It seems jail would be a step up.
2007-09-09 03:24:13 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
If he's outside the city limits and he's not trespassing on somebody's private property, then no. Laws against vagrancy are considered "status crimes" and were deemed discriminatory and nullified back in the 1970's, since the Supreme Court figured that nobody should be punished merely because he doesn't have money or a home. A homeless person can only be arrested for creating a nuisance or engaging in some specific misconduct such as aggressive panhandling, public urination, indecent exposure, public intoxication, trespassing, or sleeping in a public area, which are acts that ANYBODY can get arrested for regardless of whether or not he is a vagrant. "Public area" specifically means areas that are paid for and maintained by the public (i.e. park benches, sidewalks, alleys, train/bus stations, etc.) and not simply any place where people are legally free to go. Sleeping way out in the middle of the woods is fine and legal whether you're a homeless person down on his luck or an ordinary person just deciding to go camping, but it's hardly a place where a homeless person could have any easy access to food, water, booze, drugs, etc. so that's not much of a practical option for them anyway. However, most uninhabited wooded areas in the U.S. are legally regulated by state parkland and forestry laws of some kind or other, so there's a chance you could get in trouble with a forest ranger if he finds out that you've set up a permanent residence in there.
2007-09-09 07:15:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jail is never a step up sure there may be 3 squares but where's your freedom. As far as your Question is concerned every community is different. So I'd check with your county or state law enforcement officials on this, since you did state that the homeless man was out side the city. But if he's trespassing he can be ticketed or jailed.
2007-09-09 10:41:39 · answer #2 · answered by lord_he_aint_right_nda_head 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jail is a step up. A homeless Shoplifter known as Fast Eddie (because he limps), goes into my downtown store, grabs arms full of crap, and just walks out the front door hoping to get caught and get 3 hots and a cot and medical treatment for his AIDS.
I've talked to him and he confirms it. He is a sad character...
2007-09-09 11:18:12 · answer #3 · answered by The law is a form of tyranny. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most communities have shelters for the homeless and law enforcement is generally aware of where these shelters are but would not be permitted to give the homeless a ride to these shelters.
2007-09-09 10:53:57 · answer #4 · answered by BekindtoAnimals22 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on city ordinance. And the policeman. Maybe he could give him a few bucks and tell him to move on.
2007-09-09 10:28:31 · answer #5 · answered by PATRICIA MS 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Police usually don't bother because they know its a waste of time. They may just warm him.
2007-09-09 10:29:36 · answer #6 · answered by Edge Caliber 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look up the local laws on vagrancy where you live.
2007-09-09 13:05:00 · answer #7 · answered by conranger1 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes he can...it is someone's property....they can arrest them. i hope they do too.
2007-09-09 12:36:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