FAQ – Criminal Defense

Strange but True Laws

Most Americans have a general understanding of what constitutes a crime. However, there are a host of “strange but true” laws which exist in states, cities, and towns across America which may come as a shock to most people. While some of these laws have been taken off the books, and are therefore no longer considered a crime, in other cases, these laws remain in statutes or codes, but have lain dormant and have not been enforced for years. By all means, the following are intended to be only a representative sample of strange laws . . . there are plenty more of them out there, so be on your guard!

It is against the law to hunt for camels in Arizona.
If you slap a man on the back in Georgia, you have broken the law.
In Detroit, Michigan, it is against the law to sit in the middle of a street and read a newspaper.
Boston, Massachusetts, once had a law which made it illegal to bathe more than one time per week.
Dancing cheek-to-cheek is prohibited in Compton, California.
In Oklahoma, you can be fined, arrested, or jailed for making ugly faces at a dog.
In Memphis, Tennessee, it is against the law to sell teddy bears or yo-yo’s on Sundays.
A state law in South Carolina forbids people from crawling in public sewers without a permit.
In Wyoming, women are required to stand five feet away from the bar while drinking.
In Lake Charles, Louisiana, you can be cited if you allow a rain puddle to remain in your yard for more than twelve hours.
You may not use a mule while hunting for ducks in Kansas.
If you use a bean-shooter in Arkansas, you can be charged with a misdemeanor.
At one time in Kansas, it was against the law for restaurants to serve cherry pie with ice cream.
In Alabama, it is illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while operating a vehicle.
A Connecticut law prohibits people from walking across a street on their hands.
Men, in Florida, are prohibited from being seen in public in any type of strapless gown.
In Iowa, kisses may last for as much as, but no longer than, five minutes.
Mourners at a wake in Massachusetts may eat no more than three sandwiches apiece.
Beer and pretzels may not be served at the same time in any restaurant or bar in North Dakota.
In Florida, beauty shop patrons, as well as the shop owner, can be fined if they fall asleep under a hair dryer.
It is against the law to lasso catfish in Tennessee.
In King County, Washington, it is illegal for any woman to sit on a man’s lap on a bus unless they are married.

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