Hidden "Antman Mod" compartment in rear is illegal!

[Atlanta_man]

Certainly is a great deterrent to criminal activity.
I'm sure the drug dealers would be careful to put it in a package under the seat instead of a hidden compartment in order to avoid the extra criminal charges.

Seriously, why not just increase penalty for the real crime if that's what you want to do ? Not a serious question - we know the capability of those who make our laws.

 

[Eagle]

Seriously, why not just increase penalty for the real crime if that's what you want to do ? Not a serious question - we know the capability of those who make our laws.

The purpose is to be able to stop the use of the compartment for illegal purposes before or after it has been used. It is likely not a strong deterrent; instead, it is expanding the scope of the crime to include related actions.

Increasing the penalty for the "real crime" would only be effective if the individuals are caught in the act of transporting the contraband. The hidden compartment law allows those individuals to be prosecuted even if they are caught at time there is no contraband. Why wait for it to happen if you can prevent it? (remember, this is aimed at compartments designed to hold guns, drugs, and people... so it is safe to say it is inevitable - why else would you install a secret compartment to smuggle people?)

 

[Eagle]

Two of the most liberal states in the United States.....and you want to vote for Obama again, why?

GA has their law... definitely not one of the most liberal states. Plus, the law was initially introduced by 5 republican representatives.

 

[GrantK]

The purpose is to be able to stop the use of the compartment for illegal purposes before or after it has been used. It is likely not a strong deterrent; instead, it is expanding the scope of the crime to include related actions.

Increasing the penalty for the "real crime" would only be effective if the individuals are caught in the act of transporting the contraband. The hidden compartment law allows those individuals to be prosecuted even if they are caught at time there is no contraband. Why wait for it to happen if you can prevent it? (remember, this is aimed at compartments designed to hold guns, drugs, and people... so it is safe to say it is inevitable - why else would you install a secret compartment to smuggle people?)

Remember, that laws say illegal purpose or intent, but how do they prove 'intent' if the compartment doesn't have contraband in it? They can't, the owner only has to say that the compartment is to hide things so people aren't tempted to break in to the truck and steal it. So the law is just another useless feel good law to make it look like politicians are doing something when all they are really doing is making it harder for law abiding citizens to stay law abiding.

 

[deekoi]

Bloomberg is trying to pass a law that will make smoking in your apartment illegal. Granted, nothing about private single residence. But this is NYC, 98% of dwellings fall into the "apartment" category.

Pasadena-no-smoking-ordinance-effective-january-1/

 

[Atlanta_man]

It all depends on the judge and jury of course. The real value of the extra kicker law is to help the state stack up charges to drive the attractiveness of the plea-bargain.

Oh and R's vs. D's - what's the difference ? No philosophical applicability to this law at all. (or much else)

 

[FatDave]

So all I have to do is attach a "Storage" label to the tray/lid of my Antman hidden storage area?

:hiding:

If so, I'm definitely attaching a "Weapon" label to my Antman hidden grenade launcher mod.

:gun5:

 

[Eagle]

Remember, that laws say illegal purpose or intent, but how do they prove 'intent' if the compartment doesn't have contraband in it? They can't, the owner only has to say that the compartment is to hide things so people aren't tempted to break in to the truck and steal it.

Yes and no. The GA law specifically enumerates 6 reasons when intent is presumed... so simply saying "I promise it's not for drugs," will not be enough and you will have to overcome the presumption of intent. However, outside of those circumstances, the presumption will be no intent and it must be proven against you. It is really like any other specific intent crime...

So if you get pulled over with a hidden compartment that is custom-designed to hold multiple assault rifles... if it is empty, they will have to prove you had the intent (ie, burden on the state). However, it wouldn't be that hard to do so. Getting pulled over with an empty square compartment in a wheel well? MUCH harder to prove intent.

So the law is just another useless feel good law to make it look like politicians are doing something when all they are really doing is making it harder for law abiding citizens to stay law abiding.

The laws simply say it is illegal to have a hidden compartment to hold something that is itself illegal... Nothing about that makes it any harder to stay law abiding... it ONLY comes into play if you are already NOT law abiding.

 

[JB.]

The real value of the extra kicker law is to help the state stack up charges to drive the attractiveness of the plea-bargain.

 

[scanny]

I guess they figured that it's too much trouble for cops to search a vehicle for hidden compartments, so they simply outlawed any hidden compartments. Simply as that. It's not only saves cops embarrassment when they let go criminals because they can't find a hidden compartment with drugs (well, it's hidden isn't it) but also simplifies car search. Just shuffle around stuff in trunk, take a look in glove compartment and you're done, no wasted hours trying to figure where a hidden compartment might be. It's not there anymore, it's illegal. May be they need another law prohibiting have hidden compartment in homes and outlawing pockets in your pants and jackets, so if you have drugs you have to carry them in your hands and it will be easy to spot.

