Even though everyone should know that the individuals who work in airport security don’t appreciate a sense of humor, we’re still being bombarded by news stories about people who simply couldn’t behave themselves either at the airport or on the plane and found themselves on the wrong side of airport security. 

You don’t want your name attached to any of these stories so if you’re future plans include flying, it’s a good idea to take some time and review the things that could get you into trouble with airport security.

Joking With Airport Security

Oddly enough, the thing that seems to land the most people in hot water with airport security is joking around. Some people simply can’t stop themselves from saying things that might be funny to most people. The problem is that while the security person you’re talking to might have a sense of humor, their training makes it impossible to play along. Saying the wrong thing, such as commenting about a bomb or having weapons, will result in you getting detained.

It’s in your best interest to keep your jokes to yourself until you’re far from the airport.

Failing to Double Check the Protocols for Flying with Liquids

One of the biggest headaches most people run into is forgetting the rules regarding liquids and tucking something such as mouthwash or a bottle of water into their carry-on bag that doesn’t meet airport regulations. 

The good news is that the airport isn’t telling you that you have to leave all of your liquids behind. You can still bring them with you, but if there are in a container that’s bigger than 3.4 ounces and in a resealable bag, they can’t be in your carry-on luggage. It’s important to note, that the size of the container is important. It doesn’t matter if you’re only transporting an ounce of liquid, if it’s in a full-size container, you must stow it in your checked luggage.

If you do forget and tuck something in your carry-on that doesn’t meet the airport’s requirements for liquid on flights, pay careful attention to how the security team tells you to dispose of the container and follow their instructions to the letter. Don’t get belligerent or obnoxious, simply do what you’re told.

Carrying a Large Amount of Cash

Perhaps one of the strangest things that can get you in trouble with airport security is having a large quantity of cash on you when you enter the airport. The good news is that airport security won’t stop you from flying simply because you have a lot of cash tucked into your pockets, but you should be prepared to answer questions about why you’re using so much cash rather than relying on debit/credit cards while you travel. The existence of the cash will also usually get you flagged for additional security tests so be prepared for the check-in process to take longer than it would if you didn’t have a large amount of cash on you.

Being Obnoxious

Honestly, the biggest thing that gets people into trouble with airport security is their own attitude. The problem is that traveling is already a stressful process and it doesn’t take much to bring out the worst aspects of our personalities. As a result, we can get short-tempered when the airport staff asks us questions that seem too personal or irrelevant. The problem is that the worse your temper gets, the more likely it becomes that airport security will get involved and detain you. 

When you’re flying, it’s in your best interest to take several deep breaths and remain as calm as possible.

The good news is that provided you follow the rules, give yourself plenty of time, and are on your best behavior, you shouldn’t have any trouble with airport security the next time you fly.

Electricity is one of those things you don’t appreciate until you suddenly find yourself in the middle of a blackout. The good news is that there are some things you can do to make sure you’re ready the next time the power goes out, even if the power remains out for several days.

Know Where Your Flashlights Are

Instead of using candles, keep a large supply of flashlights and batteries on hand. Ideally, you should have one flashlight in every single room so you can quickly find them. Make sure that everyone in the house is in habit of putting the flashlights back after each use. The flashlights won’t do you any good during a blackout if you can’t find them.

Stock up on Power Packs for your Electronics

Pick up a few power packs and charge them up. These will come in handy if the power goes out for a long time. They allow you to keep your phone charged so that you can contact someone if there’s an emergency. During a blackout, you should try to conserve your cell phone’s battery by only using it for important calls. Don’t use the power packs to charge anything but the cell phones until the power comes back on.

Keep Some Food Staples in Your Home

Even if you don’t eat things like crackers and other non-perishables very often, it’s not a bad idea to have some stashed in your pantry so you can eat while you wait for the power problem to be resolved. Remember, without power, you’re microwave, hot plates, and electric stoves won’t work so there could be an extended time that you’re unable to cook food, so you need something that can be eaten straight out of the package.

