4 Everyday Actions That Can Land You In Legal Trouble

 Posted on January 20, 2025 in Criminal Defense

4 everyday actions that can land you in legal trouble

You might think taking a shortcut through an empty lot or recording a funny conversation is harmless. However, these everyday actions could violate Maryland law without you knowing it. Claiming you didn’t know about a law won’t protect you from criminal charges.

Recording private conversations

Maryland follows two-party consent laws for audio recordings. This means everyone in the conversation needs to agree to being recorded. Recording your neighbor’s loud argument or a workplace discussion without their consent could result in wiretapping felony charges.

Cutting through private property

Taking a quick drive through an empty lot to avoid traffic might save time when you’re running late. However, it may also break the law. Maryland generally considers this action as criminal trespassing unless you or the neighborhood hold easement rights. You may still face penalties and fines even if you didn’t damage the property or mean harm.

Sharing prescription medications

Giving your friend one pill from your prescription might seem helpful. However, Maryland law can potentially consider this as drug distribution. This applies even to legally prescribed medications and could lead to serious criminal charges.

Additionally, you can also get your friend in legal trouble for possession of a controlled substance since they don’t have a prescription for the medicine you shared.

Using someone else’s streaming account

Having multiple streaming service accounts to watch all your shows can get pricey. However, borrowing a streaming service password from your friends or family to save money actually violates federal law. Maryland courts can potentially prosecute this as theft of services—regardless of your relationship with the account owner.

Know the law and make smart choices

Simple actions can sometimes carry unexpected legal consequences. Before engaging in questionable behavior, consider potential legal implications. With the internet, it’s not hard to double-check something you’re not sure about. And if you face charges for these or similar actions, avoid discussing the details on social media. Instead, it’s wiser to seek legal advice from an experienced legal professional attorney.