Crime & the Legal System
A complete guide to the legal system, criminal roleplay, police procedures, and everything in between. Whether you play a criminal or a cop, this is essential reading.
The Legal System Overview
The server has a realistic legal system that mirrors how things work in the real world. Laws exist. Police enforce them. Courts settle disputes. And there are real consequences for breaking the rules of the city.
What makes this system special is that it is almost entirely player-driven. The laws are written by government players. The police are real players who patrol and investigate. Judges, lawyers, and defendants in court cases are all real people. Nothing is automated or scripted -- every interaction is genuine roleplay.
This creates a dynamic where crime actually matters. If your character commits a crime, there are real players who will try to catch you. If you get caught, there are real consequences. And if you think you have been treated unfairly, there is a court system where you can fight your case.
The legal system exists to create drama, tension, and exciting stories. A city without crime would be boring. A city without consequences would be chaos. The balance between the two is what makes the server compelling.
Criminal Offenses
The city's laws are organized into five legal codes that cover different categories of crime. Each code deals with a specific area of the law, and each offense within that code has defined penalties.
Severity Levels
Crimes range from minor to severe:
- Minor offenses -- Things like traffic violations, jaywalking, or trespassing. These typically result in fines or warnings.
- Moderate offenses -- Crimes like theft, assault, or drug possession. These can lead to fines, short jail time, or both.
- Serious offenses -- Major crimes like armed robbery, kidnapping, or large-scale drug trafficking. These carry significant jail time and heavy fines.
- Capital offenses -- The most severe crimes, such as murder. These carry the harshest penalties the system allows.
The full list of laws and their penalties can be found in the UCP. Familiarize yourself with them, whether you play a criminal or a law-abiding citizen. Knowing what is illegal and what the consequences are helps you make better decisions in character.
Laws Can Change
Because the government faction writes the laws, the legal code is not static. Government officials can introduce new laws, modify existing ones, or repeal old ones. This means the legal landscape of the city can shift over time based on the roleplay of government players. What is legal today might be illegal tomorrow.
Police & Law Enforcement
The police department is the primary law enforcement body in the city. It is a player-run faction with real officers who make real decisions about how to handle every situation they encounter.
What Police Do
- Patrol the streets. Officers drive around the city looking for criminal activity, traffic violations, and anything suspicious.
- Respond to 911 calls. When citizens report crimes or emergencies, police are dispatched to the scene.
- Investigate crimes. Detectives and officers gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build cases against suspects.
- Arrest criminals. When they have enough evidence or catch someone in the act, police can arrest them and process them through the system.
- Issue fines and tickets. For minor offenses, police can issue fines instead of making an arrest.
The Mobile Data Computer (MDC)
Police officers have access to the MDC, a powerful tool that lets them look up important information. Through the MDC, officers can check criminal records, search for outstanding warrants, look up vehicle registrations, and access other law enforcement data. This makes them effective at tracking down criminals and building cases.
Getting Pulled Over / Arrested
At some point, your character will probably have an interaction with the police. Whether it is a routine traffic stop or an arrest for a serious crime, knowing how to handle these situations makes the roleplay better for everyone.
Traffic Stops
If a police officer signals for you to pull over (sirens, lights, or a verbal command), you should stop your vehicle in a safe location. The officer will approach your car and explain why they stopped you. They might ask for your license, check your vehicle registration, or ask questions about where you are going.
What to Expect During an Arrest
- The officer will tell you that you are being arrested and state the reason.
- They may search you for weapons or illegal items.
- You will be handcuffed and transported to the station.
- At the station, you will be processed -- your information is recorded and charges are filed.
- Depending on the severity of the crime, you may be fined, jailed, or both.
Your Rights
Your character has the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions. You can request a lawyer. These rights exist in the game just as they do in real life, and using them is perfectly valid roleplay.
An officer pulls you over for a broken tail light. You have no warrants, no illegal items, and nothing to hide. Instead of stopping, you floor it and lead them on a high-speed chase.
Running from a routine stop when your character has no reason to is poor roleplay. It turns a simple interaction into an unnecessary chase and does not make sense for your character. Save the dramatic escapes for situations where your character actually has something at stake.
Remember Fear RP rules. If multiple armed officers have their weapons drawn and are ordering you to comply, your character should comply unless they have an extremely compelling reason not to. Acting like your character has no fear of death is unrealistic and against the rules.
Warrants & Fines
The police have two main tools for dealing with people who break the law: warrants and fines.
Fines
Fines are monetary penalties for minor offenses. If you speed, drive without a license, park illegally, or commit other low-level offenses, you will typically receive a fine rather than jail time. Fines are deducted from your bank account. You can pay them to clear the offense from your record.
