Town RP Laws

Criminal Punishment by Class

Misdemeanor

Class 1 - Fine up to 45 mins
Class 2 - Fine up to 20 mins
Class 3 Fine up to 10 mins

Context of Misdemeanor - possession of controlled substances or drugs, petty theft, vandalism, perjury, prostitution, indecent exposure, trespassing, basic assault, resisting arrest, public intoxication, and DUI (Driving under the Influence).

Felony

Class 1 - Fine and up to 4 hours
Class 2 - Fine and up to 2 hours
Class 3 - Fine and up to 1 hour

Context of Felony - any offense that can result in a sentence of more than one hour is considered a felony crime. In the state of Washington, any crime where you can be sentenced for more than one hour is considered a felony crime.

This punishment is intended to be proven in a court of law which the state DA office has the burden to prove that one is guilty of any crime beyond a reasonable doubt These punishments are tailored and meant for role play only!

Family Court

● Marriage within Woodland Grove is recognized as a legally binding commitment between two consenting individuals, regardless of gender or orientation.
● To formalize a marriage, couples must obtain a marriage license from the city clerk's office and adhere to the requirements set forth by the city sim's marriage laws.
● Example 1: Alex and Jamie wish to get married in Woodland Grove. They visit the city clerk's office to apply for a marriage license, provide the necessary documentation, and pay any applicable fees. Once approved, they can proceed with their wedding ceremony.

● Divorce is a legal process through which married couples can end their marriage and dissolve their marital obligations.

● Example 2: Sarah and Ryan, who are married residents of Woodland Grove, decide to file for divorce due to irreconcilable differences. They consult with a lawyer registered with the Woodland Grove Bar Association to initiate the divorce proceedings, divide assets, and establish custody arrangements for any children involved.

● Divorce proceedings must adhere to the laws and regulations governing divorce within Woodland Grove, including considerations for property division, spousal support, and child custody.

● Example 3: During the divorce proceedings, Sarah and Ryan work with their respective lawyers to reach a settlement agreement that addresses the division of assets and liabilities acquired during their marriage. They also create a parenting plan outlining custody and visitation arrangements for their children, prioritizing their well-being and best interests.

● Residents considering marriage or divorce are encouraged to seek legal guidance and advice from qualified professionals familiar with Woodland Grove's marriage laws and procedures.

● By adhering to the established marriage laws and procedures, residents can ensure that their marital unions are legally recognized and that divorce proceedings are conducted fairly and equitably within the city sim.

For Adoption Laws please consult The Grove House Director Rydin Galaxy (rydingalaxy) or the Social Worker Vicki Alexandra Low (vickiex)

Judical Laws

When someone does not abide by the law, they may face legal consequences. Some consequences can vary depending on the severity of the violation and specific legal system.

1. Fines: individuals who break the law may be required to pay fines as a penalty. These fines can range from minor amounts to substantial sums, depending on the offense.

2. Imprisonment: Serious violations can lead to imprisonment. The length of the sentence depends on the nature of the crime and the applicable laws.

3. Probation: Some offenders may receive probation, which involves supervision and adherence to specific conditions (such as regular check-ins with a probation officer).

4. Community Service: Courts may order individuals to perform community service as a part of their punishment.

5. Civil lawsuits: violating the law can result in civil lawsuits. Where the affected party seeks compensation or damages.

6. Loss of rights: certain offenses can lead to the loss of rights, such as a right to vote, own firearms, or hold public office.

7. Criminal record: Lawbreakers often acquire a criminal record, which can impact employment prospects, housing, and other aspects of life.

8. Social stigma: beyond legal consequences violating the law can lead to social stigma and damage an individual’s reputation. Remember specific consequences depend on the jurisdiction, type of offense, and circumstances.

***Legislation is a set of laws put in place by the government to protect businesses, employees and consumers. Businesses must operate within these laws to ensure the fair and safe treatment of any party involved with a business. If businesses do not comply with legislation, legal action such as fines, restrictions and imprisonment can be actioned.***

1. All businesses must pass an inspection before opening and continue with inspections every 6 months. Everything must be up to the code. If a violation is seen, 30 days to correct and make an appointment for another inspection.

2. Safety violations: business can be shut down depending on the violation until the owner corrects the violations. Then make an appointment for re-inspection. After passing inspection the owner can reopen if the business was temporarily closed.