In addition to making sure you have plenty to eat, make sure you also have plenty of bottled water on hand at all times.

Keep your Gas Tanks Full

If you’re in the middle of a city-wide (or larger) blackout, the gas stations won’t have power either. This is why it’s a good idea to always make sure you keep enough gas in your vehicle so that if something does happen in a blackout, you can at least drive to the nearest hospital.

Get a Carbon Monoxide Alarm

An increasing number of people are investing in generators, which allows them to use some things during a blackout. The bad news is that this also increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Having a few alarms in your home goes a long way towards keeping you safe if fumes somehow leak into your own home.

The most important thing to remember during a blackout is that staying calm makes the situation easier and that eventually, the power will come back on.

California has strict laws when it comes to the use of fake IDs. According to California’s Penal Code 470b PC, it’s not technically illegal to have a fake ID in your possession, but the minute you use that fake ID for anything like gaining access to a club or trying to purchase a drink, you’re breaking the law

California’s Penal Code 470b PC states that: “Every person who displays or causes or permits to be displayed or has in his or her possession any driver’s license or identification card of the type enumerated in Section 470a with the intent that the driver’s license or identification card be used to facilitate the commission of any forgery, is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year, or by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170.”

Don’t assume that because you purchased a real driver’s license off an older college student or you simply altered your own license so that your birth year looks different, you can’t be charged with having a fake ID in California. State lawmakers consider all of the following to be fake IDs.

 
One of the interesting things about the way Penal Code 470b PC is written is that there’s no mention that using a fake ID in California is one of the state’s wobbler crimes. Depending on the circumstances, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. It appears that whether to charge it as a felony or misdemeanor is left to the prosecutor’s decision. Factors they’ll consider when determining whether to pursue felony or misdemeanor charges include:

 
If you’re convicted of misdemeanor use of a fake ID in California, the judge’s sentence could be as minor as community service and probation. It could also be as harsh as serving a year in a county jail and being fined up to $1,000.

If you’re convicted of felony using a fake ID in California, the potential sentence could include:

 
There aren’t many defenses that can be used in a fake ID case. The few options available to you include that you didn’t intend to use the ID or that you didn’t realize that the ID was fake.

Getting a DUI is a traumatic event. One of the hardest things is that it impacts your life for a long time. For most people, the biggest challenge is losing their driving privileges. Many people assume that as soon as they’re convicted of a DUI they will lose their license for several months, but that’s no longer the case. Traditionally, a first-time DUI conviction resulted in a 6-10 month license suspension.

Yes, many people in California do have their license suspended following a DUI arrest, but some don’t realize that there is another option. 

Few people know that it’s the California DMV, not the sitting judge, who determines what your driving privileges are following a DUI. Many people are surprised to learn that there will also be a DUI hearing that’s conducted by the DMV and it is during this hearing that post-DUI driving privileges are discussed.

The purpose of the DUI hearing is to decide what should be done with your driver’s license. One of the interesting things about current DUI DMV hearings is that the panel doesn’t always instantly order a license suspension. Starting in 2019, the DMV ruled that some drivers who were dealing with their first DUI charge would be allowed to continue driving, with restrictions, provided they were willing to have an ignition interlock device fitted to their vehicle. The reason for this decision is so that the person doesn’t have to worry about losing their job because they can’t get to work without a license. The other advantage of not automatically suspending a license was that it enabled parents to continue transporting their children to school and other activities. Currently, the DMV installs the IID on cars for about four months in first-time DUI cases. Second/third-time offenders will usually have to deal with the IID for one to two years. 

To ask for the IID rather than a full license suspension, you have to contact the DMV and request a hearing. This request has to be placed within 10 days of your DUI arrest. Failing to do so will result in the automatic suspension of your license.

