Did you know that your presence alone can get you charged with a crime even if you’re innocent? It’s called “Visiting a Common Nuisance”, which also relates to similar crimes called, “A Place of Common Nuisance” and “Maintaining a Common Nuisance.” Continue reading to learn what constitutes these criminal charges, what they entail in terms of jail time and court orders, as well as, how to avoid being charged with such crimes.

A Place of Common Nuisance

A place of common nuisance is any private property where illegal activity is taking place. This can be a house, boat, vehicle, apartment, hotel room, or any other private residence. The most frequent crimes that occur in a place of common nuisance include the consumption and selling of illegal substances and paraphernalia. This includes street drugs, stolen merchandise, firearms, and medication.

Visiting a Common Nuisance

Anyone person that knowingly visits a place of common nuisance is committing a crime, and if caught, can be charged with “visiting a common nuisance.” Here’s an example of a situation where a person can be arrested and charged with this crime, without actually taking part in the illegal activity:

Ella is on vacation in New York City with her best friend, Jenny. While out on the town celebrating, they meet a group of guys who invite them back to their place for a drink. When the girls walk into the apartment, they immediately notice some guns on the counter, and some drugs laying out on the table. They decide to stay and have a few drinks, even though they do not like guns nor use drugs. After a few drinks, the guys start smoking marijuana and the cops get called. Even though Ella and Jenny did not partake in the marijuana usage, and do not own the guns, they can be arrested and charged for visiting a common nuisance.

Maintaining a Common Nuisance

If a person allows someone, or a group of people, to use drugs or partake in illegal activity in their own home or vehicle, they can be charged with “maintaining a common nuisance.” For instance, if a girl lets her friend shoot up heroin in her apartment, she could be arrested and charged with this crime. The same applies to parents who allow their children to drink underage or use drugs in their home.

Indiana Criminal Defense You Can Trust

Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a consultation with aggressive Indiana criminal defense attorney, David E. Lewis. He will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. With decades of hands-on experience, you can trust Attorney David E. Lewis to build you a strong and impactful defense against your criminal charges. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation for Indianapolis criminal defense, today.