Is it illegal to know someone is doing something illegal?

As judges like to say, ignorance of the law is no defense to criminal charges. There are exceptions, but the overwhelming majority of crimes don’t require that the defendant know that his or her conduct is illegal.

What to do if you know someone is doing something illegal?

Report suspected violations of federal law to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

1. Submit a tip online.
2. Contact your local FBI Office or call toll-free at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
3. If you are in a foreign country, contact the nearest legal attaché office.

Can you unknowingly commit a crime?

If you unknowingly commit a crime, you should know that you could still be arrested, so you should work with a lawyer. Here’s a quick look at what happens when you commit a crime without knowing it. A crime is a crime, and you can face the consequences whether you realize that you’ve committed it or not.

Can you plead ignorance to the law?

The criminal court does permit ignorance of the law as a defense in certain select crimes or violations because of arcane or severely detailed laws that can be confusing. Some actions will result in penalties no matter what the crime is or if there is a certain outcome such as murder or theft.

What is a habitual violator?

A habitual violator is a person who has committed a number of criminal offenses within a given period of time. This term has been applied to a variety of crimes, regardless of the severity.

Are you legally obliged to report a crime?

Generally speaking, most people are under no legal obligation to report a crime, whether they knew about it in advance, witnessed its commission, or found out about it after the fact. However, there are exceptions to this law that you ought to know about.

Can I be arrested for failing to provide information about crime?

If you have been arrested for failing to provide information about a crime or becoming an accessory to a crime, you need to speak with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich today.

Should you disclose information about a crime?

There is always the possibility that you risk harm to yourself or a third party if you divulge information about a crime you suspect has already been committed, or know of before it happens. Others may feel they have a moral obligation to respond as a Good Samaritan and expose criminals for their wrongdoing.

Can You anonymously report a crime in California?

Many law enforcement agencies allow you to anonymously report a crime online as well. However, if you call 911 emergency response, be advised that law enforcement agencies may be able to track your phone number. Additionally, California law requires mandatory reports of child abuse or neglect to remain confidential.