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12 Crimes You Might Not Know You're Committing

Sean Turner

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Published in Does Social Media Scare You?: 12 Crimes You Must Be Doing

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Ignorance of the law is no excuse. That means you can be held responsible for breaking a law even if you didn't know it was against the law. Here's a list of 12 common crimes that you might be committing without even realizing it:

1. Trespassing

Trespassing is the act of entering or remaining on property without permission. This can include trespassing on private property, public property, or even abandoned property. In some cases, trespassing can be a misdemeanor, while in other cases it can be a felony.

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To avoid trespassing, always make sure you have permission to be on property before entering. If you're not sure whether or not you have permission, it's best to err on the side of caution and ask for permission first.

2. Littering

Littering is the act of throwing or dumping waste on public or private property. Littering can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the amount of waste involved and the location where it is dumped.

To avoid littering, always dispose of your waste properly. This means throwing it away in a trash can or recycling bin. If you're not sure where to dispose of your waste, ask a public works employee or check with your local government.

3. Speeding

Speeding is the act of driving faster than the posted speed limit. Speeding can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the speed at which you are driving and the location where you are speeding.

To avoid speeding, always obey the posted speed limit. If you're not sure what the speed limit is, look for signs posted along the road. If you're caught speeding, you could be fined, have your license suspended, or even go to jail.

4. Running a red light

Running a red light is the act of driving through an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red. Running a red light can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances.

To avoid running a red light, always come to a complete stop when the traffic signal turns yellow. If you're not sure whether or not you have time to stop, always err on the side of caution and stop.

5. Driving under the influence

Driving under the influence (DUI) is the act of driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. DUI is a serious crime that can result in fines, jail time, and even death.

To avoid DUI, never drink and drive. If you're going to be drinking, make sure you have a designated driver or take a taxi or ride-sharing service home.

6. Possession of marijuana

Possession of marijuana is the act of having marijuana in your possession. In some states, possession of marijuana is legal, while in other states it is a crime.

To avoid possession of marijuana, don't possess marijuana. If you're not sure whether or not marijuana is legal in your state, check with your local government.

7. Possession of a firearm

Possession of a firearm is the act of having a firearm in your possession. In some states, possession of a firearm is legal, while in other states it is a crime.

To avoid possession of a firearm, don't possess a firearm. If you're not sure whether or not possession of a firearm is legal in your state, check with your local government.

8. Assault

Assault is the act of causing physical harm to another person. Assault can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the injuries.

To avoid assault, never intentionally cause physical harm to another person. If you're in a situation where you feel threatened, try to de-escalate the situation and walk away.

9. Battery

Battery is the act of intentionally causing physical harm to another person. Battery is a more serious crime than assault, and can result in fines, jail time, and even death.

To avoid battery, never intentionally cause physical harm to another person. If you're in a situation where you feel threatened, try to de-escalate the situation and walk away.

10. Theft

Theft is the act of taking someone else's property without their permission. Theft can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of the property stolen.

To avoid theft, never take someone else's property without their permission. If you're not sure whether or not you have permission to take someone's property, ask for permission first.

11. Fraud

Fraud is the act of deceiving someone for personal gain. Fraud can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the fraud.

To avoid fraud, never deceive someone for personal gain. If you're not sure whether or not something is fraud, ask for advice from a lawyer or accountant.

12. Identity theft

Identity theft is the act of using someone else's personal information without their permission. Identity theft can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the theft.

To avoid identity theft, always protect your personal information. This means never sharing your social security number, credit card number, or other sensitive information with anyone you don't trust. If you think you've been a victim of identity theft, contact your local police department or the Federal Trade Commission.

These are just a few of the many crimes that you might be committing without even realizing it. By being aware of these crimes and taking steps to avoid them, you can protect yourself from legal trouble.

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