If you miss the 10-day window, the DMV will suspend your license and let you know how long the suspension will be in place. The process of getting your license reinstated will involve:

 
All things considered, it really is in your best interest to contact the DMV shortly after you’ve been arrested for a DUI and booking a formal hearing.

Pets are supposed to bring peace and joy to our lives. The problem is that the same pet that you love with all of your heart can also trigger a major dispute between you and your neighbors. The most common issues behind neighbor animal disputes are barking dogs, animal waste getting deposited in the wrong yard, and property damage.

If you’re a pet owner, you owe it to yourself, your pet, and your neighbor to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.

Communication is Important

One of the main reasons neighbor animal disputes break out is the result of a lack of communication between neighbors. The animal owner doesn’t know that there is a problem because their neighbor hasn’t told them. Meanwhile, the neighbor is silently getting increasingly agitated over whatever issue the animal presents.

As a pet owner, it’s a good idea to periodically check in with your neighbor and ask if there is anything you can do to make their life easier. This provides them with an opportunity to discuss any problems they’re having with your pets.

Don’t get defensive or stop listening. Not only do you have to pay attention to what they’re saying, but you should also discuss viable options about how to resolve the matter. 

Try to Resolve the Matter

Showing that you’re making a genuine effort to resolve the issue that is irritating your pet goes a long way towards easing hostility. The problem is that some issues are harder to resolve than others.

If your neighbor is frustrated because your dog is constantly coming onto their yard, you need to do everything you can to limit them to your yard. Remember, in this case, your neighbor is in the right. Technically your dog is supposed to be on a leash whenever they’re not on your property. Easy ways to resolve this particular issue is keeping your dog on a leash or creating a fenced-in area.

If your neighbor sustained property damage as a result of your dog’s actions, you should quickly offer to reimburse them. The quick agreement to handle the issue decreases the odds of your neighbors reporting you to the local authorities for violating local leash laws.

Barking dogs are a harder issue to resolve. The first step is trying to figure out what your dog is barking at and removing the stimulus. If that doesn’t work, you’ll want to seek out the help of a good pet behaviorist/trainer.

The sooner you resolve the neighbor animal disputes, the sooner you’ll find life in your neighborhood enjoyable.

Needing bail isn’t something most people plan for. As a result, few of us have enough money in your savings account to spring ourselves from jail, and even if you are one of the lucky ones that does, will it leave you with enough to stay on top of your bills?

Cal Bail Bonds in Los Angeles is here to help. We have the funding needed to cover your bail so you can reunite with your family. All we ask for from you is 10%. This fee isn’t refundable.

Is the 10% fee still more than you can comfortably afford? That’s okay. Contact us anyway. 

We have a system already in place that provides some of our clients with a 20% discount. That means that instead of having to come up with 10% of whatever was set, you only need 8%. Depending on just how high your bail was set, that could add up to significant savings!

Our 20% off program is designed to provide some financial relief to clients who are AARP members, belong to the U.S. military, or who are utilizing the services of a private attorney. Don’t assume that just because you aren’t a veteran, AARP member, or are using a court-appointed lawyer that you won’t qualify for a 20% bail bond discount. If you have a co-signer who meets any of those requirements, you’ll get the discount!

The 20% bail discount is just one of the reasons we’re the only bail bond service many people will work with. The other reasons so many of our clients recommend us is because we offer:

 
We understand that money is tight right now and bail isn’t something that many of you can afford. We also understand that sitting in a jail cell puts you in a position of accepting a bad plea deal, losing your home, having relationship problems, and becoming unemployed. 

To make sure you never feel like bail isn’t an option, we’ve worked hard to create multiple options, including flexible payments and zero-interest bail bonds that hopefully make it easier for you to swing your bail fee so you can go home rather than spending another night in a cell.

Need more information about the 20% bail bonds discount or have questions about how bail works? Feel free to contact us by calling 877-793-2254 or clicking the Chat With Us now. Both phone and internet consultations are 100% free!

