Detaining a Minor

[andysvette1]

Any local PA people that could help. Here is my dilemma. Last week in Mechanicsburg, PA I had an unpleasant run in with the local authorities. This is what went down! I travel a lot for work, so I was staying at the local Hampton Inn hotel. From 6pm- 8pm I was getting random (3 times) knocks on my hotel room door. On the 4th attempt I intercepted the 14-year-old and escorted the individual down to the hotel lobby. I ask the receptionist to call his father. I returned to my room. About 30 minutes later I had 3 police officers knocking on my door. Apparently, the kids father called the police. I was charged with (2) citations one, for harassment and the other for disorderly conduct. Complete BS. I am no longer in PA so I am unable to appear in court to contest this. I could hire a layer but that may cost more than both tickets combined ($500) Anyways I’m just curious is anyone has any advice. Thanks.

 

[PayrollHRGuy]

It all depends on what you feel about having those charges on your record. I would hire a PA lawyer and do whatever else was required to fight the charges.

 

[not2cleverRed]

I concur with PayrollHRGuy. I would not want this on my record.

I guess the dad took issue with how you "intercepted... and escorted the individual down to the hotel lobby." What method(s) did you use in "Detaining a Minor"? Because it kind of sounds like force was involved. (Maybe the kid was an insolent brat... But what if he were disabled?)

For future reference: yes, complain to the desk, but do not engage - and certainly do not put hands upon another party!

 

[xylene]

FYI: You very likely need to appear in person whether you want to or not, lawyer or not, unless you like a warrant hanging over you.

 

[andysvette1]

Thanks everyone for the info. I guess I am old school and don't particularly tolerate kids that are disrespectful. It sounds like I don't have many options. I have never been charged with anything like this, in fact my record is completely clean. If I plead guilty to harassment and disorderly conduct what would be the big concerns with having these on my record? Just to clarify on my method of detaining. I held his left arm across the front of his body holding his wrist with my left hand, my forearm and elbow pressed against his back. No threats were made by me. I communicated my plan of action with the individual and that's it.

 

[LdiJ]

Thanks everyone for the info. I guess I am old school and don't particularly tolerate kids that are disrespectful. It sounds like I don't have many options. I have never been charged with anything like this, in fact my record is completely clean. If I plead guilty to harassment and disorderly conduct what would be the big concerns with having these on my record? Just to clarify on my method of detaining. I held his left arm across the front of his body holding his wrist with my left hand, my forearm and elbow pressed against his back. No threats were made by me. I communicated my plan of action with the individual and that's it.

Yeah, that was not appropriate. Law enforcement could get away with something like that, but not a private party.

 

[PayrollHRGuy]

Andy,

You are lucky all you were charged with is harassment and disorderly conduct. You could have been charged with much worse.

The harm on your record could manifest itself in many ways. A background check that stops you from getting a job is the one that might hurt the worse.

 

[not2cleverRed]

Thanks everyone for the info. I guess I am old school and don't particularly tolerate kids that are disrespectful. It sounds like I don't have many options. I have never been charged with anything like this, in fact my record is completely clean. If I plead guilty to harassment and disorderly conduct what would be the big concerns with having these on my record? Just to clarify on my method of detaining. I held his left arm across the front of his body holding his wrist with my left hand, my forearm and elbow pressed against his back. No threats were made by me. I communicated my plan of action with the individual and that's it.

As I guessed. Which is why I asked.

Yes, you need a lawyer.

 

[quincy]

Here are links to the laws you are said to have violated:

Disorderly Conduct: https://law.justia.com/codes/pennsylvania/2017/title-18/chapter-55/section-5503/

Harassment: https://law.justia.com/codes/pennsylvania/2017/title-18/chapter-27/section-2709/

You would benefit from having an attorney help you with your defense against these charges.

Good luck.

 

[Zigner]

I held his left arm across the front of his body holding his wrist with my left hand, my forearm and elbow pressed against his back. No threats were made by me. I communicated my plan of action with the individual and that's it.

Child abduction and/or kidnapping and, possibly, false imprisonment all come to mind as possible crimes committed by you.

 

[quincy]

Child abduction and/or kidnapping and, possibly, false imprisonment all come to mind as possible crimes committed by you.

He was charged with disorderly conduct and harassment.

 

[Zigner]

He was charged with disorderly conduct and harassment.

Yes, I know that. He's lucky.

 

[quincy]

I cannot understand why he didn't call the front desk ...

 

[PayrollHRGuy]

Or if he is so "Old School" didn't wait for the child's father to show up. There is literally no telling what the child told the father.

 

[quincy]

The charges are not all that serious and one can probably be dismissed with the help of an attorney. Because the charges are relatively minor, it does not appear that the child exaggerated what happened.