THE CONSOLIDATED LAWS OF THE STATE OF SAN ANDREAS
Criminal Justice, Public Safety, Vehicle and Traffic Code
Published by authority of the State of San Andreas
CONSTITUTIONAL FOUNDATION
Preamble
We, the People of San Andreas, establish this Constitution as the supreme law of the State — to secure justice, protect liberty, provide public safety, and preserve responsible self-government.
Article I — The State and Its Constitutional Order
§ 1. Statehood. San Andreas is one State of the United States, equal to every other State, with borders set by law.
§ 2. Federal Supremacy. Federal law is supreme. It binds the State, its counties, and every officer. Rights under the U.S. Constitution apply here, and no State or county law may deny them.
§ 3. Capital. The State capital is Los Santos City, in Los Santos County. Law sets where each branch's principal offices sit.
§ 4. Separation of Powers. State power is split among three branches — legislative, executive, and judicial. No branch may take another's powers except where this Constitution allows.
§ 5. State and Counties. A county holds only the powers the State grants it. Where State law conflicts with county law, State law wins. No county may exercise judicial power or run a jail or prison.
§ 6. Supremacy of This Constitution. This Constitution outranks every statute, ordinance, executive act, and rule. Anything that conflicts with it is void.
Article II — Declaration of Rights
§ 1. Inherent Rights. All people are free and equal and hold inalienable rights to life, liberty, property, safety, and the pursuit of happiness.
§ 2. Due Process. No person may be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.
§ 3. Equal Protection. No person may be denied the equal protection of the laws.
§ 4. Speech, Press, and Assembly. Every person may speak, write, and publish freely, and may peaceably assemble and petition the government. These freedoms have only the narrow limits federal law allows.
§ 5. Religion. Religion is freely exercised. The State may not establish a religion or forbid its practice.
§ 6. Privacy. Every person has a right to privacy in their body, home, communications, and property, subject to lawful and reasonable limits.
§ 7. Searches and Seizures. People are secure against unreasonable searches and seizures. A warrant issues only on probable cause, sworn to, and describing exactly the place to search and what to seize.
§ 8. Rights of the Accused. In a criminal case the accused has the right to:
- be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt;
- stay silent and not testify against themselves;
- a lawyer, appointed free if they cannot afford one;
- a speedy, public trial before a neutral judge;
- know the charges;
- confront and question the State's witnesses; and
- present evidence and call witnesses.
§ 9. Trial by Neutral Judge. Guilt is decided by a bench trial before a neutral State judge. There is no jury. The judge finds the facts, applies the law, and states the reasons on the record.
§ 10. Pretrial Liberty. A person is entitled to release before trial on the least restrictive conditions that reasonably ensure they appear and the public is safe. Bail may not be excessive. Any pretrial detention is served in State custody.
§ 11. Double Jeopardy; Ex Post Facto. No one may be tried twice for the same offense, punished under a law passed after the act, or given a heavier penalty than the law set when they acted.
§ 12. Cruel or Unusual Punishment. No excessive fines, and no cruel or unusual punishment.
§ 13. Takings. Private property may not be taken or damaged for public use without just compensation.
§ 14. Remedies. Every person injured in body, property, or reputation is entitled to a remedy through the courts, which stay open and act without undue delay.
§ 15. Construction. This list is not exhaustive; people keep other rights not named here. An ambiguous criminal statute is construed in the accused's favor (rule of lenity).
Article III — Legislative Branch
§ 1. Legislative Power. The San Andreas Legislature holds the State's lawmaking power. Only it may enact, amend, or repeal a State statute.
§ 2. Valid Legislation. A statute is valid only if the Legislature enacts it, it fits this Constitution, and it is published for the public to read before it takes effect. An unpublished rule does not bind the public.
§ 3. Scope. The Legislature may legislate on any subject not withdrawn by this Constitution or federal law — including defining crimes, setting penalties, taxing, and organizing State government.
§ 4. Delegation. The Legislature may let an executive department make rules within limits it sets. It may not hand off the power to define a crime or set a criminal penalty.
§ 5. Transparency. Legislative proceedings and enacted laws are public unless a valid law provides otherwise.
§ 6. Limits. The Legislature may not suspend this Constitution. Emergency laws stay subject to the Declaration of Rights and to the courts.
Article IV — Executive Branch
§ 1. The Governor. The Governor is the chief executive and must ensure the laws are faithfully carried out.
§ 2. Departments. Executive departments hold only the authority the law grants them. Unless a law says otherwise, the Governor nominates each department and agency head, who takes office only upon confirmation by the Legislature.
§ 3. Appointment and Removal. The Governor's nominations to executive office take effect only upon confirmation by a majority of the Legislature. The Governor removes executive officers as the law provides, and may not direct the outcome of any investigation, charge, case, or custody decision.
§ 4. Emergency Authority. The Governor may declare an emergency and use the powers the law grants, still bound by the Declaration of Rights and reviewable by the Legislature and the courts.
§ 5. Accountability. No executive officer is above the law. Executive acts are reviewable by the courts, and an officer who exceeds their authority answers for it.
§ 6. Limits. The executive may not make law or judge cases. It may not create an offense, impose a criminal penalty, run a court, or hold anyone in continuing custody except through State Corrections and State Prison.
Article V — Judicial Branch
§ 1. Judicial Power. One unified statewide judiciary holds the State's judicial power. The judiciary is a State function alone.
§ 2. No Local Courts. No county or city may run a court or a separate judiciary. County locations are only venues of the one State judiciary.
§ 3. Bench Trials. Every trial is a bench trial before a neutral State judge, who finds the facts, decides the law, and enters judgment. There is no jury.
§ 4. Chief Justice. The Chief Justice leads the judiciary's administration — assigning judges, managing venues, and maintaining the Rules of Court — but may not direct any case's outcome.
§ 5. Judicial Review. The courts interpret this Constitution and the laws, and must void any law or act that conflicts with this Constitution.
§ 6. Independence. Judges are independent and impartial. No one may direct, threaten, or punish a judge for a decision. A judge faces discipline only for misconduct, and only as the law and Rules of Court provide.
§ 7. Open Courts. Proceedings and records are public unless a valid law requires confidentiality. The controlling record lives on the designated State forums.