Warrants
For more serious crimes, police can issue a warrant for your arrest. A warrant means that police are actively looking for you. If an officer runs your name through the MDC and sees an outstanding warrant, they will arrest you on the spot.
Warrants do not expire on their own. Once a warrant is issued, it stays active until you are caught, or until it is resolved through the legal system. Living with an active warrant means constantly looking over your shoulder -- every police interaction becomes dangerous for your character.
If your character has outstanding fines, pay them as soon as you can. Letting fines pile up creates unnecessary trouble. If your character has a warrant, that is a great story opportunity -- playing a character who is wanted and trying to avoid the police creates excellent tension and drama.
The Court System
For serious crimes and disputed cases, the server has a functioning court system. This is one of the most immersive roleplay experiences available on the server.
How Court Works
Court cases involve real players filling every role:
- The Judge -- Presides over the case, makes rulings, and delivers the verdict.
- The Prosecutor -- Represents the state and argues that the defendant is guilty.
- The Defense Attorney -- Represents the defendant and argues for their innocence or a lighter sentence.
- The Defendant -- The person accused of the crime.
- Witnesses -- People who saw the crime or have relevant information testify before the court.
What Happens in a Trial
A court trial follows a structured process. Opening statements are made by both sides. Witnesses are called and questioned. Evidence is presented. Closing arguments are made. Finally, the judge delivers a verdict and, if the defendant is found guilty, a sentence.
The entire process is conducted in character. Lawyers prepare their cases, witnesses are sworn in, and the judge maintains order in the courtroom. It is collaborative storytelling at its finest.
Getting a Lawyer
If your character is facing charges, you can hire a lawyer to represent you. Some factions specialize in legal work and have experienced players who know the laws inside and out. A good lawyer can mean the difference between a harsh sentence and getting the charges reduced or dismissed entirely.
Court cases are some of the best RP on the server. Even if your character is found guilty, the experience of going through a trial creates amazing stories. Do not try to avoid court -- embrace it as a unique roleplay opportunity.
Criminal Records & Forensics
The server tracks criminal activity in detail. If your character commits crimes, there is a trail.
Criminal Records
Every arrest, every conviction, and every fine goes on your character's criminal record. This record is accessible to police through the MDC. When an officer stops you or investigates you, they can pull up your entire history.
A criminal record affects your character in several ways:
- Sentencing. Repeat offenders receive harsher sentences. A first-time offense might get you a fine, but the same offense committed by someone with a long record could mean jail time.
- Police attention. Characters with extensive criminal records draw more suspicion from law enforcement.
- Reputation. In a city where information travels fast, your criminal history can affect how other characters treat you.
Forensics System
The server has a forensics system that allows police to investigate crime scenes. This adds a layer of realism and consequence to criminal activity.
- Bullet casings. When a gun is fired, it leaves behind casings that can be collected and traced. If the police find casings at a crime scene, they can link them to a specific weapon and potentially to a specific person.
- Crime scene investigation. Police can process crime scenes to gather evidence. The more careful a criminal is, the less evidence they leave behind. The more careless they are, the easier it is to catch them.
If you choose to play a criminal character, be aware that the forensics system means your actions have lasting consequences. A single careless mistake can lead police straight to you. Smart criminals plan ahead, cover their tracks, and dispose of evidence.
Criminal Roleplay Guide
Criminal roleplay is one of the most popular and exciting styles of RP on the server. But there is a big difference between good criminal RP and bad criminal RP. This section covers how to do it right.
Build a Story
The best criminal characters are not people who randomly commit crimes for no reason. They have motivations. Maybe your character turned to crime because they are desperate. Maybe they grew up around it and do not know any other way. Maybe they are driven by greed, revenge, or loyalty to a group. Whatever the reason, your character should have one.
Build up to criminal activity through roleplay. Start small. Make connections. Create relationships. Let your character's criminal path develop naturally over time rather than jumping straight into armed robbery on your first day.
Plan Your Actions
Good criminal RP involves planning. Before your character commits a crime, think about it. Scout the location. Figure out your escape route. Get the right tools and people. Planning makes the crime itself more realistic and more fun for everyone involved, including the police who will investigate it afterward.
Accept Consequences
This is the most important part. If your character gets caught, accept it. Do not rage quit, do not make OOC complaints, and do not try to cheat your way out of it. Getting caught is not losing -- it is a new chapter in your character's story. Some of the best RP happens after an arrest, during interrogation, or in court.
Your character spends two weeks building connections in the criminal underworld. They find a supplier, recruit a driver, and case a store for days before finally robbing it. When things go wrong and police arrive, they try to escape but eventually get cornered and surrender. In the interrogation room, they give the police nothing. Their lawyer negotiates the charges down. They spend time in jail planning their next move. The entire arc creates weeks of engaging storylines.
