A crime against public safety is any action that does not necessarily affect individuals, but leads to danger for the public at large. This can be a complicated issue, and it’s important to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney if you’re facing these charges. The following are some factors to consider related to crimes against public safety:
  • The laws exist in part to protect minors: There are numerous laws specifically meant to protect minors. For example, the state of Maryland does not allow you to provide minors with alcohol or cigarettes. You could be charged with a public safety crime by disobeying these laws.
  • Disorderly conduct is a common example: One of the most common crimes against public safety is disorderly conduct, which is essentially a catch-all for various behaviors that put the public at risk. Firing a gun into the air in an urban area, even if you had no intention of hurting someone, is an example of disorderly conduct. Yelling “fire” in a crowded building when you are aware that no such threat exists is another example. Depending on the action, you could face serious penalties for disorderly conduct.
  • Vagrancy and loitering may be crimes against public safety: Examples of these offenses include sleeping on the streets, public urination, appearing nude in public, begging for money and other similar behaviors.
If you are facing charges for allegedly committing a crime against public safety, seek the assistance of a trusted La Plata criminal defense lawyer with Mudd, Mudd & Fitzgerald, P.A.