Illegal Art in Hollywood

ShotByTom wrote in post #10639504
He's not doing anything to prevent or stop it either. What if they were cooking meth, I guess it would still be ok to document it...

He's not doing anything to stop it, But then the CNN/BBC/Sky News cameramen that document film and photography don't do anything to stop what they see when their in a war scenario etc.


I personally love the photos. Thanks for sharing.

bigVinnie wrote in post #10613722
I've often thought that if I caught one of these clowns I would tattoo "VANDAL" across their forehead. Just to see if the appreciate my art applied to them.

he he he... that's good...

ShotByTom wrote in post #10873185
Kids these days....so quick to make up stuff to avoid taking responsibility

Failure to report a crime is a crime in every state, as well as a federal crime. The level of the crime depends on the amount of damage done by the "urban artist", and can be charged as a felony. If the "urban art" only causes a small amount of damage then the "artist" can be charged with a misdemeanor, but the person who failed to report it can be charged with a felony! The difficulty in charging these crimes is showing proof that someone knew of the crime. I think it's funny that this guy is providing proof that he knew of the crime by posting the evidence on his website and on a public forum! Perhaps a bored detective in washington will read this, which was posted on officer.com, and decide to track him down!

Just because an MTV show, or a showtime series, or anyone else does something...doesn't make it ok for you to do it!

Here's the US code:

§ 4. Misprision of felony

Whoever, having knowledge of the actual commission of a felony cognizable by a court of the United States, conceals and does not as soon as possible make known the same to some judge or other person in civil or military authority under the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.

Mere failure to report a felony is NOT a violation of this code provision. Active concealment is required before liability will attach. If you know of a felony, but you lie about your knowledge when asked about it by a person of competent legal jurisdiction, then will you be in violation of this statute.

As long as they don't do drugs or play that darn booming music and keep their lawns mowed.... I'm all for it. Nice PJ work.

ShotByTom wrote in post #10875048
absolutely not true. you have to read the state statute to know what the elements of the law are, you're confused with obstruction.

Why would I need read a state statute when you are talking about a federal statute?

Have you read United States v. Johnson, 546 F.2d 1225?

US v. Waters, 885 F.2d 1266?

Lancy v. US, 356 F.2d 407?

"An essential element of the offense of misprision of felony is concealment, and mere failure to report a felony is not sufficient to constitute a violation under this section."

ShotByTom wrote in post #10878413
Because a police officer will not arrest you for a federal offense, I quoted the federal law because that's what all state laws are based on. At the state level you have two laws, Obstruction...which is interference or concealment, and failure to report...totally different.

Cite me one state statute that criminalizes the mere failure to report a crime. One.

nice work, zzzz and LOL @ the people saying he should be arrested/told off for notreporting the 'vandals'

Mine as well up this thread as well, this project is nearing completion and will be released soon

cant wait to see the new stuff. And im sure well see a few haters along the way to complain about it. and a few cops bored with there lives enough to troll a photography site looking for criminals. LOL

Agreed. I've had a few threatening emails come from this project as well...either way this set of images, and style of stuff at night, is some of my favorite work I have created,

I love the series. I'm glad that your camera wasn't totaled after the fall.

Good job getting the other thread closed guys, granted that part of the series is over, but I still don't appreciate the bickering discussing legalities here. I will be taking these photos whether you like em or not. Thanks for the support everyone, looking forward to completing this project

ShotByTom wrote in post #10873323
Don't kid yourself...we're well on our way to socialism!

Jimmyhickey awesome shots man...art like this (like all good art) inspires and helps move art forward in new directions.

I know that this might not be the correct place for this and if its inappropriate please remove it but.....what exactly is so frightening about socialism to some people?

Or is it just that they feel superior to the less fortunate and feel no need to help their fellow man?

So may i ask, where do we draw the line? As you originally post this was an illegal action that you were photographing. Can you post some pictures of illegal software copying in action?. I mean just for the sake of getting some pictures posted and lots of comments, It be one thing if you happen to come across these guy's in action,or if the graffiti was already there, but you were part of the team! I Guess like Bill Clinton we can say "It depends on what the meaning of the word illegal is"

defacing someones car---illegal?
defacing someones house----illegal?
defacing some bridges ----illegal?

well depends....LOL