A San Francisco lawmaker is proposing an ordinance that would outlaw 911 calls made by white women against Black people due to differences in race, religion or ethnicity.
Karens, or racist callers, are becoming more common. Shamann Walton, the city supervisor, is proposing the Caution Against Racially Exploitative Non-Emergencies Act (CAREN), which could make such behavior a criminal offence.
1. Felony
Criminalizing racist behavior by Karens is a serious matter, with many jurisdictions taking more than just jail time into account. A recent high-profile case involved a self-described Mexican American woman who went on the offensive against an Indian group in Dallas suburbia.
A felony is any criminal act that carries the threat of jail time, whether it’s a misdemeanor or major offense. Felons come in many shapes and sizes but tend to be the most serious and severe crimes.
Most states employ a uniform classification system to classify felonies, from the most serious to the least serious. Some, like Virginia or New York, have separate categories for various types of felonies; other states lack such distinctions and simply specify the penalty on an individual crime-by-crime basis.
No matter where you reside, a criminal justice lawyer can guide you through your state’s felony classification system. It is essential that they assist in determining what classification best applies for your individual circumstances.
Avoiding costly and inconvenient penalties will help you make informed decisions about how to proceed with your case.
Mill Valley residents have taken an interest in the name “Karen”, even though it’s not a particularly common option. A quick search on social media reveals some instances of people taking time out to call police about seemingly bizarre behaviors related to the name – from making jokes about it to asking why it’s no longer popular.
2. Misdemeanor
The term “Karen” has become a ubiquitous signifier for white women who speak out, particularly against racism or other forms of discrimination. In recent months, it’s become even more of a cultural cliche as tensions mount surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and George Floyd’s passing.
Viral videos and incidents have made the term a trending topic, often captured on camera and uploaded to social media where millions can view them. Unfortunately, some of these clips lack context or have been edited to distort the narrative.
Over the past few weeks, “Black Lives Matter” has seen an uptick in media attention due to the pandemic and ongoing conversations around race and police brutality. Videos showing a woman calling police on a Black bird-watcher who asked her to leash her dog at Central Park; another telling a farmer not to hand out LGBTQ+ Pride flags at a farmers market; and finally one featuring a man stenciling “Black Lives Matter” outside his home have all gone viral on social media platforms.
These incidents are not only racially charged, but they also violate someone’s right to free speech. As a result, hate crime legislation has been implemented in cities across America.
On Tuesday, San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a law that will empower victims of racist 911 callers to sue. The Caution Against Racial and Exploitative Non-Emergencies Act (CAREN) makes it illegal to call 911 solely out of racial motivation, with victims having the option to sue up to $1,000 in damages.
Though some have criticized this law, there are benefits to it as well. These include sending a clear message that racism is unacceptable and providing victims with legal recourse for damages which can then be used to fund organizations fighting racism.
Aggravated harassment, while not a felony offense, does carry the potential for jail time. If someone does not abide by their probation terms, then they could face up to four years in prison – particularly if there has been a history of harassment and assaults directed at them.
3. Misdemeanor Domestic Violence
Domestic violence refers to any act of physical or verbal aggression perpetrated against someone with whom an individual has a close relationship, such as spouses, parents, children or any other family members.
Domestic violence offenses can be charged as either a Misdemeanor or Felony depending on the facts of each case. The difference in penalties can be substantial and significantly influence how the case is handled.
Misdemeanor offenses are less serious crimes than felonies and typically result in smaller fines, jail time or probation instead of prison. They may also carry mandatory counseling, community service hours and a protection order against the accused person.
Penalties for first-time domestic violence convictions depend on the severity of the injury suffered by the victim. For instance, if one party was seriously hurt or needed medical treatment, a prosecutor may charge the defendant with aggravated assault – a Class C Felony that can result in prison terms ranging from 3 to 6 years.
For those accused of domestic violence crimes, having a criminal defense lawyer with experience handling both misdemeanor and felony cases is essential. These attorneys possess the legal know-how and resources to negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges to less serious misdemeanors.
Karens’ actions demonstrate her incapacity for any meaningful relationship in the future, and her racist attitudes deserve punishment. Furthermore, Karens is guilty of violating her probationary sex offender status, meaning she cannot purchase or own a gun in the future.
Furthermore, her crimes can be punishable under federal law. Furthermore, she is subject to sex offender registration which could prevent her employment in sensitive positions and from working with young people.
Conviction for felony domestic violence will have far-reaching effects on your personal, financial and social life. It could interfere with employment prospects, access to financial assistance and travel abroad; furthermore it could pose as an impediment when seeking divorce or separation.
4. Misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct
Most states divide misdemeanor crimes into distinct classes or levels to help courts decide what punishments should be applied for each offense. The highest level, known as a felony, typically carries prison time while the lowest level (misdemeanor) only requires payment of fines.
New York divides misdemeanor offenses into two categories: class A and B. Class A misdemeanors are more serious, typically carrying sentences of up to one year in jail, while Class B misdemeanors carry lighter punishments of 90 to 180 days in jail.
The disorderly conduct statute is intended to maintain public order, but it also serves as a blanket designation for behaviors that do not meet any other criminal offense criteria. If you have been charged with this type of offense, it is critical that you seek legal counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately.
Recently in Galveston, Texas, an island attorney named Mark Metzger was arrested for “disorderly conduct” on the beach due to his costume that featured a fake knife that looked like Michael Myers’ weapon.
Though some found the act amusing, others found it disturbing and called for law enforcement intervention. Metzger was charged with disorderly conduct and given a court date to appear before the judge.
Metzger was charged with disorderly conduct and also required to pay a nominal fee to the city of Galveston – something common in most US cities and towns.
In addition, legal representation can be costly. If you have been charged with disorderly conduct or any other crime, it is essential that you speak with a qualified attorney as soon as possible.
In many cases, prosecutors’ discretion can backfire and force defendants to plead guilty to crimes that should never have been charged at all. This often occurs when they “overcharge” or try to pressure defendants into accepting guilt for a lower-level offense (like a minor misdemeanor that wouldn’t have been charged had the prosecutor simply evaluated all facts presented).
