We do not have the ability to monitor and enforce laws everywhere at all times of the day, so use common sense.
Common sense:
1. Do not blatantly commit criminal acts publicly where a guard would come running IF the NPCs had that ability, or IF a GM was online to act the part. This includes taverns.
2. If you want to act like a criminal in a tavern or public place, try to contact the GMs first and see if they have time to act as the Law. GMs are busy people, so it is likely rare that they will be able to. So, once again, use common sense.
3. If a GM does not have the time, then DO NOT ASSUME guards will not be coming. This is bad roleplaying. If someone shouts for the guards, settle down or leave the area AS IF the guards would be coming.
4. Never ever RP that you...
A: ... can beat up any guard that might come. You can't.
B: ... own the guards. You don't, and they will not ever work for you, can not be blackmailed, nore can they be bribed. They have mental conditioning and magic resistance to mind control, and are frequently delved by Octarchal 'mind readers' to make sure they are loyal.
C: ... distracted the guards so you can do your little evil deeds.
5. Use Common Sense. If an OOC argument breaks out, you or the people you are roleplaying with are doing something wrong. Step out of the situation, reconsider what is going on, then either adjust your RP or leave. DO NOT continue the argument. DO NOT insult the other person in the RP. Simply tell them you do not agree with the methods they are using and thank them for what RP did take place, then leave. This is likely to make them consider your position a little deeper next time. Arguing will not.
If you insist on being a criminal in public places and no GM comes, you can be reported. There is a little prison set up that we can dump you in for a week or longer if you want the full 'realistic' criminal roleplaying experience.