​Bizarre, Antiquated Laws

Part III: How to Fight Them

If you ever find yourself in violation of a law that should no longer exist, what are your options? In the last part of our series we looked at various cases in which strange, outdated laws forbidding such activities as oral sex or swearing in front of women and children were used to arrest people in the modern age. Luckily, if you find yourself in trouble for, say, collecting seaweed at night in New Hampshire, you do have some options.  
 
How to Fight Charges from Old Laws

1. Get a Lawyer 
This may seem obvious, but if you’re serious about fighting your unjust charges and are facing a punishment more serious than a small fine, you need a lawyer. A lawyer can best advise you on the specifics of your case and help you avoid a mark on your record or jail time.

2. Involve the Press 
If you create buzz around how ridiculous your case is, the charges against you may be dropped. In the case of Timothy Boomer, the canoeist who was arrested in Michigan after his canoe capsized and he swore in front of women and children (a law protecting the delicate ears of ladies and kids was still on the books), the absurdity of the charge drew a lot of coverage and the ACLU eventually got involved.

3. Find Advocates
Speaking of the ACLU, if you are fighting a really crazy charge, contacting them and other organizations like them can be helpful. Organizations that have a vested interest in protecting whatever right of yours has been violated may also be willing to help if you reach out. For example, if you’ve been charged using an old anti-gay law, the National LGBTQ Rights Organization may lend a hand.
 
Out with the Old
Of course, the best way to avoid getting charged with silly old laws is to get them off the books entirely. If you’re ready to fight for change, check out our next post to find out how others have done just that.
  
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