How the Crimes in Friday Can Result in More Than One Night in Jail
The 1995 comedy film “Friday” is considered a modern day classic. The film, about a day in the lives of Smokey and Craig, two friends trying to find the money to pay back a drug dealer, may be comedic in tone, but the crimes in Friday are no joke. The following are some of the crimes the characters could have been arrested for and the punishments they would have faced upon conviction:
Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell (California Health and Safety Code Section 11359)
The character Smokey may make being in possession of marijuana with the intent to sell seem like no big deal, but it can be if you arrested for it.
Under California Health and Safety Code Section 11359, possession of more than 28.5 grams of marijuana may indicate that there was intent to sell. If the prosecution can prove that there was intent to sell, a conviction for this crime is a felony punishable by up to three years in county jail and a $10,000 fine.
The Sale or Transportation of Marijuana (California Health and Safety Code Section 11360)
In the movie, Smokey sells marijuana to a man named Hector. If he were caught making the sale by the police, he would be in serious trouble.
Under California Health and Safety Code Section 11360, it is illegal to sell, give away, or transport marijuana. A sale of marijuana conviction under Health and Safety Code Section 11360 is a felony punishable by up to four years in county jail.
Carrying a Concealed Weapon (California Penal Code Section 12025)
Craig insists on carrying a gun around to protect himself from the drug dealer and any other threats. However, without a permit, Craig could have been arrested for illegally carrying a concealed weapon.
Under California Penal Code Section 12025, carrying a firearm small enough to be concealed without a permit is a crime. The firearm can be hidden within a person’s clothing, vehicle or where a person is an occupant or has unrestricted access. A conviction for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit is a misdemeanor for first time offenders and is punishable by up to one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine.
Battery on a Spouse or Domestic Partner (California Penal Code Section 243(e)(1))
Another star of the movie, neighborhood bully Deebo, gets into a heated argument with Debbie during the film and Deebo slaps Debbie in the face.
Under California Penal Code Section 243(e)(1), it is unlawful to inflict force or violence upon your intimate partner. You do not have to inflict a visible injury to be charged with domestic battery under Penal Code Section 243(e)(1). A conviction under Penal Code Section 243(e)(1) is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail and a $2,000 fine.
Making a Criminal Threat (California Penal Code Section 422)
After witnessing Deebo hit Debbie, Craig threatens to shoot Deebo with his gun.
Under California Penal Code Section 422, a person who willfully threatens to commit a crime which will result in death or seriously bodily injury of another person is guilty of making a criminal threat. The threats must actually cause the victim to reasonably fear for his or her own safety or the safety of the victim’s family.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, making a criminal threat under California Penal Code Section 422 can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. A misdemeanor criminal threat conviction is punishable by up to one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine. A felony criminal threat conviction is punishable by up to three years in state prison, a $10,000 fine and it also counts as a “strike” on your criminal record under California’s Three Strikes Law.
Attempted Murder (California Penal Code Section 664)
In Friday, the drug dealer, Big Worm, sends two men to shoot Smokey and Craig in a drive-by shooting.
Under California Penal Code Section 664, it is illegal to attempt to kill another person. If you are found guilty of first-degree attempted murder, in which it is determined that the murder attempt was “intentional, deliberate and premeditated,” you face life in state prison with the possibility of parole. If you are found guilty of second-degree attempted murder, in which it is determined that the murder attempt was not “intentional, deliberate and premeditated,” you face up to nine years in state prison.
Call the Criminal Defense Attorneys at Wallin & Klarich Today
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges for any of the crimes depicted in the film “Friday,” it is critical that you speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have over 40 years of experience successfully defending our clients facing criminal charges. Our attorneys will fight to get you the best possible outcome in your case.
With offices in Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Torrance, Tustin, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina and Victorville, there is an experienced Wallin & Klarich criminal defense attorney near you no matter where you are located.
Call us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free phone consultation. We will get through this together.
