Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

California Penal Code 537B

I took my son skiing at Boreal Ridge Ski Resort and said that he was 12 instead of 13 to save money on his lift ticket. I purchased a valid adult ticket for myself. The ticket operator asked him his age and he said ''13''. The resort manager called the Nevada County Sheriff (no, really) and I was charged with a 537B of the California Penal Code.

This reads:

Any person who uses or attempts to use ski area facilities for which payment is required without paying as required, or who resells a ski lift ticket to another when the resale is not authorized by the proprietor, is guilty of an infraction.

My defense was going to be that I personally did not try to use the facilities without paying as required ( I had a valid lift ticket), but my son did (who was not charged). My friend said that I will be convicted for aiding and abetting. My question is ''is that a different charge than the 537B and can I be convicted even though I personally never attempted to use the facility without paying as required?''

I pled not guilty based on this planned defense and my trial is coming up. I really don't want to spend any money on an attorney just to fight an infraction.


Asked on 5/11/04, 10:51 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Ronald Richards Law Offices of Ronald Richards and Associates

Re: California Penal Code 537B

how did they find out he wasn't 12? the infraction has to be committed in front of the officer. there are many problems with this case. lying to get a discount is not what the statute intended.

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Answered on 5/11/04, 11:19 am


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