Walk It Through: The Neighbor's Dog
A charge of harboring a dangerous dog, the grounds a judge has to find, and a first degree misdemeanor for a severe attack.
A dog attacks a neighbor without provocation, leaving severe bite wounds.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
One neighbor and one sidewalk. Registration and restraint of a dangerous dog, damages in a civil suit, and the deadline to sue are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Dangerous dogA dog a district judge finds, beyond a reasonable doubt, inflicted severe injury on a person or killed or severely injured a domestic animal without provocation, attacked a person without provocation, was used in a crime, or has a history of unprovoked attacks.
- Misdemeanor of the third degreeThe lowest misdemeanor grade, punishable by up to 1 year in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.
- Summary offenseThe lowest grade of offense, punishable by not more than 90 days, with a fine of up to $300 unless a higher fine is set.