3. All businesses must abide by the law and obey the agreement, decision and/or rule.

Police Procedure

Law Enforcement Department:

● Characters within the law enforcement department must uphold the law fairly and impartially.
● Use of force must be appropriate and proportional to the situation.
● Corruption and abuse of power are strictly prohibited.
● All arrests and investigations must be conducted realistically and with proper roleplay.

Upholding the Law Fairly and Impartially:

● Law enforcement characters must enforce the laws of the city sim without bias or favoritism.

Example: A police officer responds to a noise complaint in a residential area. Regardless of their personal relationship with the individuals involved, they handle the situation professionally and according to the noise ordinances.

Appropriate Use of Force:

● Law enforcement characters should only use force when necessary and in proportion to the threat.

Example: During a high-speed pursuit, a police officer uses their vehicle to perform a controlled maneuver to stop the suspect's car, ensuring minimal risk to civilians and the suspect.

Prohibition of Corruption and Abuse of Power:

● Characters in law enforcement roles must not engage in corrupt activities or abuse their authority for personal gain.

Example: An officer is offered a bribe to overlook a traffic violation. Instead, they report the attempt to their superiors and handle the situation according to department protocols.

Realistic Arrests and Investigations:

● All arrests and investigations must be conducted realistically and with proper roleplay, including obtaining warrants when necessary and respecting suspects' rights.

Example: Detectives conduct a thorough investigation into a series of burglaries, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and obtaining a warrant before making an arrest.

Proper Arrest Procedures:

● Law enforcement characters must follow proper procedures when making arrests, ensuring the safety of themselves, the suspect, and bystanders.

Example: When making an arrest, officers approach the suspect calmly, inform them of the reason for the arrest, and clearly state that they are under arrest. They then proceed to handcuff the suspect and escort them to a secure location for processing.

Reading Suspects Their Rights:

● Law enforcement characters must read suspects their Miranda rights (or local equivalent) upon arrest, informing them of their rights to remain silent and have legal representation.

Example: After handcuffing a suspect, an officer informs them, "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you."

Guidelines for Conducting Searches:

● Searches of suspects or their property must be conducted lawfully, with probable cause or a warrant.

Example: Before conducting a search, officers establish probable cause based on observable facts or obtain a warrant from a judge. They then conduct the search respectfully, explaining the reason for the search to the suspect if possible.

Use of Firearms:

● Law enforcement characters should only use firearms as a last resort and when there is an immediate threat to life or serious harm.

Example: Officers may use firearms if they or others are under direct threat of deadly force, such as when a suspect brandishes a weapon or poses an imminent danger to civilians. They must use reasonable force to neutralize the threat while minimizing the risk of collateral damage.

Professional Appearance and Conduct:

● Law enforcement characters must maintain a professional appearance, dressing in appropriate attire for their role and adhering to a PG (Parental Guidance) rating in their appearance and behavior.

Example: Officers should wear uniforms or attire consistent with their role as law enforcement personnel, avoiding overly revealing or inappropriate clothing. Additionally, they should conduct themselves in a manner befitting their profession, refraining from vulgar language or behavior.

Politeness and Professionalism:

● Law enforcement characters must interact with suspects, colleagues, and civilians in a polite and professional manner at all times.

Example: Officers address individuals respectfully, using appropriate titles (such as "sir" or "ma'am") and maintaining a calm and composed demeanor even in challenging situations. They should strive to de-escalate conflicts through effective communication and empathy.

Legal Representation:

● Characters in need of legal representation must seek assistance from registered lawyers within the city sim. Only lawyers registered with the Woodland Grove Bar Association are considered eligible to represent clients.

Example: If a character requires legal representation for a court case or legal matter, they must seek out a lawyer who is registered with the Woodland Grove Bar Association. Characters cannot appoint themselves as legal representatives unless they fulfill the requirements set forth by the city sim's legal system. This ensures that legal proceedings are conducted fairly and in accordance with established roleplay guidelines and regulations.

No Godmodding:

Law enforcement characters must refrain from godmodding, which involves controlling the actions or outcomes of other characters without their consent. Example 1: An officer cannot dictate the reactions or responses of another player's character during an arrest or interrogation scene. Each player should have autonomy over their character's actions and decisions.