Camping is a great way to enjoy both the fantastic summer weather and breathtaking beauty California has to offer. The great thing about camping is that it’s also affordable and usually something you can do at the spur of the moment. 
 
The key to getting the maximum amount of enjoyment out of your camping adventure is making sure you are safety conscious the entire time you’re camping.
 

Be Knowledgeable About Basic First Aid

 
It doesn’t matter how careful you are, accidents do happen and anytime there’s an accident, there’s a risk of an injury. Before you embark on a camping adventure, set aside some time to acquaint yourself with basic first aid. Make sure you know how to tie a tourniquet to slow bleed, how to apply a pressure bandage, and how to manage a sprain.

While you’re learning how to treat common camping injuries, you should also learn how to identify and manage things like allergic reactions, head injuries, hypothermia, and heatstroke.
 
Knowing how to deal with a camping health crisis is great, but all that knowledge won’t do you any good if you don’t have the right supplies with you. Put together a first aid kit that has everything needed to deal with common camping injuries and make sure you have the kit with you at all times. Never go on a hike or boating adventure without your first aid kit.
 

Research the Area Where You’ll be Camping

 
Once you know where you’re going camping, take some time to familiarize yourself with the camping area. Know what dangers are in the area and learn the steps you can take to protect yourself. Most parks will let you know if there are plants, animals, and particular parts of the park you should avoid. If you learn that the park has bears, raccoons, and other forms of wildlife that have gotten comfortable with campers, take some time to make sure you have equipment that will protect your camping gear from these animals. You should also memorize the steps you should take if you find yourself in a face-to-face encounter with wildlife.
 

Pack a Dangerous Plants Book in Your Kit

 
You should always have a book that helps you identify dangerous plants that are native to the area where you’re camping. This book will not only help you identify which plants you shouldn’t touch but will also provide useful tips about what you should do if you accidentally brush against one. Knowing what types of dangerous plants are native to your campsite helps you determine what salves and lotions you should include in your first aid kit.
 

Make Sure you’re Equipment is in Good Repair

 
Before leaving on your camping trip, look over your equipment and make sure it’s in good repair. Having equipment that is in perfect working order not only makes your camping experience safer but also increases how much you enjoy your adventure.
 

Check-in With a Loved One

Always let someone know what your camping itinerary is and schedule regular check-ins. While this might seem like an inconvenience, knowing where to start searching for you if you don’t check-in can be a lifesaver if you fall and injure yourself so badly you can’t return to your campsite.
 

When it comes to camping safety, you can never be too cautious.

Fireworks are a fun and memorable way to celebrate the Fourth of July, but they can also be dangerous and in some cases have even been deadly. If you plan on setting off your own fireworks this Fourth of July, you owe it to yourself and your family to use common sense and practice firework safety.

Pay Careful Attention to Your Kids

Kids love fireworks and setting off an elaborate display with them is a great way to make new memories, but you don’t want the memories to include tears and emergency room visits. Never lose sight of the fact that fireworks and kids don’t mix. Encourage your kids to stand back while your setting up the fireworks and don’t allow them to play with any of the firework paraphernalia. Never leave your children unattended when there is even the smallest chance they could get into the fireworks.

Have a Ready Supply of Water

One of the biggest problems with fireworks in California is that they contribute to the wildfire problem. If it’s extremely hot and dry, you should want to hold off on using your fireworks until after you’ve gotten some rain. If you really can’t resist setting off the fireworks, at least make sure you have an ample supply of water on hand. In addition to keeping buckets, hoses, and sprayers close, you should also thoroughly spray the area and get everything damp before lighting the fireworks.

Don’t Light Duds

Yes, fireworks are expensive and it’s frustrating to have one that doesn’t perform well, but don’t try to get your money’s worth out of it by relighting it. Leave the duds alone. Lighting duds is how many people lose fingers and suffer extensive burns. In addition to not relighting it, liberally soak it with water before disposing of the defective firework.

