What is loitering and prowling?
A person commits the offense of Loitering and Prowling if they Loiter or Prowl in a manner unusual for a law abiding citizen. The factual circumstances must establish that the defendant’s behavior is alarming in nature, creating an imminent threat to public safety.
Common Examples of Loitering and Prowling:
- You are seen by a witness “sneaking” through a parking lot
- You are allegedly seen pulling on car door handles
- You are allegedly seen walking behind closed businesses
- You are allegedly walking through neighborhood you don’t live in and a 911 caller says you look “suspicious”.
Essentially, this statute is so vague that it is almost always results in a dismissal when an experienced criminal defense attorney gets involved with the case.
Loitering Consequences
Loitering and Prowling is classified as a Misdemeanor, but is usually attached to more serious crimes like Attempted Burglary or possession of drugs. Loitering and Prowling is one of the most defendable charges out there. Even though it is very defendable, being charged with Loitering and Prowling, or being under investigation by the police for any criminal activity can have serious and long lasting effects on your life both at home, your career or your ability to stay in school.
Charged with Loitering in Florida
Receiving a conviction for Loitering and Prowling will have serious effects including jail and fines. Any criminal conviction could potentially make you unemployable at most companies or cause you to lose your professional license. This is why it is so important to contact a Florida Loitering and Prowling Defense Attorney right away.
An accusation of felony criminal behavior can have long lasting, far reaching and potentially devastating effects on your life. This is especially true for juvenile offenders under the age of 18 and youthful offenders under the age of 21. These effects can include damage to reputation in the community, loss of employment, loss of housing, loss of public benefits and expulsion from school or college.
Contact a Broward County Loitering Lawyer
The most important thing you can do if you or a loved one are accused of any crime is to contact an experienced Broward County Criminal Defense Attorney. Grant Schwarz is a former prosecutor and have been practicing criminal law my entire career. As a former prosecutor, I have handled hundreds of Loitering and Prowling related charges.
Each case I handle is treated with attention, care, respect and always with an eye toward achieving a dismissal. If your case is dismissed it may be eligible for a record expunge or a record seal. This is the ultimate success for any criminal charge. Contact Grant Schwarz to discuss how your case can be dismissed.
