This Page has Information on your rights as an adult living in America! (most of this is exclusive to California)
Additional Information
If you are 18 there are new laws that apply to you and it is crucial to be aware of your new rights and obligations.
There are three types of crimes you should know about
1) Felonies: A felony is the most serious type of crime. You could be charged a hefty fine and/or spend over a year in jail. In some cases you can be sentenced to life in prison or the death panlty.
2) Misdemeanor: This is less serious than a felony but you can still be fined and spend time in jail however, misdemeanors usually result in less than a year in jail.
3) Infraction: You probably won't go to jail for an infraction but you will need to go to court or pay a fine. In this case you are not entitled to a jury in cases of infractions.
What happens if I get arrested?
If you get arrested you will be searched and handcuffed then taken to a police station. While you are being cuffed you will be read your miranda rights. While in the police station you do not have the right to privacy and "anything you say can and will be used against you." After you are identified you can refuse to speak to the police about your case (They cannot threaten you or force you to talk they also cannot offer a lesser punishment if you agree to talk). You can instead talk to an attorney provided by you ro by the court if you cannot afford one.
The police have the right to search you and the immediate area if you are in your home but they need a warrant to search elsewhere unless they are searching for other suspects. They can also search your house without a warrant if they believe evidence will be destroyed or if you are out on parol.
If you are arrested, do what the officer tells you to do. If they mistreat you then you can hire an attorney consult a legal aid organization or agencies set up to handle this. In more serious cases you can contact the district attorneys special investigation division, the attorney general, or the FBI
Driving Laws
When it comes to driving there are a lot of laws put into place to protect you and the people around you. Remember to follow them to ensure your safety and keep you out of court
What happens If I hit someone/something with my car?
If you hit someone or someone elses property with your car you must stop and exchange names, addresses, drivers licenses, vehicle lecenses, and other important information. If someone is injured int hsi accident or dies you have to report this within 24 hours to the police or highway patrol. If you injure someone the fine could be $10,000 and/or a year in jail. If it's just property that is damaged you could be fined $1,000 and/or a year in jail.
Commonly asked questions about what to do and not to do while driving
1) It is a misdemeanor to throw objects out of your window and will be considered a felony if you intend to harm someone.
2) Driving without a license is a misdemeanor. By law you have to have your license with you when you drive.
3) if ydrive with a revoked license you could face up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine of $1,000 if it's your first conviction.
4) If you blare music or use your horn innaproprately this can lead to a misdemeanor or a ticket.
Here are some commonly asked questions about parties, fun, and sex.
1) Police can break up your party and even make arrests if there is unnecessary noise, fighting, or loud music.
2) Graffiti art could land you in jail and/or make you pay a $50,000 fine
3) If you have sex with someone under the age of 18 when you are 28 or over (even if they are 18 and consenting) it can count as statutory rape.
4) If you commit sexual assault, meaning unconcensual sexual activity or sexual activity with someone under the age of consent, you will be jailed or fined $10,000 and will have to register as a sex offender for life.
5) If you slip a drug into someones drink and attempt to sexually assault them then you will go to jail for up to 20 years.
If you want to register to vote you must do so before 15 days of an election. You can vote at a polling place that's been established by your county elections office or by mail. If you are away from home you can order an absentee ballot. For this you must contact your home county elections office at most seven days before an election.
If you are a male ages 18-25 you must register for military service
Once you turn 18 you have to register within 30 days of your 18th birthday if you fail to do this you could be fined up to $250,000. Women are excempt from this obligation as well as anyone who was born female; however, trans people who were born male still have to regsiter for this draft.
You can register online at www.sss.gov, fill out a form from a post office and mail it out, at your highschool, or at a U.S. embassy or consular office.
Why Do I have to register for the draft?
If the United states is ever in a state or emergency then they can have a list of fit men who can be summoned to serve.
How do they summon people for the draft?
Who they pick for the draft is essentially a lottery except you have to go to war if you win. It's based on birthdays that are drawn. First to be summoned will be men turning 20, then men turning 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and younger men will be called last.
If you're still a minor you can still be tried as an adult depending on your crime. This is a case to case decision but usually depends on if the crime was violent.
A criminal record can affect you for the rest of your life especially if you are a legal adult when you commited the crimes. Here are some of the ways this can hurt you
1) Your drivers license could be denied
2) It could prevent you from getting into certain colleges
3) It could prevent you from joining the military
4) It could prevent you from voting
5) If you are an immigrant, you could be deported.