Article VI — Public Officers and Independent Functions
§ 1. Public Trust. Public office is a public trust, held for the people and accountable for its use.
§ 2. Oath. Before taking office, every officer must swear to support this Constitution and the U.S. Constitution and to perform their duties faithfully.
§ 3. Ethics. An officer may not use office for private gain, must avoid conflicts of interest, and must follow the ethics rules the law sets.
§ 4. Independence of Justice. Investigation, prosecution, defense, adjudication, and corrections are separate functions. No one may combine them so as to defeat any one's independence:
- police investigate and arrest, but do not prosecute, judge, or hold people in continuing custody;
- prosecutors decide charges on their own, not just because an agency investigated;
- the defense answers only to its client;
- judges decide cases independently; and
- corrections runs custody and release under law and court order, and does not decide guilt.
§ 5. Peace-Officer Certification. No one may use peace-officer powers without the current certification the law requires. Certification alone grants no office and no authority beyond what the law confers.
§ 6. Accountability. An officer who breaks this Constitution or the law faces removal, discipline, and legal liability. No office puts its holder above the law.
Article VII — State Custody and the Absence of Local Jails
§ 1. State Custody Only. Continuing detention and incarceration happen only in State Prison, under State Corrections. There are no county, municipal, or Sheriff-run jails or prisons.
§ 2. Temporary Processing. An arresting agency may hold a person at its station only long enough for immediate processing. It must then release the person or hand them to State Corrections with a record.
§ 3. Corrections Transport. State Corrections transports the person from agency processing into State custody; no one is held in a local jail.
§ 4. Continuing Detention. All pretrial detention and every sentence are served in State Prison under State Corrections, under law and a judge's order.
§ 5. Rights in Custody. A person in custody keeps every right this Constitution guarantees except those necessarily limited by lawful detention. Custody records must be accurate, and the person released promptly when the law requires.
§ 6. No Local Custody. No county, city, or Sheriff's department may build, run, or contract for a jail or prison. A processing cell is not a jail and may not hold anyone in continuing custody.
Article VIII — Amendment and Supremacy
§ 1. Amendment. This Constitution is amended only by the constitutional amendment process the law sets. An ordinary statute cannot amend it.
§ 2. Severability. If one provision is held invalid, the rest stays in force.
§ 3. Effect. No statute, ordinance, executive act, or rule has effect where it conflicts with this Constitution.
ORGANIZATION OF THE CONSOLIDATED LAWS
| Division | Subject |
|---|---|
| Constitution — Article I | The State and Its Constitutional Order |
| Constitution — Article II | Declaration of Rights |
| Constitution — Articles III–VIII | Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, Public Officers, State Custody, Amendment and Supremacy |
| Title I | General Principles and Definitions |
| Title II | Criminal Responsibility, Attempts and Defenses |
| Titles III–V | Crimes Against Persons, Property, Public Order and Justice |
| Title VI | Weapons and Firearms |
| Title VII | Controlled Substances and Drug Schedules I–V |
| Titles VIII–IX | Vehicle, Traffic, Parking, Clamping, Towing and Impoundment |
| Titles X–XII | Investigation, Arrest, Charging, Evidence, Trial and Appeal |
| Titles XIII–XV | Sentencing, Corrections and Rules of Court |
| Annex A | Criminal Sentencing Guidelines |
| Annex B | Traffic Penalty Guidelines |
| Annex C | Parking, Clamping and Impound Guidelines |
CONSOLIDATED STATUTORY CODE
(( OOC: This is an In-Character legal publication. Server Rules remain OOC and take precedence where an OOC rule or administrative matter is involved. IC law cannot be used to justify an OOC rule violation. ))
TITLE I — GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND DEFINITIONS
| Section | Provision |
|---|---|
| § 1.01 Purpose | We recognize that law exists to protect the people, preserve liberty and public safety, provide fair remedies, and define the limits of government authority. No person may be punished for conduct that was not prohibited by law when committed. |
| § 1.02 Constitutional Supremacy | The Constitution of the State of San Andreas is the supreme law of this State. Any statute, ordinance, regulation, executive act or government policy inconsistent with it is without effect to the extent of that conflict. |
| § 1.03 Statewide Application | These laws apply throughout San Andreas. A county or municipality may exercise only authority granted to it by the State, and State law controls where a local rule conflicts with State law. |
| § 1.04 Equality Before the Law | Every person is entitled to equal protection of the laws. Public office, employment, wealth, profession, government rank or association does not place a person above the law. |
| § 1.05 Presumption of Innocence | Every accused person is presumed innocent. The State bears the burden of proving every element of a criminal offense beyond a reasonable doubt. The accused is not required to prove innocence. |
| § 1.06 Prospective Law | No person may be criminally punished under a law enacted after the conduct occurred, nor may a later law increase the punishment applicable to conduct already committed. |
| § 1.07 Rule of Lenity | Where a criminal statute remains genuinely ambiguous after ordinary interpretation, the ambiguity must be resolved in favor of the accused. |
| § 1.08 Severability | If a provision of these laws is held invalid, the remaining provisions remain in force where they can reasonably operate independently. |
General Definitions
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peace Officer | A person lawfully appointed and certified to exercise peace-officer authority under State law. |
| Probable Cause | Facts and circumstances sufficient to cause a reasonable person to believe an offense has occurred, a particular person committed it, or evidence subject to lawful seizure will be found in a particular place. |
| Reasonable Suspicion | Specific and articulable facts which, together with reasonable inferences, support a reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. |
| Deadly Weapon | A firearm or another object designed, intended or used in circumstances capable of causing death or serious bodily injury. |
| Serious Bodily Injury | An injury creating substantial risk of death, permanent impairment, serious disfigurement or prolonged loss or impairment of bodily function. |
| Property | Real, personal, tangible, intangible, financial or digital property in which a person or entity may hold a lawful interest. |
| Public Place | A place ordinarily open or accessible to members of the public. |
| Vehicle | A motor vehicle, motorcycle or other conveyance regulated for use upon a roadway. |
