Do I have to obey out of state laws? 25 Answers as of August 24, 2011

You have to obey the laws of all states that you are in and subject to their jurisdiction. If it is illegal to buy or possession an item in a state, then you cannot possess it if that is what the law states. The mailing issue is federal and you would need to speak to a federal defense attorney about that. If in doubt, don't do it.

Charges are possible if a retailer ships a prohibited item into a state which prohibits it, yes. Always check to be sure of the legality of an item before you send it or bring it across the state lines.

Yes. You cannot violate the law by shipping to a state where items are banned. Doing so may result in criminal charges.

Thank you for your inquiry Knowingly violating a law of another state can be a crime. The question becomes one of obtaining jurisdiction through extradition or otherwise. It may also federalize a case, causing possible greater penalties. Therefore, the short answer is yes, because a charge can be possible where a person is placing something in the stream of commerce to another state, and the situation may not lend itself to a claim of ignorance of the laws of the state. The general rule is: Ignorance of the Law Is Not A Defense. I hope that this was helpful.

I would need further information to answer better but generally yes you have to obey Federal Law and state law. In this case Federal law is involved because of interstate commerce between 2 different states.

Your summary asks if you can ship an item to a state if that item is"illegal" in that state. You would be guilty of a federal and a state crime if you ship an item to a state where it is illegal to sell or possess it. This would be true for hash pipes, switchblade knives, medical marijuana, and other items that are illegal in some states but not others.

Yes, the person shipping could be charged in the State banning the material.

The retailer could be charged, if they have any connection to the receiving state. Additionally if the item is prohibited federally then the retailer could be charged with a federal crime involving interstate commerce. It is hard to answer your query without more information. I would be pleased to speak with you about this matter.

If something is shipped from a state where it is legal into a state where it is not legal there would be a charge for unlawful possession to the person who received the item and unlawful distribution to the person who sent the item. The case could be a federal case if the U.S. mails are used as well as the fact that the item was transported in interstate commerce. If someone ships an item that is not legal in their particular state to a state where it is legal, that person who ships it and the person who receives it can be charged with unlawful distribution. The case could be federal if the U.S. mails are used. Both parties could also be charged with conspiracy to transport for purposes of unlawful distribution.

I don't fully understand the question. It probably would depend on the item.