Loitering is a potential crime in Michigan that is defined as waiting or standing idly around and having no apparent purpose. In Michigan, if you happen to be loitering around in the wrong place, you could be charged with disorderly conduct. There have been instances where a person was simply standing around on a street corner and got arrested for it. Anyone that is charged with loitering should call Attorney Shawn James Haff immediately at 616-438-6719. The call is free, will you be?
Under what circumstance can someone be charged with a crime for standing or waiting in a public area? Michigan law found at MCL 750.167 lists several areas that are off-limits for loitering. If you are found to be loitering around at these places you can be charged with disorderly conduct.
Places Where A Person Can Get Arrested For Loitering
- A place of ill fame. In more modern language, this would be considered a place where prostitution is taking place on a regular basis. A person is not allowed to legally loiter in such a place.
- A place where illegal business is conducted. Anyone who is loitering in a place where illegal business is being conducted can be charged with disorderly conduct. A person does not need to be involved in the business activity that is illegal to be charged.
- A public building. A person who is loitering in a public building with the goal of soliciting bail bonds of legal services can be charged with disorderly conduct.
Michigan Penalties For Loitering
If you are loitering in the wrong place at the wrong time, you are at risk of being charged with disorderly conduct. This charge is a misdemeanor that will leave you with a permanent criminal record unless your crime is expunged. If you have a criminal record, you risk getting a harmed reputation, a harder time getting employment and possible other legal problems down the road. The maximum penalties for this charge are a fine of up to $500 dollars, 90 days in jail, community service and probation.
What Does It Mean to Be a "Disorderly Person"?
Under Michigan law, it is illegal to be charged as a “disorderly person” in Grand Rapids, or any other city in Michigan. This old Michigan law is very similar to old-school vagrancy laws. This law prohibits vagrants (people who wander around from once place to another place without a means of support). Grand Rapids, Michigan has historically used vagrancy laws to criminalize a wide range of activity. Michigan has used this law to prosecute people for behavior that has been considered undesireable.
The definition of “disorderly person” under Michigan law covers numerous undesirable behavior such as:
- being able-bodied but failing to support your family
- being a “Peeping Tom”
- being a prostitute or “loitering” (hanging out) in places of prostitution
- loitering in places where illegal business is transacted
- being intoxicated in public and disturbing others or endangering people or property
- engaging in an illegal business or profession (such as illegal gambling)
- being a vagrantperson
- unnecessarily jostling or crowding others in public places.
An example of disorderly conduct under (Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 750.167.) is a person who happens to be hanging around a bus station. At this bus station it is known that a lot of drugs are being illegal sold. A person who happens to be loitering around this place could be charged as a disorderly person.
Call Shawn Now If You Are Charged With Loitering
Do not face these charges by yourself, call Shawn today at 616-438-6719. The call is free. Will you be? Shawn knows how to get his clients the best results without being ripped off by a bad attorney.