Property+Offenses+Period+3

Statutes

18§ 3301. Arson Related Offenses (Zack Woods) Summary: When you intentionally start a fire or explosion or if you aid, counsel or pay someone to start a fire or explosion on either your own property or someone else's. It is also when you recklessly put anyone endanger because of your actions including firefighters. Or when you commit the act with the purpose of destroying or damaging or an inhabited building of another. Degree: For the above actions this would be a First degree Felony Sentence: The highest sentence for arson would be life in prison and a fine of $50000 because of what the results could be.

18§ 3302. Causing or Risking Catastrophe (Katelyn Caralle) Summary: A person who causes a catastrophe by explosion, fire, flood, avalanche, collapse of building, release of poison gas, radioactive material or other harmful or destructive force or substance Degree: Felony of the first degree if knowingly or a Felony of the second degree if recklessly. Sentence: $50,000 in fine and up to a life in prison considering.

18§ 3303. Failure to Prevent Catastrophe (Mike Heilman) __Summary:__ A person who knowingly or recklessly fails to take reasonable measures to prevent or mitigate a catastrophe, when he can do so without substantial risk to himself, if he is contractually or has other legal duty to take such measures, or he did or assented to the act of causing or threatening the catastrophe. __Degree__ : Misdemeanor 2nd Degree __Sentence:__ 2 years in Prison $5,000 max in fines

18 § 3304. Criminal Mischief (Luke Hinkle) Summary: A person is guilty of criminal mischief if he or she defaces, vandalizes or damages tangible property of private or public property. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Degree: Depending on circumstances, the degree can vary from felony of the third degree, misdemeanor of the second degree, or misdemeanor of the third degree. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sentencing: <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1) In the case of a felony of the third degree it is a maximum of 7 years in prison and a maximum of $15,000 fine. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">2) In the case of a misdemeanor of the second degree it is a maximum of 2 years in prison and a $5,000 maximum fine. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3) In the case of a misdemeanor of the third degree it is a maximum of 1 year in prison and a $2,500 maximum fine. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Scenario: A man is caught destroying and vandalising property for an excess of $5,000. He is charged with Criminal mischief, a felony of the third degree.

18§ 3305. Injuring or Tampering with fire apparatus, hydrants etc. (Zack Woods) Summary: Anyone that willfully and maliciously cuts injures damages or destroys any fire hydrant, hose or engine or any other private fire equipment or apparatus. Degree: Third misdemeanor Sentence: Max of 1 year in prison and a $2500 fine

18§ 3306. Unauthorized use or opening of a fire hydrants (Zack Woods) Summary: Whoever opens for private usage any fire hydrant without being authorized by the water company that owns it. Degree: No degree Sentence: Summary Offense- max of 90 days in prison and a $300 fine

