in a situation in which you are doing something illegal.
Being on the wrong side of the law is not unusual for many people in this part of town.
on the wrong side of the law
Legally culpable for a crime; sought by the authorities for some legal wrongdoing. Be careful to file your taxes correctly or you could inadvertently find yourself on the wrong side of the law.Kids in this part of the city often end up on the wrong side of the law because there are simply no other outlets or resources available for them.
on the ˌwrong side of the ˈlaw
in trouble with the police: The TV presenter found himself on the wrong side of the law after hitting a cyclist while driving.