| State Prison | A correctional institution operated under State Corrections authority for continuing detention and incarceration. |
TITLE II — CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY, ATTEMPTS AND DEFENSES
| Section | Rule | Provision |
|---|---|---|
| § 2.01 | Voluntary Conduct | A person is criminally responsible only for voluntary conduct, or for an omission where the law imposed a duty to act and the person was reasonably capable of acting. |
| § 2.02 | Intentional Conduct | A person acts intentionally when it is their conscious objective to engage in conduct or cause a particular result. |
| § 2.03 | Knowing Conduct | A person acts knowingly when aware of the nature of their conduct or the relevant circumstances. |
| § 2.04 | Recklessness | A person acts recklessly when consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk in circumstances where that disregard represents a serious departure from reasonable conduct. |
| § 2.05 | Attempt | A person commits an attempt when, intending to commit an offense, they take a substantial step toward completing it. Unless otherwise stated, attempt is punishable one classification below the completed offense. |
| § 2.06 | Conspiracy | A person commits conspiracy when two or more persons intentionally agree to commit an offense and at least one participant performs a substantial act in furtherance of that agreement. |
| § 2.07 | Solicitation | A person commits solicitation when they intentionally command, request, encourage or offer another person to commit a criminal offense. |
| § 2.08 | Accomplice Liability | A person who intentionally aids, encourages, facilitates or participates in an offense may be held responsible for that offense according to their participation. |
| § 2.09 | Self-Defense | A person may use reasonable force when they reasonably believe it immediately necessary to defend against unlawful force. Deadly force is justified only where reasonably necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily injury. |
| § 2.10 | Defense of Others | A person may use reasonable force to protect another person under circumstances in which that other person could lawfully defend themselves. |
| § 2.11 | Defense of Property | Reasonable non-deadly force may be used where immediately necessary to prevent or terminate unlawful interference with property. Deadly force may not be used solely for the protection of property. |
| § 2.12 | Necessity | Conduct otherwise unlawful may be justified where reasonably necessary to avoid a greater imminent harm and no reasonable lawful alternative existed. |
| § 2.13 | Duress | Conduct may be excused where compelled by an immediate unlawful threat of death or serious bodily injury that a reasonable person could not be expected to resist. |
| § 2.14 | Mistake of Fact | A genuine mistake of fact is a defense where it prevents the State from proving a required element. Ignorance of published law is ordinarily no defense. |
TITLE III — OFFENSES AGAINST PERSONS
| Section | Offense | Definition | Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| § 3.01 | Battery | Intentionally making unlawful harmful or offensive physical contact with another person. | Misdemeanor III |
| § 3.02 | Assault | Intentionally or recklessly causing bodily injury, or intentionally placing another person in reasonable fear of immediate unlawful bodily harm. | Misdemeanor II |
| § 3.03 | Aggravated Assault | Committing assault with a deadly weapon, causing serious bodily injury, or acting under circumstances demonstrating extreme disregard for human life. | Felony III |
| § 3.04 | Criminal Threats | Communicating a credible threat of unlawful death or serious bodily injury under circumstances reasonably causing fear that the threat may be carried out. | Misdemeanor I |
| § 3.05 | Unlawful Restraint | Knowingly and unlawfully restricting another person's freedom of movement without lawful authority or consent. | Misdemeanor I |
| § 3.06 | Kidnapping | Unlawfully seizing, transporting, secreting, confining or holding another person by force, threat, intimidation or deception. | Felony I |
| § 3.07 | Robbery | Taking or attempting to take property from another person or their immediate presence by force, violence, intimidation or threat. | Felony II |
| § 3.08 | Armed Robbery | Committing robbery while using, displaying or threatening the use of a deadly weapon. | Felony I |
| § 3.09 | Manslaughter | Unlawfully causing the death of another person recklessly, or under circumstances that reduce an unlawful killing from murder. | Felony I |
| § 3.10 | Murder | Intentionally or knowingly causing the unlawful death of another person, or causing death through conduct demonstrating extreme indifference to human life. | Felony Special |
| § 3.11 | Attempted Murder | With intent to unlawfully kill another person, taking a substantial step toward causing that person's death. | Felony I |
| § 3.12 | Stalking | Engaging in a repeated course of unwanted following, surveillance, threats or contact that would reasonably cause substantial fear for personal safety. | Misdemeanor I |
TITLE IV — PROPERTY, FRAUD AND ECONOMIC OFFENSES
| Section | Offense | Definition | Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| § 4.01 | Petty Theft | Knowingly taking or exercising unlawful control over property of comparatively minor value with intent to deprive its lawful owner. | Misdemeanor II |
| § 4.02 | Grand Theft | Theft involving property of substantial value, multiple victims, significant planning or other circumstances warranting felony treatment. | Felony III |
| § 4.03 | Grand Theft Auto | Knowingly taking or exercising unauthorized control over another person's motor vehicle with intent to substantially or permanently deprive the lawful owner of it. | Felony III |
| § 4.04 | Unauthorized Vehicle Use | Knowingly operating or exercising control over another person's vehicle without permission where the intent required for Grand Theft Auto is not proven. | Misdemeanor I |
| § 4.05 | Burglary | Unlawfully entering or remaining in a dwelling, building, business or secured structure with intent to commit an offense therein. | Felony II |
| § 4.06 | Possession of Burglary Tools | Possessing tools, instruments or devices with intent to use them for burglary, theft or unlawful entry. | Misdemeanor I |
| § 4.07 | Trespass | Knowingly entering or remaining upon property without authorization after notice, lawful instruction, fencing or circumstances clearly restricting entry. | Misdemeanor III |
| § 4.08 | Vandalism | Intentionally or recklessly damaging, destroying or defacing another person's property. | Misdemeanor II; Felony III for major damage |
| § 4.09 | Arson | Intentionally or recklessly causing a fire or explosion that damages property or creates a substantial danger to persons. | Felony II |
| § 4.10 | Possession of Stolen Property | Knowingly receiving, possessing, concealing, selling or disposing of property known or reasonably believed to be stolen. | Misdemeanor I; Felony III when aggravated |