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">18§ 3307. Vandalism (Katelyn Caralle) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Summary: A person commits the offense of institutional vandalism if he knowingly desecrates, vandalizes, defaces, or otherwise damages a religious worship space, cemetery, school or any educational facility, community center, legal or government building, vehicle, or any grounds owned by these areas. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Degree: A felony of the third degree <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sentence: $15,000 and 7 years in prison <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Example (Local): A man named Matthew Colamarino is number 4 on Pittsburgh's list of "10 Most Wanted Graffiti Vandals." From March 2006 to June 2008, a span of two years, Colamarino tagged 'AGANY' and 'AGANY-ONE' on at least 74 places across Pittsburgh. He caused $50,000 in property damages and he was charged with 57 misdemeanor counts and two felony counts of criminal mischief for graffiti.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">18§ 3308. Additional Fine for Arson Committed for Profit (Katelyn Caralle) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Summary: Any person convicted under arson murder or arson offenses where any consideration was paid or payable. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Degree: First degree Felony with additional degrees added considering. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sentence: Double the amount of money of consideration and up to life in prison.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">18§ 3309. Agricultural Vandalism (Mike Heilman) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline;">__Summary:__ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A person has committed a crime if he/she intentionally or recklessly defaces, marks, or otherwise damages real or tangible personal property of another, where the property defaced, marked or otherwise damaged is used in agricultural activity or farming <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline;">__Degree:__ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Misdemeanor 3rd degree <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline;">__Sentencing:__ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> 1. 2500 in fines (max) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> 2. 1 year in prison (max) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline;">__Scenario:__ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Demi is mad at her neighbor who’s farming equipment is waking her up in the early morning. In attempt to make it stop, Demi plans to kill the crops that are near her house. One day she goes to the store, and gets plant killer, and goes home. She waits until that night to sneak onto her neighbor’s yard and kills the crops around her house. Unfortunately for her the farmer had security cameras around her property and caught the man vandalising his crops.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">18§ 3310. Agricultural Crop Destruction (Mike Heilman) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline;">__Summary:__ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> A person has committed a crime if he/she knowingly and intentionally damages any field crop, vegetable or fruit plant, or tree that is grown, stored, or raised for scientific or commercial purposes or for any testing or research purpose in conjunction with a public or private research facility or a university or any Federal, State, or local government agency. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline;">__Degree:__ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> 2nd Degree <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline;">__Sentencing:__ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> (1) Value of the damaged crop. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> (2) Disposal of the damaged crop. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> (3) Cleanup of the property. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> (4) Lost revenue for the aggrieved owner of the damaged <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> crop.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">18 <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: 'Droid Serif'; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">§ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4101.Forgery (Luke Hinkle) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Summary: The crime of forgery is committed when an individual falsely and fraudulently makes or alters a document or object. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Degree: Depending on the circumstances this crime can be a felony of the second degree, felony of the third degree, or misdemeanor of the first degree. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sentencing: <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1) In the case of a misdemeanor of the first degree, it is a maximum of 5 years in prison and a $10,000 maximum fine. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">2) For a felony of the second degree it is a maximum imprisonment of 10 years and $25,000 maximum fine. 3) Felony of the third degree it is a maximum of 7 years and $15,000 Maximum fine.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">18 <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: 'Droid Serif'; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">§ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4120.Identity Theft (Luke Hinkle) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Summary: When one person uses another person’s means of identity without consent of the victim. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Degree: Depending on the situation, identity theft can be charged with misdemeanor of the first degree or a felony of the third degree. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sentencing: <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1) In the case of a misdemeanor of the first degree, it is a maximum of 5 years in prison and a $10,000 maximum fine. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">2) In the case of a felony of the third degree, it is a maximum of 7 years of prison. And a $15,000 maximum fine.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline;">__Scenario:__ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Demi is mad at her neighbor who’s farming equipment is waking her up in the early morning. To make it stop the Demi plans to kill the crops that are near her house. One day she goes to the store, and gets some plant killer, and goes home. She waits until that night to sneak onto her neighbor’s yard, ignoring the "Smile your on camera" sign, and kills the crops around her house. The farmer checked his security cameras the next day and see what Demi did, and called the police. (Mike Heilman)

Scenario: Alan is angry at his teacher for giving them so many projects. He decided that he was going to get back at him. The next day after school Alan went to the store and picked up a lighter. He then went to the gas station and picked up a couple gallons of gas. He waited until it was around midnight and then poured the gas all around his teachers house. He light the fire and watched it burn from across the street. What he didn't know is that his teacher was away. His teachers neighbor has a camera outside and it caught Alan coming back from the house and watching it burn. Alan was then picked up by the police the next day. (Zack Woods)

Scenario: Kellie is mad at her neighbor for planting a tree thats limbs hang over her yard. She decided that she was going to get back at her neighbor and went to the store to buy supplies. The next day she went over to their house when they were at work and spray painted on the front of their house "Cut the tree down or else!". The kid across the street was home sick that day and watched this whole ordeal go down. He then proceeded to call the police that arrested Kellie the next day. (Zack Woods)

Example (Local): A man named Matthew Colamarino is number 4 on Pittsburgh's list of "10 Most Wanted Graffiti Vandals." From March 2006 to June 2008, a span of two years, Colamarino tagged 'AGANY' and 'AGANY-ONE' on at least 74 places across Pittsburgh. He caused $50,000 in property damages and he was charged with 57 misdemeanor counts and two felony counts of criminal mischief for graffiti.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">HOT QUESTION: Should someone be held criminally liable for the death or injury of someone as a result of not preventing catastrophe? For example, if you know the brakes are out on your car, but you let your friend borrow it regardless. He crashes and is seriously injured. Should you be held responsible?

HOT QUESTION: Should a person be criminally liable for any bodily injury resulting in their criminal mischief? For example, if someone takes down or steals a street sign and as a result a crash occurs.