Should I Submit Evidence of Stalking That Also Reveals Unrelated Illegal Activities?

Question from Lina, Should I Submit Evidence of Stalking That Also Reveals Unrelated Illegal Activities?

Answer from AI:

When dealing with a situation where evidence of stalking also reveals unrelated illegal activities, it’s important to understand the potential legal implications. This is a complex issue and it’s recommended to consult with a legal professional for personalized advice. However, here are some general points to consider:

1. Evidence Submission and Its Implications

When you submit evidence to the police, you are providing them with information that could potentially be used in a criminal investigation. This includes any illegal activities that are revealed in the evidence, even if they are unrelated to the stalking case. In California, as in most jurisdictions, the police have a duty to investigate any potential criminal activity they become aware of.

2. Potential Legal Consequences

Depending on the nature of the illegal activities revealed in the evidence, there could be potential legal consequences. For example, drug use and petty retail theft are both criminal offenses in California. If the police decide to investigate these activities, it could lead to criminal charges.

3. Legal Protections

There are some legal protections that might apply in this situation. For example, California has a “safe harbor” law that provides limited immunity to individuals who report certain types of crimes, even if they were involved in illegal activities at the time. However, this law is specific to certain situations and may not apply to your case.

4. Consulting with a Legal Professional

Given the potential legal implications, it’s strongly recommended to consult with a legal professional before deciding whether to submit the evidence. A lawyer can provide personalized advice based on the specifics of your situation and the laws in your jurisdiction.

Here are some steps you might take:

1. Consult with a lawyer: This should be your first step. A lawyer can help you understand the potential legal implications and guide you through the process.
2. Consider redacting the evidence: If it’s possible to redact the references to illegal activities without affecting the context of the stalking, this might be an option. However, this should be done under the guidance of a lawyer.
3. Consider other forms of evidence: If there are other forms of evidence that don’t reveal illegal activities, these might be preferable to submit.

Remember, this information is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. Always consult with a legal professional for personalized advice.

For more information, you can refer to the California Penal Code and the California Courts Self-Help Resources.