| § 4.11 | Fraud | Intentionally using material deception, concealment or false representation to obtain money, property, services or another benefit. | Misdemeanor I; Felony III when aggravated |
| § 4.12 | Forgery | Knowingly creating, altering, possessing, presenting or using a false document or instrument with intent to defraud. | Felony III |
| § 4.13 | Embezzlement | Fraudulently converting money or property entrusted to the accused. | Felony III |
| § 4.14 | Extortion | Obtaining or attempting to obtain money, property, conduct or another benefit through wrongful threat, coercion or intimidation. | Felony III |
| § 4.15 | Money Laundering | Knowingly transferring, concealing or conducting transactions involving criminal proceeds for the purpose of concealing their unlawful origin, ownership or control. | Felony II |
TITLE V — PUBLIC ORDER AND ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
| Section | Offense | Definition | Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| § 5.01 | Disorderly Conduct | Intentionally or recklessly engaging in fighting, threatening behavior or a serious unreasonable public disturbance. | Infraction / Misdemeanor III |
| § 5.02 | Obstruction | Knowingly and materially obstructing, delaying or interfering with a peace officer lawfully performing official duties. | Misdemeanor II |
| § 5.03 | Resisting Arrest | Intentionally using force or active physical resistance to prevent a lawful arrest. | Misdemeanor I |
| § 5.04 | Escape | Knowingly leaving or attempting to leave lawful custody without authorization. | Felony III |
| § 5.05 | Harboring a Fugitive | Knowingly concealing or materially assisting a wanted person for the purpose of avoiding lawful arrest or custody. | Felony III |
| § 5.06 | False Report | Knowingly reporting a false crime, emergency or material incident to a public authority. | Misdemeanor I |
| § 5.07 | False Information | Knowingly providing materially false identifying or investigative information where law requires truthful information. | Misdemeanor III |
| § 5.08 | Evidence Tampering | Destroying, altering, concealing, fabricating or planting evidence with intent to impair an investigation or judicial proceeding. | Felony II |
| § 5.09 | Witness Tampering | Threatening, bribing, coercing, deceiving or improperly influencing a witness concerning testimony or cooperation. | Felony II |
| § 5.10 | Perjury | Knowingly making a materially false statement under lawful oath in an official proceeding. | Felony III |
| § 5.11 | Impersonating a Public Officer | Falsely representing oneself as a peace officer, judge, prosecutor, corrections officer or other public official and purporting to exercise that authority. | Felony III |
| § 5.12 | Bribery | Offering, giving, requesting or receiving a benefit with corrupt intent to influence an official act. | Felony II |
| § 5.13 | Official Misconduct | A public officer knowingly abusing official authority, confidential information or government property for an unlawful purpose or corrupt private benefit. | Felony II |
| § 5.14 | Contempt of Court | Willfully disobeying a lawful court order or materially obstructing judicial proceedings. | Misdemeanor I / Judicial sanction |
TITLE VI — WEAPONS AND FIREARMS
| Section | Offense | Definition | Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| § 6.01 | Unlawful Firearm Possession | Knowingly possessing a firearm without the license or lawful authority required for that firearm and circumstance. | Misdemeanor I / Felony III |
| § 6.02 | Unlawful Carrying | Carrying a firearm contrary to a lawful license condition or statutory restriction. | Misdemeanor I |
| § 6.03 | Brandishing | Displaying or presenting a weapon in a threatening manner without lawful justification. | Misdemeanor I |
| § 6.04 | Unlawful Discharge | Discharging a firearm without lawful justification or in circumstances creating an unreasonable danger. | Misdemeanor I / Felony III |
| § 6.05 | Prohibited Weapon | Knowingly possessing, manufacturing, transferring or carrying a weapon specifically prohibited by State law. | Felony III |
| § 6.06 | Firearm During Serious Felony | Using or knowingly carrying a firearm in furtherance of a violent or serious felony is an aggravating sentencing circumstance. | Enhancement |
TITLE VII — CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
Chapter 1 — Controlled Substance Schedules
The State classifies controlled substances into five schedules. Placement is based upon accepted medical use, potential for abuse, risk to public health, and the likelihood of physical or psychological dependence.
A substance is controlled according to the schedule in which it is lawfully listed at the time of the alleged conduct.
| Schedule | General Standard | Lawful Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule I | Substances with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use recognized by the State, or for which lawful medical use has not been established. | Possession, manufacture, distribution and dispensing are prohibited except where specifically authorized for lawful research, evidence handling or another statutory purpose. |
| Schedule II | Substances with accepted but highly restricted medical use and a high potential for abuse or serious dependence. | Available only through lawful medical, pharmaceutical, scientific or other specifically authorized channels. |
| Schedule III | Substances with accepted medical use and a lower potential for abuse than Schedule I or II substances, but which remain capable of producing substantial dependence or harm. | Available only as authorized by medical, pharmaceutical or other applicable law. |
| Schedule IV | Substances with accepted medical use and a lower potential for abuse and dependence than Schedule III substances. | Available through lawful prescription, dispensing or other authorized channels. |
| Schedule V | Substances with accepted medical use and comparatively limited abuse potential, while still requiring legal control. | Available only as permitted by applicable medical, pharmaceutical and dispensing rules. |
§ 7.01 State Controlled Substance Register.
The competent State authority may maintain and publish the State Controlled Substance Register identifying substances placed in Schedules I through V. A person may not be criminally punished under a controlled-substance classification that was not lawfully published at the time of the conduct.
§ 7.02 Prescription and Medical Authority.
Possession, dispensing or administration of a controlled substance is lawful where authorized by a valid prescription, professional medical authority, pharmacy authority, institutional authority or another provision of law.
§ 7.03 Analogues and Misrepresented Substances.
A substance not expressly listed may be treated as a controlled-substance analogue only where State law expressly permits such treatment and gives fair notice of the applicable classification. A person who knowingly sells or distributes a non-controlled substance while falsely representing it as an unlawful controlled substance may be prosecuted for fraud or another applicable offense.
