Walk It Through: The Party That Got Loud
Music at two in the morning, a guest told to leave, an officer at the door, and a shove.
At a house party in Providence, the speakers are on the porch and a neighbor calls the police.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
A noisy party and one arrest. Underage drinking at the party, a search of the house and local noise ordinances 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.
- Disorderly conductFighting, unreasonable noise, provoking words, obstructing a way, or interfering with a gathering, done intentionally, knowingly or recklessly. It carries up to six months or $500.
- Domestic abuseCausing or attempting physical harm, placing someone in fear of serious harm, or forced sexual relations, between family members or certain dating partners.
- Willful trespassRemaining on another's land or at a home with no legitimate purpose after being forbidden by the owner or the person entitled to possession. It carries up to $1,000 or one year.
- Eluding in a high speed pursuitFleeing a police vehicle at more than fifteen miles per hour over the limit, or causing more than $1,000 of damage. A first conviction can mean up to one year and forfeiting the vehicle.
- FelonyAn offense that may be punished by more than one year, or a fine of more than $1,000, unless a statute says otherwise.
- MisdemeanorAn offense punishable by not more than one year, or not more than $1,000, or both.
- Resisting arrestUsing force or a weapon against an arrest by a peace officer. It is unlawful whether the arrest is legal or illegal, and carries up to $500 or one year.