Your character walks into a store, pulls out a gun, and robs it with zero planning and no backstory. When police show up, they shoot at them and try to escape. When they finally get caught, they disconnect from the server. This is not roleplay -- it is just causing chaos with no story, no depth, and no regard for other players.
Drug Labs & Illegal Operations
The server has systems for illegal activities that go beyond simple crime. These operations are more complex, more rewarding, and much more risky.
Drug Production
There are drug labs and production facilities available for players who want to get into the drug trade. The process involves sourcing materials, finding a lab, producing the product, and then distributing it. Each step carries risk -- police can discover your operation, rivals can steal your supply, and things can go wrong at any point.
Weapons Dealing
Illegal weapons are another major market. Weapons that cannot be obtained through legal channels are available through the black market. Dealing in illegal weapons is extremely profitable but also extremely dangerous. Getting caught with illegal firearms carries severe penalties.
The Risk and Reward
Illegal operations are designed to be high risk, high reward. The money is good, but so is the chance of getting caught. Police actively investigate drug operations and weapons trafficking. If you leave a trail, they will follow it.
These activities require:
- Connections. You need to know the right people to get started.
- Planning. Every step needs to be thought through.
- Trust. You need people you can rely on. One snitch can bring the whole operation down.
- Patience. Building a successful illegal operation takes time. Rushing it leads to mistakes, and mistakes lead to prison.
Illegal operations are not for beginners. Get comfortable with the server first. Learn how things work. Build your character's story. Then, if crime is the path you want to take, ease into it gradually. Jumping into drug production on your first day will not end well.
Speed Cameras & Traffic
The city has a network of speed cameras positioned at various locations around the map. These cameras automatically detect vehicles that exceed the speed limit and issue fines to the registered owner.
How Speed Cameras Work
When you drive past a speed camera going faster than the posted limit, the system records it. A fine is automatically issued to the owner of the vehicle. You do not need to be pulled over by police -- the camera handles everything on its own.
Traffic Laws
Beyond speed cameras, the city has traffic laws that police enforce during patrols. These include:
- Speed limits. Each road has a speed limit. Going over it risks a fine or a traffic stop.
- Traffic signals. Running red lights is an offense.
- Driving licenses. You need a valid license to drive. Driving without one is illegal and will get you into trouble if police stop you.
- Reckless driving. Swerving through traffic, driving on the wrong side of the road, or otherwise driving dangerously can result in charges.
Drive sensibly to avoid unwanted attention. For criminal characters, getting pulled over for a traffic violation while carrying illegal items is a nightmare scenario. For law-abiding characters, following traffic laws is just good practice and keeps your record clean.
Tips for Both Sides
Whether you play a criminal or a member of law enforcement, good roleplay comes from understanding and respecting the other side. Here is advice for both.
For Criminal Characters
- Build a story. Every crime your character commits should serve a purpose in their narrative. Random violence with no motive is not engaging for anyone.
- Accept consequences. Getting caught is not the end of your character. It is a plot twist. Some of the best character development happens in custody, in court, and during jail time.
- Plan ahead. The more thought you put into your criminal activities, the more interesting they are for everyone. Rushed, unplanned crimes are boring and often end badly.
- Do not shoot first every time. Gunfights should be rare and meaningful, not your default response to every problem. A character who talks their way out of trouble is far more interesting than one who just pulls a trigger.
- Respect the process. If you get arrested, go through the process. Interrogation scenes, court cases, and jail time all create fantastic RP. Do not try to rush through it or skip it.
For Law Enforcement Characters
- Be fair. Follow procedures. Do not abuse your authority. Give criminals good RP and they will give it back to you.
- Follow procedures. Real police have protocols for everything. So should you. Read your rights, explain charges, process arrests properly. The details make the RP better.
- Give criminals good RP. Do not just rush to arrest someone as fast as possible. Take your time. Investigate. Ask questions. Let scenes play out naturally. The chase is often more fun than the catch.
- Stay in character. Your character might disagree with a law, dislike their commanding officer, or feel conflicted about an arrest. These are all great roleplay opportunities. Being a police officer does not mean being a robot.
- Be approachable. Not every interaction should be confrontational. Police officers also have conversations, help citizens, and build relationships in the community.
A detective spends days investigating a string of robberies. They interview witnesses, collect evidence from crime scenes, and slowly narrow down the suspects. When they finally identify the criminal, they get a warrant and make the arrest. The criminal is surprised but respects the work the detective put in. Both sides enjoyed the storyline that unfolded over multiple days.
The best server experiences happen when both criminals and police respect each other as roleplayers. You might be on opposite sides in character, but out of character you are both here to create great stories. Give each other the space and the respect to make that happen.