Learn about recent laws, potential penalties, and how to avoid legal trouble. Just being a spectator at an illegal sideshow can land you a hefty fine or even jail time Many cities in california, including san jose and oakland, have passed ordinances that make it illegal to attend or watch a sideshow within a certain distance, typically 200 to 500 feet. For example, i heard on abc news that it is now illegal to spectate or record a sideshow It is punishable by up to 6 months in prison or a $1000 fine But doesn't this violate the constitution, or some personal freedom?
Under the ordinance passed unanimously by the county’s board of supervisors earlier this month, you can be fined or jailed for participating in — or watching — a sideshow in any area of the county. Jose fermoso, who covers road safety for the oaklandside, said he can’t report on sideshows because the ordinance makes it illegal to spectate within 200 feet of one Violators could be hit with a maximum $1,000 fine, three months in jail or both. So, in total, those who host the illegal streams are most certainly in violation of copyright laws and can be prosecuted, but it’s highly unlikely a simple stream viewer will be found liable, but it’s certainly not impossible. Spectators within 500 feet of the sideshows can be fined up to $2,000 for watching the event (500 feet is about two city blocks), or even preparing for one The new ordinance may become permanent.
Participants can face significant financial penalties.
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