Law - Criminal assignments

Handling of Misdemeanors.html

Handling of Misdemeanors

Examples of misdemeanors include speeding, trespassing, vandalism, and public intoxication. The first three of these types do not result in jail time, although, dependent upon the depth and seriousness of the action, could. Public intoxication usually does result in at least a night in what is commonly referred to as the “drunk tank.” One stays in the drunk tank, a communal cell until one is sober and pays a fine.

 

Society’s attitude regarding the handling of misdemeanors is typically agreeable in terms of the fine and possible jail time. The diversity of opinion of society occurs when addressing more serious crimes, commonly referred to as felonies – these include the misdemeanors mentioned that went further and involved more serious consequences. Like while speeding, the person causes an accident or while drunk, begins fighting and or abusing others where they required medical treatment.

 

Society’s reaction to the handling of more involved misdemeanors and felonies hinges upon whether this had been a pattern of action for the guilty party, who the victims were, and whether there were suspicions that other factors were leading to the arrest of the person. Unfortunately, in situations where mistakes are believed to have been made, then society often splits in their attitudes, sometimes causing an escalation of criminal behavior and violence.

 

In the posed scenario of your neighbor’s garage burning. If there was minor damage, it may be considered a misdemeanor of vandalism (property damage) and therefore, you would be placed before a local court, fined for your action, forced to pay for the damages, possibly serve a night or two in jail if it appeared you were not in control of your attitude/feelings, and maybe sent to court-ordered anger management counseling. However, if the garage burned down and or endangered others as well as their property, you could expect not only a large fine but also jail time in addition to needing some legal guidance in terms of likely being sued by others if they had been hurt or had property damage.