Chapter 2 — Controlled Substance Offenses
| Section | Offense | Definition | Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
| § 7.10 | Unlawful Possession — Schedule V | Knowingly possessing a Schedule V controlled substance without lawful authority. | Infraction / Misdemeanor III depending on quantity and circumstances |
| § 7.11 | Unlawful Possession — Schedule IV | Knowingly possessing a Schedule IV controlled substance without lawful authority. | Misdemeanor III |
| § 7.12 | Unlawful Possession — Schedule III | Knowingly possessing a Schedule III controlled substance without lawful authority. | Misdemeanor II |
| § 7.13 | Unlawful Possession — Schedule II | Knowingly possessing a Schedule II controlled substance without lawful authority. | Misdemeanor I |
| § 7.14 | Unlawful Possession — Schedule I | Knowingly possessing a Schedule I controlled substance without lawful authority. | Misdemeanor I; aggravated quantities may be Felony III |
| § 7.15 | Possession With Intent to Distribute | Possessing a controlled substance under circumstances proving an intent to sell, supply or distribute it unlawfully. | Felony III; Schedule I or II and aggravated quantities may be Felony II |
| § 7.16 | Unlawful Distribution | Knowingly selling, supplying, delivering or transferring a controlled substance without lawful authority. | Felony II; lower schedules and minor circumstances may be Felony III |
| § 7.17 | Unlawful Manufacture | Knowingly manufacturing, producing, cultivating, compounding or processing a controlled substance without lawful authority. | Felony II |
| § 7.18 | Drug Trafficking | Engaging in large-scale, organized, commercial or repeated unlawful manufacture, importation, transportation or distribution of controlled substances. | Felony I |
| § 7.19 | Maintaining a Drug Premises | Knowingly maintaining or controlling premises principally used for unlawful manufacture, storage or commercial distribution of controlled substances. | Felony III / Felony II when aggravated |
| § 7.20 | Drug Paraphernalia for Criminal Manufacture or Distribution | Possessing specialized equipment with intent that it be used materially in unlawful manufacture or commercial distribution of controlled substances. | Misdemeanor I / Felony III when part of an organized operation |
§ 7.21 Quantity and Circumstances.
Quantity alone does not automatically prove an intent to distribute. The court may consider quantity together with packaging, records, communications, scales, proceeds, repeated transactions and other admissible circumstances.
§ 7.22 Lawful Medical Possession.
A person lawfully prescribed or otherwise authorized to possess a controlled substance does not commit an offense merely by possessing it within the scope of that authorization.
§ 7.23 Forfeiture and Seizure.
Controlled substances unlawfully possessed may be seized as contraband. Other property may be seized or forfeited only where separate law authorizes that action and due process is provided.
TITLE VIII — VEHICLE AND TRAFFIC LAW
| Section | Regulation / Offense | Rule | Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
| § 8.01 | Driver License Required | No person may operate a motor vehicle upon a public roadway without the license required for that class of vehicle. | Traffic Infraction |
| § 8.02 | Suspended or Revoked License | No person may knowingly drive while their driving privilege is suspended or revoked. | Misdemeanor III |
| § 8.03 | Vehicle Registration | A vehicle operated upon a public roadway must be lawfully registered where State law requires registration. | Traffic Infraction |
| § 8.04 | Traffic-Control Devices | Every driver must obey lawful traffic lights, signs, lane markings, barriers and lawful directions given by an authorized officer. | Traffic Infraction |
| § 8.05 | Safe Speed | No driver may travel faster than is reasonable and prudent for traffic, road, visibility and weather conditions, even where the posted maximum would otherwise permit a higher speed. | Traffic Infraction |
| § 8.06 | Speeding | No driver may exceed an applicable posted or statutory speed limit. | Traffic Infraction |
| § 8.07 | Careless Driving | A person commits careless driving by operating without the reasonable care and attention expected of a competent driver. | Traffic Infraction / Misdemeanor III |
| § 8.08 | Reckless Driving | A person commits reckless driving by operating with willful or reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property. | Misdemeanor I |
| § 8.09 | Street Racing | No person may participate in an unauthorized speed contest, race, acceleration contest or exhibition of speed upon a public roadway. | Misdemeanor I |
| § 8.10 | Driving Under the Influence | No person may operate or be in actual physical control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, controlled substances or another intoxicating substance to a degree materially impairing safe operation. | Misdemeanor I / Felony III if aggravated |
| § 8.11 | Failure to Yield | A driver must yield where required by traffic control, right-of-way law, pedestrian priority or lawful emergency operation. | Traffic Infraction |
| § 8.12 | Emergency Vehicles | Road users must reasonably yield and provide passage to an authorized emergency vehicle lawfully displaying emergency equipment. | Traffic Infraction |
| § 8.13 | Unsafe Passing | A driver may not overtake or change lanes unless the movement can be completed with reasonable safety. | Traffic Infraction |
| § 8.14 | Following Too Closely | A driver must maintain reasonable following distance considering speed, traffic and road conditions. | Traffic Infraction |
| § 8.15 | Collision Duties | A driver involved in a collision must stop where reasonably safe, exchange information required by law and obtain reasonable assistance where injury is apparent. | Traffic Duty |
| § 8.16 | Hit and Run | Knowingly leaving a collision scene without satisfying the duties imposed by § 8.15 constitutes hit and run. | Misdemeanor I / Felony II if serious injury or death |
| § 8.17 | Vehicular Evasion | Willfully fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer after a lawful visual or audible signal to stop. | Felony III / Felony II if aggravated |
| § 8.18 | Vehicular Manslaughter | Recklessly or criminally negligently causing another person's death through operation of a vehicle. | Felony II |
TITLE IX — PARKING, WHEEL CLAMPING, TOWING AND IMPOUNDMENT
Chapter 1 — Parking Standards
| Section | Regulation | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| § 9.01 | Lawful Roadside Parking | Every person parking upon a public roadway must leave the vehicle in the lawful direction of travel, reasonably parallel to the curb or road edge, and as close to that curb or edge as circumstances reasonably permit. |
| § 9.02 | Four Wheels on the Road | Unless a designated parking area expressly provides otherwise, all four wheels must remain upon the roadway. A sidewalk, pedestrian path, grass verge, landscaped area or other non-road surface is not part of a lawful parking space. |
