[Teacher317]

What felonies do you suppose I might have unknowingly commiteed? Give me an example of one of these laws.

Currently, the statutes in Indiana for Attempt has an improperly phrased mental element, and you can easily be prosecuted for a felony violation for mere misdemeanor acts. For example, if you get behind the wheel after having a few drinks and swerve around, you can be convicted of attempted reckless homocide, a felony (rather than the typical reckless driving misdemeanor), even if you drive two blocks on an empty road, then get out and call a cab.

Assume you're a gas station attendant. Sell gasoline to someone who goes on to rob a bank, and you're guilty of aiding him. You are now subject to the same penalties as he is if he mentioned the robbery and you failed to stop it. (Trying to stop it is not enough... you must succeed in Indiana.)

Assume you're getting a tow, and the driver asks to be paid in cash. If you do, you can be liable for his tax evasion, because you should have known that the request was meant to help him avoid paying business taxes. You're guilty of conspiracy, as well as the tax evasion.

Welcome to felony-land. Leave your rights at the door (especially to self-defense and to vote).

These loopholes and hidden mistakes exist in every state's Codes. They are not used often, if at all, but they exist and can be used to make you a felon at any time.

[MineralMan]

"Currently, the statutes in Indiana for Attempt has an improperly phrased mental element, and you can easily be prosecuted for a felony violation for mere misdemeanor acts. For example, if you get behind the wheel after having a few drinks and swerve around, you can be convicted of attempted reckless homocide, a felony (rather than the typical reckless driving misdemeanor), even if you drive two blocks on an empty road, then get out and call a cab.

Assume you're a gas station attendant. Sell gasoline to someone who goes on to rob a bank, and you're guilty of aiding him. You are now subject to the same penalties as he is if he mentioned the robbery and you failed to stop it. (Trying to stop it is not enough... you must succeed in Indiana.)

Assume you're getting a tow, and the driver asks to be paid in cash. If you do, you can be liable for his tax evasion, because you should have known that the request was meant to help him avoid paying business taxes. You're guilty of conspiracy, as well as the tax evasion. "

If you have a few drinks and drive, you should be arrested, in any case. Sorry, but I don't hold for drunk driving, under any circumstances. I lost someone close to me to a drunk driver, and have no sympathy whatever.

As for your gas sale example, you are incorrect. Unless you knew that the person was going to rob a bank, you cannot be held in any way culpable.

Finally, I never pay for things like towing in cash. I need the receipts for my records. Never.

Try again.