How would one fight off a loitering citation?

Question

A friend and I left campus one day to get our books, only to be pulled over by the cops saying we shouldn't leave campus and he then gave the both of us citations for "loitering." First of all, i have to idea that anyone in this world would get a ticket for loitering, but secondly i need some help with what do at court when i am actually fighting this. So anyone that knows law would be a great help right now.

Answer 1

Most cities have loitering laws. The may be stated differently depending on the city government.

Answer 2

loitering is for being in one spot for two long that you should not have been there in the first place. you left campus in order to pick up your books - did you ever get those books? bring receipt of books or signed paper stating that you went to pick up books, make sure to have time and date on receipt or letter from teacher/bookstore.

next - after you rec'd your ticket - where did you go? what did you do? if you went back to school - did you go to dorm or to class?? make sure to have written letter and signature with date and time stating that you were (wherever  you were ) after you rec'd ticket. show that your a student and only doing what students do. get books and go to class..

without further details i cannot fully help you

if you need advise - email [e-mail]

make sure to give full details of what happened and answer some of questions listed above

Answer 3

Plain old loitering statutes and many of the gang loitering laws have been struck down as unconstitutional. But the title of the offense means nothing. You have to look at the language of the law to see what the elements are. For instance, if the law there isn't just for anyone standing around but prohibiting school age kids from running around during school hours. If it's plain old pre-1970's style loitering, that is, just someone standing around doing nothing, it's likely unconstitutional. If so, it's up to you to pursue it to the end. You're not entitled to a free lawyer for this one. If you don't get what you want in city court, you'd have to post bond and appeal it. The higher you get, the better you're going to have to argue in writing. If you couldn't answer this one for yourself with a little Web research, you're not going to be able to write that well. If it's the school age minor running around during school, you're probably going to have suck it up. And don't tell the judge you didn't know. Unless you've been being raised in a cult or home schooled with no contact with other kids, you knew.

Answer 4

Campus (like college)

Loitering where?

Loitering to spend time idle--lingering-not moving forward.

So how did you violate the law?

Oh it would be nice to know the state you live in to look up law(s).

Answer 5

How can leaving a school campus be considered as "loitering?"  Yes, you can get ticketed for loitering but I don't think this case would fit any legal definition of loitering.  If you're really worried, consult a local free legal clinic.  they should be able to help you.