. People cannot help who they are or where they were born; hate crimes target individuals for who they are, what group they are a member of, or the color of their skin.

Although freedom of speech is protected under the United States Constitution and is not a crime of hate in itself, speech that carries a credible threat of violence against a person or a group named above is considered criminal in California.

According Hate Crime Statistics for 2010 released by the FBI, of the 6,624 hate crime incidents, 47.3% were racially motivated, while 20% were religiously motivated, 19.3% related to sexual orientation and 12.8% involved ethnicity and nation of origin bias.

What types of behaviors are categorized as a crime? For example, using force or threats of force to induce bodily injury, intimidate or interrupt another person from exercising their constitutional rights would be a hate crime.

Another example would be damaging another person's property in order to intimidate or interfere with their ability to exercise their constitutional rights. A good example of this would be burning a cross on a Buddhist church's property or painting a swastika on a Jewish temple. Desecrating a religious symbol or displaying a threatening sign on someone else's property with the intent to terrorize them is also a hate crime in California, along with the rest of the country.

Any kind of activity that vandalizes a church, synagogue, mosque or other house of worship with the intent to terrorize its parishioners is a hate crime.

The state of California separates hate crimes into misdemeanors or felonies depending on the facts surrounding the case. For instance, disorderly conduct at a place of worship where people are assembled is prosecuted as a misdemeanor, whereas vandalizing a house of worship based on religious bias can be prosecuted as a felony.

When a victim was intentionally killed because of their race, color, religion, nationality, or country of origin, then the death penalty or life without the possibility of parole might be imposed. Furthermore, the suspect may be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole if the victim was killed because of their sexual orientation, gender or disability. When the criminal offense was not committed because of a bias, the person can still nonetheless be criminally prosecuted for any of the above crimes.

If you are facing hate crime charges, you will need to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can further explain hate crimes and their corresponding penalties. Since you could be facing anywhere from light penalties in a misdemeanor charge to far more serious penalties if you are convicted of a felony, proper legal representation is essential. Without a criminal lawyer, you are essentially putting your entire future in jeopardy. It is important that you protect your legal rights, your freedom, and your future by contacting a criminal defense lawyer in your area right as soon as possible.

Martinian & Associates is an experienced criminal defense firm conveniently located in Los Angeles, California. Their legal team has succeeded in exonerating clients and getting their charges reduced a number of times over. They would like to help you with your charges by utilizing their negotiation and litigation skills to achieve a better outcome in the case against you. You cannot give up hope when you are under investigation or arrest, there's no telling what the right attorney can do to improve your situation. Don't hesitate to contact a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney from their firm at (888) 847-9821 today.

Computer Crimes and Federal Offenses

If you are under investigation for a computer crime, or if you have already been arrested for such an offense, you are probably under a great deal of stress. Computer crimes involve a wide range of activities that are otherwise illegal. When people use a computer or the internet to further commit such crimes, then they are categorized as computer or internet crimes.

These days, nearly every aspect of our society is digitalized. People can download movies, apply for a credit card, transfer balances between accounts, and pay their bills all with the touch of a button. The expanding functions of the internet have opened a whole new world to criminal outlets and activities. Criminals are finding new ways to break the law at a pace that law enforcement is struggling to keep up with. Because computers have such a large impact on society as a whole, federal prosecutors waste no time or expense in securing criminal convictions against the individuals who commit such crimes. In fact, the federal government has entire task forces devoted to tracking down and arresting people who commit these types of crimes.

What categorizes a computer or internet crime? One common aspect of computer crimes involves financial fraud and money laundering schemes. Other financial crimes committed via the internet include credit and debit card fraud, hacking and identity theft.

Computer crimes also involve harassment, spamming, phishing, and sex crimes against children. People who possess child pornography on their home or work computer, and people who distribute child pornography via the internet are in violation of the law. Unfortunately, internet crimes involving children can oftentimes be a case of mistaken identity. Perhaps you were not aware that the images were of minors, or perhaps someone else used your computer. Revealing the truth of what actually happened will be dependent upon the highly investigative tactics of an experienced defense attorney.

Because these crimes typically cross state lines, they are often classified as federal offenses. If you are under investigation for a federal crime, you could have a large government entity assisting your local law enforcement agency. This means that the prosecution will have unlimited manpower and means to pursue a conviction. If you want to effectively protect your legal rights, you are going to need the assistance of a seasoned federal criminal defense attorney on your side. Your lawyer will have a wealth of proven defense tools at their disposal. The last thing you would want to do is hire an inexperienced or apprehensive lawyer when you are fighting to preserve your reputation and your freedom. If you are under investigation for a computer crime, don't hesitate to contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately.

The Law Offices of Guy L. Womack & Associates, P.C. is conveniently located in North Houston, Texas. Their firm has been providing their clients with outstanding defense representation for all sorts of federal and state criminal offenses. Whether your case is going to military, state or federal court, they have the knowledge, experience and tools necessary to protect your legal rights. A member from their legal team is prepared to meet with you in person for a free consultation. They would like to provide you with both sound advice and potential defense strategies that may aid in your defense. Their goal is to help their clients obtain the best possible outcome in the charges against them. They will search for any mitigating circumstances that might get the charges against you reduced or dropped entirely. You are urged to contact a Houston federal criminal defense lawyer from their firm at (800) 990-8762 today.

Fair Trading of Words and Hate Crimes

Is the language in hate crime statues hurting free speech? Is one side of the equation getting the upper hand - able to say mean-spirited comments, but when the other side retorts back it is to be considered hate speech or a hate crime? Should there even be such thing as a hate crime?

There should be no such thing as a hate crime - Crime is crime, that's it really, there is already a penalty for crime. If there is to be hate crimes for such things as hate speech, then we must enforce this type of speech equally. If so, when a homosexual says something derogatory to a heterosexual, and the opposite would get the heterosexual in trouble or arrested then homosexual should be arrested as well. If a black man says something mean to a white man, then those statements should be considered a challenge to fight or assault. Just like if a white guy calls a black person the N' word. By leveling the playing field, the hate crime or hate speech laws could be fair, but in this case, why not skip the whole thing all together?

If hate crimes are going to exist, which I think is silly, then at least make them fair for all. Unfortunately, those who are quick to call someone else out for a hate crime are MOST often the biggest culprits. So if we are going to have these types of rules on our books, then lets start putting them in jail, fair is fair.

This equality hate crime stuff is a joke in my opinion, and it is ridiculous, we have these laws, we do not need additional laws to serve a specific minority, which thinks they are above the rest of society. Either we should make everything equal, or delete those hate speech laws off the books entirely. Sincerely, Lance.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.