Reynolds vs. Reynolds: The Cereal Defense
Criminal Activities
Possession of unregistered firearms
Possession of firearms that are not registered as required by law. (Depending on weapon type and jurisdiction this can be a state or federal crime.)
Situation:
"During the dispute about the crash Dennis asks Frank, "And, Frank, how many unregistered g*ns are in your car right now?" Frank: "A lot." (Transcript admission that Frank has multiple unregistered guns in his vehicle.)"
Reckless driving
Operating a motor vehicle in a reckless or criminally negligent manner causing damage to another person's property; can be charged as a traffic offense or a criminal offense depending on jurisdiction and circumstances.
Situation:
"Frank rear-ends Dennis's car while Dennis is stopped at a red light, causing cereal to spill and interior damage. The transcript: "I'm sitting at a red light, at a dead stop, and Frank rams into me. Out of nowhere!""
Threat to damage or destroy property
Threatening to destroy another person's property can be a criminal offense (criminal threats/intimidation) if the threat is credible and meets statutory elements.
Situation:
"Dee, enraged during the dispute, shouts at the others: "I am going to destroy everything you own!" — an explicit threat to damage property."
Verbal threats
Making explicit threats of violent injury to others; depending on jurisdiction and context this can constitute a criminal threat or assault by threat.
Situation:
"During the mock trial Mac shouts violent threats, e.g. "I will scratch everybody's eyes out of their sockets!" — an explicit threat to commit bodily harm."