California Lynching Law (California Penal Code 405a)

In California, the term “lynching” is used to refer to the crime of taking someone out of police custody by force or fear. But the law has changed, and this word is not used in the legal system for this meaning anymore. The current law, known as California Penal Code 405a, talks about the crime that happens when a group of people frees someone from police custody.

What Crime Does Lynching Refer to in California?

The crime previously known as “lynching” in California law means that a person or a group of people uses force or fear to take someone away from the police when they are being arrested or in the police’s hands. This is now generally referred to as “attempting to take an individual from lawful custody.”

What Is a Riot?

A riot is a situation where a group of people come together and act in a way that is disorderly and noisy to the point where it causes a disturbance. It’s more than just a noisy gathering; it’s when the noise and the actions of the group make people around them feel unsafe or threatened.

This could be because the group is actually being violent, like fighting or breaking things, or because they’re threatening to do something violent. Even if they don’t actually hurt anyone or break anything, the fact that they are acting in a way that could lead to harm or damage can be enough to be considered a riot.

In a riot, the safety of others is at risk. People might be shouting, throwing things, or pushing and shoving. Sometimes, what starts as a peaceful gathering can turn into a riot if the group gets too upset and starts acting out. Other times, a group might plan to be disruptive from the start.

When a riot happens, it can catch everyone nearby off guard and create chaos. Stores might have their windows smashed, cars can get overturned, or fires might be set. Even people who aren’t involved in the riot can get hurt just by being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

What Does A Prosecutor Have to Prove to Convict Me of Lynching?

When a prosecutor is trying to prove a case for lynching, they have a specific set of things they need to show the court to get a conviction. It’s not just about saying someone did something wrong; it’s about showing evidence that fits all the parts of the crime as defined by the law.

Firstly, the prosecutor has to prove that the accused person knew what they were doing when they tried to take someone away from the police. This means that the person had to understand that their actions were meant to free someone from legal custody. It’s not enough for it to have been an accident or something done without thinking about it.

Secondly, the prosecutor must show that the accused acted with intent. This means that the person had a clear purpose or goal to free the individual from the police. It wasn’t just a random act or something done for another reason. They have to show that the person charged really meant to interfere with the police’s control over the individual they were trying to take.

The third point the prosecutor needs to prove is that force or fear was used. Force could mean any kind of physical action that tries to break the control the police have, like pulling the person away or fighting with officers. Fear involves making threats or actions that would make a reasonable person scared. The fear doesn’t have to be about physical harm; it could also be a threat to someone’s reputation or other kinds of harm.

Finally, it must have happened while the person was in lawful custody. This means that the police had a legal right to have the person in their control, like when they’re under arrest or have been detained for some reason. If the person weren’t lawfully in police custody, then the act wouldn’t fit the crime that used to be called lynching.

The prosecutor has to bring all these points together with evidence and show that they are true beyond a reasonable doubt. This evidence could include things like witness statements, videos, or other kinds of proof that show exactly what happened. Without strong evidence for each part of the crime, the prosecutor won’t be able to get a conviction. This is why having legal representation is so crucial for anyone accused of this crime. A lawyer will scrutinize the evidence and the case the prosecutor is building to defend their client’s rights.

What Sentence Can I Receive for Committing This Crime?

The crime of taking a person from the lawful custody of a peace officer by means of a riot is a felony punishable by two, three, or four years in county jail.

Can I Be Charged With Any Other Crime In Addition to Lynching?

An individual may be involved in an incident that could lead to a charge of the crime previously referred to as lynching in California. If so, it’s possible for additional charges to be brought based on the circumstances of the event. The law allows for multiple charges if different laws have been broken during the same incident.

Resisting arrest is a common charge that can accompany the primary charge. This happens if the person is accused of physically trying to fight off police officers or trying to escape from them. It can also include situations where someone else tries to prevent an arrest by obstructing officers or attempting to pull the individual away from the police.

Disturbing the peace is another potential additional charge. It covers a range of behaviors that disrupt the public order or that are considered an unreasonable noise or nuisance. For example, if, during the incident that led to the primary charge, the individual shouted in a threatening way or got into fights, this could constitute disturbing the peace.

There might also be charges related to any property damage that occurred. If, in the course of the incident, any property was destroyed or damaged, charges such as vandalism or destruction of property could be added.

Also, if the actions of the person involved incited others to join in the disorderly conduct, they could face charges for incitement or for participating in a riot. Incitement involves encouraging others to commit crimes, and if those crimes are then carried out, the person who incited the action can be held responsible as well.

In situations where the individual threatened police officers or others, additional charges like making criminal threats could be relevant. If any weapons were used during the incident, this could lead to charges related to the unlawful use of weapons.

What if the “Riot” Did Not Involve Violence but Was Instead a Group of People Peacefully Protesting?

In California, peaceful protesting is not the same as a riot. The law protects peaceful protests. If a protest stays peaceful, it should not be called a riot. However, if a protest turns violent or breaks laws, it might then be considered a riot.

Should I Talk to a Lawyer About The Defenses I Can Use to Fight This Charge?

If you are facing a charge of lynching or any related crime, talking to a lawyer can be very important. A lawyer can help you understand the laws and can speak to the court for you. They can also help you find out what defenses you might have, like if you didn’t really try to free someone from custody or if you were part of a peaceful protest.

If you need help with a charge like this in California, you can find a local California attorney through LegalMatch. LegalMatch makes it easy to find a California criminal lawyer who can work with you on your case.