7 Surprising Things That Could Land You in Jail

Think jail is only for hardened criminals? Think again. You might end up behind bars for some pretty unexpected reasons. From quirky local laws to downright bizarre punishments, here are seven things that could land you in handcuffs — and they're not exactly what you'd expect.

1. Failing to Predict an Earthquake

Got a crystal ball handy? In 2012, six Italian scientists faced six years in prison for not accurately predicting a 2009 earthquake in L'Aquila that killed 309 people. They gave "inexact, incomplete and contradictory information" about the earthquake risk, which outraged the scientific community — nevermind that predicting earthquakes is practically impossible.

2. Siphoning Gasoline

Stealing gas might seem like a quick fix for an empty tank, but think twice before grabbing that hose. Philip Young learned the hard way when he got life without parole for siphoning gas from an 18-wheeler in Mississippi. Thanks to the state's habitual offender law and a previous carjacking conviction, the court treated his fuel theft like stealing a car.

On the flip side, Rhode Island slaps first-time offenders with a $200 fine.

So, siphoning gas could either drain your wallet or wreck your entire life — depends on where you are.

3. Failing to Deliver Mail

Most of us have misplaced a letter or two, but imagine losing 42,768 of them. Gabriel March Grandos, a former Spanish postal worker, was sentenced to an unbelievable 384,912 years in prison for undelivered mail.

His penalty? Nine years for every letter!

Luckily, Spanish law capped his actual time served at 20 years. Still, it's a solid reminder: Don't mess with people's mail.

4. Rollerblading

Rollerblading through downtown seems like a harmless way to get around — unless you're in Salt Lake City, Utah. In certain areas — such as the central traffic district and the Sughar House traffic district — rollerblading is a no-go, and breaking this law could lead to fines or worse if you don't comply.

So, before you lace up, make sure you're in the right zone, or you might roll your way into a courtroom.

5. Hitting Your Spouse With a Pillow

Pillow fights at home? They're fun until someone gets arrested. In certain places, such as Texas, domestic violence laws are so strict that even a pillow toss could lead to serious legal trouble — if there is reason to believe the person being hit will regard the contact as offensive or provocative.

While arrests specifically for pillow-hitting might be rare, the broader point stands: Domestic violence laws don't care if the object is soft — if there's an altercation, you could end up in cuffs.

6. Leaving Old Appliances in the Yard

Got an old fridge rusting away in your yard? That eyesore could earn you more than just dirty looks from the neighbors. Many places consider abandoned appliances a safety hazard and a violation of local ordinances. For example, in San Francisco, the Department of Public Works identifies properties with outdoor household equipment, such as refrigerators or washing machines, as "blighted." The city can issue notices of violation and take action to remedy these nuisances.

Ignoring warnings could result in fines or even an arrest warrant. A clean yard doesn't just make your home look better — it could keep you out of jail.

7. Catching Out-of-Season Fish

Fishing for dinner could end with a trip to the slammer — if you don't know the rules. In 2012, Kyle Dewitt went fishing in Michigan and accidentally caught a bass out of season. His $155 fine turned into a three-day jail stint because he couldn't pay up immediately.

Lesson learned: When it comes to fishing, ignorance isn't bliss — it's jail time.

Stay Informed, Stay Out of Jail

These stories prove that even the smallest misstep can lead to unexpected legal trouble. Whether you're rollerblading in the wrong part of town or leaving an old appliance in your yard, knowing the rules can save you a lot of hassle — and possibly a jail sentence.

So, the next time you're out and about, make sure you've brushed up on those local laws — you never know when a harmless act could land you in a not-so-harmless situation!

References: 12 Shocking Punishments For Minor Crimes | Shockingly small 'crimes' that can land you in jail | Texas Assault and Battery Laws | 12.12.070: SKATEBOARDS AND OTHER TOY VEHICLES: | What To Do When A Neighbor’s Yard Is Filled With Trash