| § 9.03 | Yellow Curbs and Lines | No person may park or leave a vehicle standing alongside a yellow curb, yellow line, marked no-parking area or location where signs prohibit parking. |
| § 9.04 | Sidewalks and Crosswalks | No vehicle may be parked upon or materially obstruct a sidewalk, pedestrian path or marked pedestrian crossing. |
| § 9.05 | Driveways and Entrances | No vehicle may obstruct a driveway, garage, property gate, parking entrance, service access or other lawful vehicle entrance or exit. |
| § 9.06 | Fire Hydrants | No vehicle may be parked so as to block or materially restrict reasonable emergency access to a fire hydrant. |
| § 9.07 | Emergency Access | No vehicle may block a fire lane, emergency entrance, emergency gate or other location designated or reasonably required for emergency access. |
| § 9.08 | Intersections | No vehicle may be parked within an intersection or so near an intersection that it materially impairs visibility or safe traffic movement. |
| § 9.09 | Traffic Obstruction | No vehicle may be left where it materially obstructs a lawful traffic lane or creates an unreasonable hazard to road users. |
| § 9.10 | Reserved Spaces | No person may use a space reserved for disabled persons, government vehicles, emergency services, law enforcement, authorized employees or another designated class without lawful authorization. |
| § 9.11 | Double Parking | No vehicle may be parked alongside another parked vehicle where doing so obstructs or substantially restricts a travel lane. |
| § 9.12 | Private Property | No person may leave a vehicle on private property contrary to the lawful direction of the owner, occupier or authorized representative. |
Chapter 2 — Enforcement
| Section | Authority | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| § 9.20 | Proportionate Enforcement | An authorized officer may issue a warning, citation, movement order, wheel clamp, tow order or impound order according to the seriousness, duration, obstruction and safety consequences of the violation. |
| § 9.21 | Wheel Clamping | A wheel clamp may be applied where towing is unnecessary but immobilization is reasonably appropriate. The record must identify the vehicle, location, reason and issuing authority. |
| § 9.22 | Immediate Tow | A vehicle may be removed without prior warning where it creates an immediate hazard, materially blocks traffic, blocks emergency access, a hydrant, driveway or essential entrance, interferes with an emergency or crime scene, is believed stolen, is lawfully seized as evidence, or is otherwise subject to lawful impoundment. |
| § 9.23 | Abandoned Vehicle | A vehicle may be treated as abandoned where circumstances reasonably demonstrate abandonment or it remains unlawfully parked beyond the period established by State standards. |
| § 9.24 | Tow Record | An enforcement tow must record, where reasonably available, the vehicle, registration, removal location, reason, date and time, ordering authority, tow operator, destination and any legal hold. |
| § 9.25 | Retrieval | A person lawfully entitled to possession may retrieve an impounded vehicle after satisfying lawful release requirements and fees. A vehicle under an evidentiary, judicial, seizure or forfeiture hold may not be released until that hold ends. |
| § 9.26 | Private Property Tow | A lawful property owner or occupier may request removal of an unauthorized vehicle. A towing operator must have and record a lawful basis for the removal. |
| § 9.27 | Interference | No person may knowingly damage, defeat or remove a lawfully applied wheel clamp without authorization, or materially obstruct a lawful tow after being directed to cease interference. |
TITLE X — INVESTIGATION, DETENTION, SEARCH AND ARREST
| Section | Principle | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| § 10.01 | Consensual Encounters | A peace officer may approach and speak with any person where a reasonable person would understand that cooperation is voluntary. |
| § 10.02 | Investigative Detention | A peace officer may briefly detain a person on reasonable, articulable suspicion of criminal activity. The detention must remain reasonably related in scope and duration to its lawful purpose. |
| § 10.03 | Protective Frisk | During a lawful detention, an officer may conduct a limited frisk for weapons where reasonable suspicion exists that the person is armed and dangerous. |
| § 10.04 | Probable Cause | An arrest or evidentiary search generally requires probable cause unless a lawful exception applies. |
| § 10.05 | Search Warrants | A warrant must be issued by a neutral State judge upon sworn facts establishing probable cause and must particularly describe the place to be searched and the person or things to be seized. |
| § 10.06 | Consent Search | A person with lawful authority may voluntarily consent to a search. Consent may be limited or withdrawn before completion unless another independent lawful basis permits the search. |
| § 10.07 | Search Incident to Arrest | Following a lawful arrest, an officer may conduct the search permitted by law for weapons, evidence, means of escape and lawful custodial purposes. |
| § 10.08 | Exigent Circumstances | A warrant is not required where immediate action is reasonably necessary to protect life, prevent serious injury, prevent imminent destruction of evidence or address another recognized emergency. |
| § 10.09 | Plain View | An officer lawfully present may seize evidence or contraband in plain view where its incriminating nature is immediately apparent and the officer has lawful access to it. |
| § 10.10 | Vehicle Probable Cause | Where probable cause establishes that a vehicle contains evidence or contraband, officers may search those areas in which the object of the search could reasonably be found. |
| § 10.11 | Inventory | A lawfully impounded vehicle or lawfully received property may be inventoried according to standardized administrative procedure. |
| § 10.12 | Arrest | A peace officer may arrest pursuant to warrant or, where law permits, upon probable cause for an arrestable offense. |
| § 10.13 | Reasonable Force | Only objectively reasonable force may be used to carry out a lawful detention or arrest, considering the threat, resistance, severity of the suspected offense and surrounding circumstances. |
| § 10.14 | Custodial Warnings | Before custodial questioning, a person must be advised substantially of the right to remain silent, that statements may be used against them, and the right to counsel. |
| § 10.15 | Counsel | The right to counsel applies to custodial questioning and every critical stage as provided by the Constitution and law. An indigent accused is entitled to State public defense where required. |
| § 10.16 | Exclusionary Rule | Evidence obtained through a material constitutional violation is inadmissible where exclusion is required. Evidence derived from unlawful conduct is likewise subject to exclusion unless a recognized exception applies. |
TITLE XI — CHARGING, DISCLOSURE AND PRETRIAL PROCEDURE
