Can I get arrested for loitering?
Loitering seems to have incredibly vague definition, according to Wikipedia. It seems that it's illegal, even if you don't seem to be doing anything wrong. In the US, there are signs to this effect, which came to a surprise to me. Can I actually get into trouble if I, well, loiter, whatever loose definition you use?
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Best Answer
In America, they don't want people to do anything that disrupts commercial activity. So begging is "out" for example. And "loitering" would be seen in a similar light.
There are signs at many establishments that read something like: "Patrons only, violators [or "loiterers"] are subject to arrest.
If you are in a store, you should be doing business with the store (or look like you are). Stores, and even libraries don't want people sleeping on the premises, or otherwise taking up space if you are not there for the stated purpose of the premise because they want to cater to genuine "customers." That also applies to places like construction sites.
In Nevada, it is a felony to use a computer in a casino to calculate odds (thereby reducing the casino's advantage). Not exactly "loitering," but it does illustrate a point about the "pro-commercial" nature of the American legal system.
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Is loitering a crime in the US?
Because of loitering laws, the police have the power to arrest people for loitering. Laws governing loitering are frequently challenged due to the fact that criminalizing lingering is questionable ethics. However, it is still considered to be illegal in many jurisdictions, and in specific circumstances.Is loitering illegal in the UK?
The Street Offences Act 1959 makes it illegal for persons over the age of 18 to loiter in a street or public place for the purposes of prostitution.Is loitering legal in Australia?
18\u2014LoiteringMaximum penalty: $1 250 or imprisonment for 3 months. (3) If a police officer has reasonable grounds to suspect that a person who is loitering in a public place is of a prescribed class, the officer may request that the person state the reason why he or she is in that place.Chester Township Family Suing After Being Arrested For Loitering Outside Of Their Home
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Answer 2
You can wander about anywhere at anytime of the day or night without raising the slightest suspicion simply by taking along a dog.
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