Laws you’re breaking every day

Hey there

It’s Mike, your favorite internet lawyer, with another legal crash course. 

Today, we're gonna talk about:

1. The laws you’re breaking every day without realizing

2. What to do when the police want to search you

Let’s get into it...

3 Laws You're Breaking Every Day Without Realizing

You think you're a law-abiding citizen? Think again.

You might have even accidentally broken multiple laws today without knowing it. 

Let's break down 3 everyday activities that could technically land you in hot water.

1. Singing in public

Picture this: You’re at your friend’s birthday party in the park. The vibes are immaculate.

Someone starts belting out “Thick of It” by KSI and the whole group joins in... I hate to break it to you but you might have just committed copyright infringement.

Singing alone in your car? Totally fine. But singing copyrighted songs in public with a large group? Technically, that could be considered a 'public performance' requiring licensing, though enforcement in informal settings (like birthday parties) is extremely rare.

It might sound ridiculous but the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) once demanded the Girl Scouts pay licensing fees for singing around campfires. After a massive public outcry (because picking on Girl Scouts is a PR nightmare), they eventually settled for a token $1/year licensing deal.

The law doesn't care if you're making money or not... it's about the copyright holder's right to control how their work is performed.

2. Hanging stuff from your rearview mirror

Got some fuzzy dice, air freshener, or mini disco ball swinging from the mirror in your car?

Bad news: In many states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Minnesota, hanging anything from your rearview mirror is actually illegal.

These items can obstruct your view and potentially cause accidents. Even if your vision isn't actually blocked, cops can still use this as a reason to pull you over. And once they've got you stopped, they might find other issues...

A driver in New Jersey was once pulled over solely for a pair of tiny boxing gloves (3.5" x 3.5") hanging from his mirror – that stop led to a drug bust.

3. Hosting a garage sale without a permit

Gary Vee isn’t going to be too happy with this one...

Spring cleaning season hits and you decide to make a few bucks off your old stuff by hosting a garage sale. You put up some signs, arrange your items on the driveway, and wait for the customers to roll in.

What you probably didn't do? Check if you need a permit first.

For example, in Chicago, you need a permit... and you’re only allowed two garage sales per year (a third only if you're moving).

In Miami Beach, you’ll need a permit too, and you're limited to just one sale per year per address, with fines up to $500 for breaking the rules.

Our legal system is full of obscure regulations that most people never think about until they're getting a citation... but that’s why you’re subscribed to this newsletter ;)

If a police officer wants to search you... what you should know

Police can use clever wording to search you legally. Here's how to respond when it happens.

1. Watch out for tricky questions

"Do you mind if I pat you down for a search?"

This question is a trap. If you say "yes," they'll claim you agreed to the search. If you say "no," they'll say you didn't mind the search.

2. What to say instead

Be clear and direct with this simple phrase: "I do not consent to a search."

Repeat it if necessary. Don't worry about sounding rude... you're simply exercising your constitutional rights.

Despite what many believe, police officers don't have to inform you that you can refuse a search. It's up to you to know and assert your rights.

3. Do this if they ask you for your ID

If an officer asks for identification, you should ask: "Am I being detained?"

If they say yes, they may have reasonable suspicion (or at least claim to have it) and you likely need to identify yourself. If they say no, you generally don't have to provide ID.

Reminder: I’m putting together some easy-to-follow guides like this on all the basics to keep you one step ahead at all times. To learn more, hop on the waitlist here.

That’s it for today. Until next time, this case is closed.

Speak soon

Mike