Keep Medical Supplies on Hand

In addition to always wearing eye protection while setting off fireworks, you should also keep a medical supply kit close at hand. Make sure that the kit is liberally stocked with medical supplies that are designed to treat burns. If you get burned while lighting your fireworks, treat the injury right away and then seek professional medical help.

By putting safety first, you and your family will enjoy a fun Fourth of July holiday!

Everyone always talks about how horrible drunk driving is but far less is mentioned about the dangers and repercussions of distracted driving, which is as dangerous and even more common than drunk driving.

Distracted driving in California isn’t a new thing. For as long as people have been getting behind the wheel of automobiles, there have been distracted drivers. Examples of distracted driving include:

 
Distracted driving can result in a number of things going wrong. A single second of distracted driving can result in:

 
Over the past twenty years or so, distracted driving has become a much bigger problem. Data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association indicates that distracted driving results in approximately 1,000 injuries every single day and approximately 9 deaths a day. Many of these distracted driving accidents involved a cell phone.

In California, when someone is pulled over for distracted driving and issued a citation, the ticket usually doesn’t say distracted driving, even though that’s usually the cause of the incident. The ticket usually states the effect. For example, if you were playing with your dog who was in the shotgun seat and run a red light, the ticket will likely state reckless driving or failure to yield rather than distracted driving.

If your distracted driving results in an injury or death to another person, the citation may be the least of your worries. When someone is hurt or killed as a result of a distracted driving episode, you could find yourself acting as the defendant in a civil case. 

In an effort to lower the number of distracted driving incidents in California, the state has introduced the Just Drive campaign. The idea of the Just Drive campaign is to educate/remind drivers about the dangers of using a cell phone while you’re behind the wheel. Everybody involved in the campaign hopes that the program will remind drivers about how deadly answering a single text or taking a long call can be.

California’s “Just Drive” campaign is quite similar to earlier efforts to reduce the number of drivers who use their cell phones while they’re behind the wheel, but this campaign is geared specifically towards younger drivers who are between the ages of 16 and 24.

In California, you’re not allowed to have your cell phone in your hand while you’re driving. While everyone would prefer it if you simply didn’t use your cell phone at all during your commute, you are allowed to use it provided it’s set to hands-free mode, mounted on your dash or windshield, and can be turned on and off by a single finger touch.

The best way to avoid being the cause of a distracted driving incident is to keep your eyes and mind on the road.

Once you find out that a warrant has been issued for your arrest, you have two choices. You can exert a considerable amount of time and energy constantly looking over your shoulder and worrying that the police are about to arrest you or you can turn yourself in.

Turning yourself in is usually the best option and it’s usually in your best interest to do so as quickly as soon as possible. 

The benefits of turning yourself in include:

 
One of the advantages of turning yourself in is that before you do so, you can set aside a little time to look up how much bail traditionally is for people who are in a similar situation. Armed with this knowledge, you can decide if you want to pay the bail yourself or if you’re better off using Cal Bail Bonds in Los Angeles. 

Keep in mind that nothing is preventing you from contacting Cal Bail Bonds in Los Angeles before you turning yourself in. Whether you decide to give us a call or use our online chat option, you can take advantage of our free consultation service. Based on what you tell us, it’s likely we’ll be able to provide some insight into how much bail you’ll need, if a bail hearing will be required, and how much time will pass before you’re out on bail. 

The consultation also gives us time to really go over your options for covering the 10% you’ll owe us if you decide to have Cal Bail Bonds in Los Angeles post your bail. We can explore bail payment options, decide if you need to post some sort of collateral, and determine if you qualify for our 20% discount.

The biggest advantage of arranging bail with us before turning yourself in is that there won’t be a long delay between you getting booked and being released from jail.

For a free consultation, call 877-793-2254 or click the Chat With Us now.