| Section | Procedure | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| § 11.01 | Prosecutorial Independence | Prosecutors decide independently whether and what to charge according to lawful evidence and the interests of justice. A law-enforcement investigation does not compel prosecution. |
| § 11.02 | Charging Document | A prosecution begins with a written charge identifying the accused, offense, essential facts and statute alleged to have been violated. |
| § 11.03 | Probable Cause to Proceed | No charge may proceed without probable cause. A court must dismiss a charge where that minimum legal basis is absent. |
| § 11.04 | Disclosure | The prosecution must provide evidence it intends to use and material favorable evidence relevant to guilt or punishment. This duty continues throughout the case. |
| § 11.05 | First Appearance | The court informs the accused of the charges and rights, addresses representation and determines lawful release or detention conditions. |
| § 11.06 | Pretrial Liberty | The court must use the least restrictive reasonable conditions that secure appearance and public safety. Any continuing pretrial detention is served only in State custody. |
| § 11.07 | Motions | Either party may move to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, compel disclosure or request other relief recognized by law. |
| § 11.08 | Pleas | The accused may plead guilty or not guilty. A guilty plea may be accepted only when knowing, voluntary and supported by an adequate factual basis. |
| § 11.09 | Plea Agreements | The prosecution and accused may enter a lawful plea agreement subject to judicial approval. The court is not bound to accept an agreement inconsistent with law or justice. |
TITLE XII — EVIDENCE, TRIAL, JUDGMENT AND APPEAL
| Section | Principle | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| § 12.01 | Bench Trial | Every criminal trial is heard by a neutral State judge. There is no jury. The judge finds the facts, applies the law and enters judgment. |
| § 12.02 | Burden | The State must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. The accused bears no general burden to prove innocence. |
| § 12.03 | Silence | The accused may not be compelled to testify. No adverse inference may be drawn merely from the lawful exercise of the right to remain silent. |
| § 12.04 | Confrontation | The accused may confront and question the State's witnesses subject only to lawful exceptions consistent with constitutional rights. |
| § 12.05 | Relevance | Evidence is admissible only where it tends to make a material fact more or less probable. |
| § 12.06 | Unfair Prejudice | Relevant evidence may be excluded where its value is substantially outweighed by unfair prejudice, confusion, needless cumulative presentation or waste of time. |
| § 12.07 | Hearsay | An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of what it asserts is inadmissible unless a recognized exception or exclusion applies. |
| § 12.08 | Character and Prior Acts | Prior misconduct may not be offered merely to prove bad character or conduct in conformity, but may be admitted for a lawful purpose such as motive, intent, identity or absence of mistake. |
| § 12.09 | Privileges | Recognized legal privileges, including attorney-client privilege and the privilege against compelled self-incrimination, must be respected. |
| § 12.10 | Authentication | The proponent of evidence must establish a sufficient basis that the evidence is what it is claimed to be. |
| § 12.11 | Chain of Custody | Physical and digital evidence should maintain a reliable chain of custody. Minor gaps ordinarily affect weight; material indications of tampering or unreliability may affect admissibility. |
| § 12.12 | Experts | A qualified expert may provide specialized opinion evidence where it assists the court and rests upon sufficiently reliable methods. |
| § 12.13 | Judgment | The court may convict only where every element is proven beyond a reasonable doubt and must enter the offense, finding and sentence upon the official record. |
| § 12.14 | Appeal | A convicted person may appeal for material legal error, insufficient evidence or a rights violation affecting the outcome. The reviewing court may affirm, reverse, modify, remand, order a new trial or dismiss where law requires. |
TITLE XIII — SENTENCING, FINES AND OTHER SANCTIONS
| Section | Principle | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| § 13.01 | Proportionality | A sentence must be lawful and proportionate to the seriousness of the offense, culpability, harm, public safety and relevant circumstances. |
| § 13.02 | Sentencing Range | Where a classification provides a range, the court selects a sentence within that range after considering aggravating and mitigating circumstances. |
| § 13.03 | Aggravating Factors | Relevant factors may include use of a deadly weapon, serious injury, vulnerable victims, organized conduct, leadership role, repeated offending, substantial planning, abuse of public office, obstruction of justice and extraordinary public danger. |
| § 13.04 | Mitigating Factors | Relevant factors may include limited participation, meaningful cooperation, voluntary restitution, acceptance of responsibility, absence of relevant history and circumstances materially reducing culpability. |
| § 13.05 | Restitution | A court may order reasonable restitution for proven direct financial or property loss caused by an offense, in addition to another lawful sentence. |
| § 13.06 | Merger | A lesser-included offense ordinarily merges into the greater offense for sentencing where both punish the same criminal act and no materially separate conduct supports the lesser offense. |
| § 13.07 | Multiple Criminal Acts | Separate criminal acts may receive separate sentences. Charges may not be artificially stacked solely to produce a disproportionate sentence. |
| § 13.08 | License Sanctions | Where an offense demonstrates material unfitness to exercise a licensed privilege, a court or authorized agency may suspend or revoke that privilege as permitted by law. |
| § 13.09 | Vehicle Impoundment | A vehicle may be impounded when authorized by traffic law, a lawful evidentiary seizure or judicial order. Ownership of a vehicle alone does not establish criminal liability. |
(( OOC: Custody durations in Annex A are real-time gameplay guidelines. They are intentionally compressed from realistic IC imprisonment so that punishment remains meaningful without making ordinary roleplay unplayable. ))
TITLE XIV — STATE CUSTODY AND CORRECTIONS
| Section | Principle | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| § 14.01 | Temporary Processing | An arresting agency may hold a person at its station only for immediate booking, identification, lawful questioning, medical needs and transfer processing. |
| § 14.02 | State Custody Only | Continuing detention and incarceration occur only through State Corrections and State Prison. A county, city or Sheriff's department does not operate a continuing jail or prison. |
| § 14.03 | Transfer | A person entering continuing custody must be transferred to State Corrections with an accurate record establishing the lawful basis for custody. |