Example 2: During a firefight, an officer cannot declare that their bullets hit and incapacitate every opponent without allowing them a chance to react or respond. All combat interactions should be fair and allow for realistic outcomes based on the actions of all involved characters.

Example 3: A law enforcement character cannot declare that they have discovered crucial evidence without proper roleplay or investigation. They must engage in realistic investigative procedures and obtain evidence through legitimate means within the roleplay scenario.

Example 4: A player controlling a law enforcement character cannot accept an envelope from another player's character, not look inside, and then claim it to be money or any form of bribe.

This action would constitute godmodding as it dictates the contents and purpose of an item without proper roleplay or consent. Instead, the officer should engage in realistic roleplay by examining the envelope's contents, interacting with the other character, and responding accordingly based on the established roleplay scenario and character motivations.

Roleplay Guidelines

General Roleplay Laws and Regulations:

● All roleplayers, regardless of their character's occupation or affiliation, must adhere to the following laws and regulations to ensure a safe and friendly role playing environment for all participants.

● One Character per account (to eliminate confusion)

● No Godmodding: Players must refrain from godmodding, which involves controlling the actions or outcomes of other characters without their consent.

● Informed Consent: All parties involved in a roleplay interaction must be aware of and agree to the actions and outcomes proposed by each participant. Consent should be obtained before engaging in significant role play scenarios, particularly those involving violence, romance, or other sensitive topics.

● Respect and Civility: Players must treat each other with respect and civility at all times. Discriminatory, offensive, or abusive language and behavior will not be tolerated.

● Realism and Immersion: Roleplay interactions should strive for realism and immersion, with characters behaving in a manner consistent with their backgrounds and personalities. Players should avoid actions or behaviors that disrupt the immersion of others.

● Community Safety: Players are responsible for contributing to a safe and inclusive community environment. Any concerns or violations of these laws and regulations should be reported to sim moderators or administrators promptly for resolution.

● Consent-Based Roleplay: All roleplay interactions should be based on mutual consent, with participants respecting each other's boundaries and comfort levels. If a player expresses discomfort or requests to end a roleplay scene, their wishes must be respected without question.

● OOC Communication: Out-of-character (OOC) communication should be kept separate from in-character (IC) interactions, with players using designated OOC channels or private messages for non-roleplay related discussions. OOC chatter in public areas should be kept to a minimum to maintain immersion.

● Collaborative Storytelling: Roleplaying is a collaborative endeavor where all participants contribute to the creation of engaging and immersive stories. Players should be open to collaboration and compromise to ensure enjoyable experiences for everyone involved.

Children Laws and Punishments:

● Children characters must act in accordance with their age and maturity level, refraining from engaging in actions or behaviors that are beyond their capabilities or understanding.

● Example 1: Children characters should not attempt to operate vehicles, such as stealing an ambulance or driving a car, as it poses a danger to themselves and others.

● Example 2: Children characters should not engage in activities reserved for adults, such as gambling, purchasing or attempting to obtain alcohol or tobacco products and any other controlled substances, or participating in illegal activities.

● Example 3: Children characters should adhere to curfew regulations set forth by the city sim, ensuring they are indoors and supervised by a guardian during designated hours.

● Punishments for children who violate these laws may include but are not limited to:

● Temporary suspension of roleplay privileges.

● Temporary or permanent removal of certain roleplay abilities or privileges, such as access to specific areas or activities.

● Educational or corrective roleplay scenarios designed to teach children about the consequences of their actions and promote positive behavior.

● Parents or guardians of children characters are responsible for guiding and supervising their behavior, providing appropriate discipline and guidance to ensure they adhere to city sim regulations and contribute positively to the roleplaying community.

Roleplay Moderators (Avery & Broady):

● Avery and Broady serve as roleplay moderators within the city sim and must be consulted and consented to before engaging in major roleplay scenarios.

● Major roleplay scenarios include but are not limited to murders, bank robberies, fires, large-scale events, or any situation that significantly impacts the city or its inhabitants.

● Players must seek consent from Avery or Broady before initiating major roleplay scenarios to ensure coordination, fairness, and adherence to established roleplay guidelines.

● Avery and Broady may provide guidance, assistance, or moderation during major roleplay scenarios to maintain immersion, resolve conflicts, and ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

● Players should respect the decisions and instructions provided by Avery and Broady during roleplay scenarios and collaborate with them to create engaging and memorable roleplaying experiences for the community.