Behavior

 

If you are hosting or attending a party, you need to be aware of your legal risks.

 

 

 

OFFENSE

 

CLASSIFICATION

 

PENALTIES

 

RELATED TO MISBEHAVIOR WITH ALCOHOL

 

 

 

 

 

Misrepresentation of age to secure liquor or malt or brewed beverages

 

1st offense B summary offense Subsequent B 3rd degree

 misdemeanor

 

Not more than $500, plus suspension of driver=s license for at least 90 days

 

Purchase, consumption, possession or transportation of intoxicating beverages (if under 21)

 

Summary Offense

 

Not more than $500, plus suspension of driver=s license for at least 90 days

 

Representing to liquor dealers or others that a minor (another person) is of age

 

3rd degree misdemeanor

 

Not less than $300; other penalties possible

 

Inducement of minors to buy liquor or malt or brewed beverages

 

3rd degree misdemeanor

 

Not less than $300; other penalties possible

 

Selling or furnishing liquor or malt or brewed beverages to minors

 

3rd degree misdemeanor

 

1st offense B Not less than $1,000

Subsequent B Not less than $2,500; other penalties possible

 

Manufacture or sale of false identification card

 

2nd degree misdemeanor

 

1st offense B Not less than $1,000

Subsequent B Not less than $2,500; other penalties possible

 

Carrying a false identification card

 

1st offense B Summary offense

Subsequent B 3rd degree misdemeanor

 

1st offense B 90 day driver=s license suspension

Subsequent B Not more than $500 fine; other penalties possible

 

Carrying open container of alcoholic beverage[1]

 

Summary offense

 

Not less than $100

 

ACTING OUT

 

 

 

 

 

Doing any lewd act which is likely to be observed by others who would be affronted or alarmed

 

3rd degree misdemeanor

 

Not more than one year=s imprisonment; fines likely

 

Criminal Mischief B damaging property of another, intentionally, recklessly or negligently

 

Any level from Summary offense to 3rd degree felony, depending on intent, disruption caused and value of loss.

 

Any level from small fine to not more than seven years= imprisonment

 

Injuring or tampering with fire apparatus, hydrants, etc.

 

3rd degree misdemeanor

 

Not more than one year=s imprisonment; fines likely

 

Unauthorized use or opening of fire hydrants

 

Summary offense

 

Not more than 90 days= imprisonment; fines likely

 

Institutional vandalism B to religious or educational facility or municipal building

 

2nd degree misdemeanor or 3rd degree felony, depending on object of vandalism and damage caused

 

Not more than two years= or seven years= imprisonment, depending on classification; fines likely

 

Riot B disorderly conduct with two or more others with intent to prevent or coerce official action

 

3rd degree felony

 

Not more than seven years= imprisonment; fines likely

 

Disorderly conduct

 

Summary offense or 3rd degree misdemeanor, depending on intent and persistence

 

Not more than 90 days= or one years= imprisonment, depending on classification; fines likely

 

Public drunkenness

 

Summary offense

 

Not more than 90 days= imprisonment; fines likely

 

Loitering and prowling at night time

 

3rd degree misdemeanor

 

Not more than one year=s imprisonment; fines likely


 

 

NOT OBEYING THE POLICE

 

 

 

 

 

Failure of disorderly persons to disperse upon official order

 

2nd degree misdemeanor

 

Not more than two years= imprisonment; fines likely

 

Refusal to move on

 

Summary offense

 

Not more than 90 days= imprisonment; fines likely

 

Resisting arrest or other law enforcement

 

2nd degree misdemeanor

 

Not more than two years= imprisonment; fines likely

 

THREATS OR ATTACKS ON PEOPLE

 

 

 

 

 

Simple Assault

 

2nd degree misdemeanor

 

Not more than two years= imprisonment; fines likely

 

Aggravated assault

 

1st or 2nd degree felony, depending on intent, severity of injuries, & subject of assault

 

More or less than ten years= imprisonment, depending on classification

 

Recklessly endangering another person

 

2nd degree misdemeanor

 

Not more than two years= imprisonment; fines likely

 

Terroristic threats

 

1st degree misdemeanor or 3rd degree felony, depending on whether threats cause evacuation of building or disruption of public transportation

 

Restitution, and not more than 5 years= imprisonment, depending on classification

 

Harassment

 

Summary offense or 3rd degree misdemeanor, depending on kind of harassment or threats

 

Not more than 90 days= or one year=s imprisonment, depending on classification; fines likely

 

Stalking

 

1st offense B 1st degree misdemeanor

Subsequent B 3rd degree felony

 

1st offense B Not more than 5 years= imprisonment

Subsequent B Not more than 7 years= imprisonment


 

 

Ethnic intimidation B commission of offense with malicious intention on basis of victim=s actual or perceived membership in protected group

 

Offense classified one degree higher than normal classification without this particular malicious intention

 

Ranging from less than 90 days= to more than 10 years= imprisonment, depending on severity of underlying offense

 

Unauthorized administration of intoxicant

 

3rd degree felony

 

Not more than 7 years= imprisonment

 

 



[1]Scranton City Ordinance.  Every other law cited is Pennsylvania Statute.