| § 14.04 | Intake Record | State Corrections must record identity, legal authority for custody, sentence or detention order, intake time and property received. |
| § 14.05 | Rights in Custody | A person in custody retains every constitutional right except those necessarily and lawfully limited by detention, including reasonable safety, humane treatment, necessary medical attention and access to counsel. |
| § 14.06 | Correctional Force | Force in custody must be objectively reasonable and used only for lawful institutional purposes such as defense, safety, preventing escape or restoring order. |
| § 14.07 | Release | A prisoner must be released promptly when the lawful basis for custody ends, unless another independent lawful basis requires continued detention. |
TITLE XV — RULES OF COURT
| Section | Rule | Provision |
|---|---|---|
| § 15.01 | Unified Judiciary | Judicial power belongs to the unified State judiciary. Counties and municipalities do not operate separate courts. |
| § 15.02 | Official Filing | Charges, motions, warrant applications, orders, judgments and appeals must be entered through the filing venue designated by the judiciary. |
| § 15.03 | Notice | A party must receive reasonable notice of filings, hearings and orders materially affecting that party's rights. |
| § 15.04 | Judicial Neutrality | A judge must remain independent and impartial and must recuse where a material conflict or bias prevents neutral adjudication. |
| § 15.05 | Public Record | Proceedings and judicial records are public unless a valid law or court order requires confidentiality. |
| § 15.06 | Failure to Appear | Where a person knowingly fails to appear after lawful notice, the court may issue appropriate orders, including a warrant where legally justified. |
| § 15.07 | Finality | A judgment becomes final when the applicable appeal period expires or appellate proceedings conclude. |
ANNEX A — CRIMINAL SENTENCING GUIDELINES
| Classification | Fine Range | Custodial Range | General Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infraction | $100 – $1,000 | No custodial sentence | Minor traffic, parking, licensing or regulatory violations. |
| Misdemeanor III | $500 – $2,500 | 5 – 20 minutes | Minor criminal conduct ordinarily presenting limited harm or danger. |
| Misdemeanor II | $1,000 – $5,000 | 15 – 40 minutes | Moderate criminal conduct involving meaningful harm, disruption or disregard for law. |
| Misdemeanor I | $2,500 – $10,000 | 30 – 60 minutes | Serious misdemeanor conduct warranting meaningful custodial punishment. |
| Felony III | $5,000 – $20,000 | 45 – 90 minutes | Lower-level felony offenses and serious aggravated criminal conduct. |
| Felony II | $10,000 – $35,000 | 75 – 150 minutes | Serious felony offenses involving substantial harm, violence, organized crime or major public danger. |
| Felony I | $20,000 – $75,000 | 120 – 240 minutes | The most serious ordinary felony offenses, including extreme violence and major threats to public safety. |
| Felony Special | $25,000 – $150,000+ | 180 minutes – Life equivalent | Murder and exceptional offenses for which ordinary felony sentencing is inadequate. |
Sentencing Notes
| Situation | Guideline |
|---|---|
| First-time, lower-severity offense | The lower portion of the lawful range is ordinarily appropriate where no aggravating circumstance exists. |
| Repeat or aggravated offending | The middle or upper portion of the lawful range may be appropriate where supported by the record. |
| Multiple unrelated criminal acts | Separate sentences may be imposed, subject to proportionality and merger principles. |
| Deadly weapon used | May justify an enhanced sentence within the lawful range or a specific weapons enhancement where provided. |
| Meaningful cooperation | May support a reduced sentence within the lawful range, but does not require dismissal. |
ANNEX B — TRAFFIC PENALTY GUIDELINES
| Violation | Guideline Fine | Additional Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Minor speeding | $250 – $500 | Citation |
| Significant speeding | $500 – $1,500 | Citation; repeated conduct may affect driving privilege |
| Extreme speeding | $1,500 – $3,500 | May constitute reckless driving |
| Traffic-control violation | $250 – $750 | Citation |
| Failure to yield | $300 – $750 | Citation |
| Unsafe passing or lane change | $300 – $750 | Citation |
| Following too closely | $250 – $750 | Citation |
| Driving without required license | $1,000 – $2,500 | Driver may not continue operating the vehicle |
| Driving while suspended/revoked | $2,000 – $5,000 | Misdemeanor; vehicle disposition as law permits |
| Unregistered vehicle | $750 – $2,000 | Registration compliance required |
| Careless driving | $750 – $2,500 | Citation or misdemeanor where aggravated |
| Reckless driving | $2,500 – $7,500 | Custody and possible license suspension |
| Street racing | $3,500 – $10,000 | Custody; possible impound and license action |
| Driving under the influence | $3,500 – $10,000 | Custody; possible license suspension |
| Failure to yield to emergency vehicle | $750 – $2,000 | Citation; deliberate dangerous obstruction may be criminal |
| Hit and run | $2,500 – $10,000 | Custody; felony treatment where serious injury/death occurs |
| Vehicular evasion | $5,000 – $15,000 | Felony custody; possible impound/license action |
ANNEX C — PARKING, CLAMPING AND IMPOUND GUIDELINES
| Violation | Guideline Fine | Enforcement Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Improper curb position | $150 – $300 | Citation; movement order where appropriate |
| One or more wheels unlawfully off roadway | $150 – $350 | Citation; tow if obstructive or hazardous |
| Yellow curb / no-parking zone | $250 – $500 | Citation; clamp or tow where circumstances justify it |
| Sidewalk / pedestrian obstruction | $300 – $600 | Citation; tow where materially obstructive |
| Double parking | $300 – $750 | Citation; tow where traffic is obstructed |
| Blocking driveway, garage or gate | $400 – $750 | Tow authorized |
| Unauthorized reserved space | $500 – $1,000 | Citation; tow where operationally necessary |
| Disabled-access space without authorization | $750 – $1,500 | Citation; clamp or tow as appropriate |
| Fire hydrant obstruction | $750 – $1,500 | Immediate tow authorized |
| Emergency access obstruction | $750 – $2,000 | Immediate tow authorized |
| Hazardous roadway obstruction | $750 – $2,000 | Immediate tow |
| Abandoned vehicle | $500 – $1,500 | Tow, impound and applicable storage fees |
Impound and Clamp Charges
| Charge | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Wheel-clamp release | May be charged separately from the underlying parking citation. |
| Standard tow | A reasonable towing charge may be assessed separately from the citation. |
| Storage | Reasonable storage charges may accrue while a vehicle remains lawfully impounded. |
| Evidence / judicial hold | A vehicle may not be released merely because fees are paid while a lawful hold remains active. |
STATE OF SAN ANDREAS
Justice under law. Government under the Constitution. Equal protection for the people.