The only flaw I see here is that criminals are not exactly always obey the law, on the opposite - ignoring the law is one of the requirement to get the job. Might be a problem for law enforcement, they might want to introduce a few new laws to fix it.

 

[1engineer]

Why complain? The states mentioned make no secret on the social and political agenda they are trying to create. You can either change it, accept it or move. Complaining is a waste of time. As several posters above have already mentioned just label it or make it "unhidden" by painting the door or something.

 

[SigSense]

The only flaw I see here is that criminals are not exactly always obey the law

This is the crux of our failing justice system. Making laws without ENFORCING them is useless. Is being in this country illegally against the law? See my point? It reminded of this picture:

 

[Stifler]

Love Florida! not of this silly liberal BS nonsense down here

 

[RubiconSS]

Again, probably only my personal opinion BUT, If the subject is "intent" then it applies to the "intent" of the Law as well. I believe the "intent" is to address, as an example, the guy who hollows out his passenger seat cushions in order to use the inside of his seat for "storage".
Simply removing a tray cover which sits atop an already existing cavity is not "creating" hidden storage.
I use the engine compartment area in my Fjcruiser (opposite side from the battery) for storage. There is a nice metal tray there which works nicely for a water tight box and I put tools, a light, etc. in there.
Perhaps I "present" a bit of an unapproachable demeanor but I have never been engaged in a dialogue by a member of LE over my conduct or "strorage habits" and I don't expect to.

 

[the_josh]

my wifes '12 outback has a hidden compartment from the factory. its come in handy for trafficking drugs and whatnot...



joke!


i usually just hide my laptop in it

 

[homeyclaus]

A pretty critical part of this story is omitted. The NY law is a specific intent crime, meaning merely having the compartment is not itself unlawful without the requisite intent.

The section defines "Concealed Vehicular Compartment" to be a hidden compartment intended or designed to be used to transport, conceal, hide, or prevent discovery by law enforcement officers of 1) property possessed in violation of law, 2) property used or intended for use in the commission of a crime, or 3) persons in violation of law.

So as long as your compartment is not actually used, intended to be used, or designed to be used for holding one of the three types of items, it is okay. However, the law does include a presumption that your compartment is unlawful if "there are factors from which such intent or design may reasonably be inferred ."


Bottom line: you may have to provide a few explanations, but so long as you're not carrying something in there that you shouldn't be carrying... you will likely be just fine.

"We have ways of making you a criminal."

Anytime you have to explain something to the man, you're going to be at the mercy of his whims of the moment. If he chooses to believe you now had intent because he does not like you, thinks your girlfriend is hot, or just wants to go on a power trip, you're screwed. It won't matter what the judge says, because by that time, you will have lost your job, missed a truck payment, and be a few grand short in legal fees.

So my opinion on the law:

 

[RubiconSS]

Amen. Prior Service Military and a BIG supporter of Mil/LE BUT a Bigger believer in the Constitution of the United States and it's protections.
I have NEVER met or been afraid of a dirtball or a criminal ..... Fearful of Power run amoc from behind a badge or uniform or Govt. agency? ABSOLUTELY.

 

[phillyd2]

Leaving mine exactly as they are.

Here is my plan, if I do get caught and they toss in this extra charge then I would make a deal pleading guilty to the baby parts if they drop the hidden compartment charge. That would work.....right? imp:

 

[RubiconSS]

No, here's what you do. Start crying (have a Big framed picture of somebodys kids, yours if you have any) Throw yourself on the mercy of the Court for some mood disorder (Hoarding) which is why you crave extra storage and plead out to a cupholder charge.
That can't carry much of a sentence.... maybe couple years.

 

[Ivy Mike]

This passage from Atlas Shrugged comes to mind...you can read while I get back to folding tin foil hats....

“Did you really think that we want those laws to be observed?”, said Dr. Ferris. “We want them broken. You’d better get it straight that it’s not a bunch of boy scouts you’re up against—then you’ll know that this is not the age of beautiful gestures. We’re after power and we mean it. You fellows were pikers, but we know the real trick, and you’d better get wise to it. There’s no way to rule innocent men. The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren’t enough criminals, one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws. Who wants a nation of law abiding citizens? What’s there in that for anyone? But just pass the kind of laws that can neither be observed nor enforced nor objectively interpreted—and you create a nation of law-breakers—and then you cash in on guilt. Now that’s the system, Mr. Rearden, that’s the game, and once you understand it, you’ll be much easier to deal with.”