An “ordinance” is a municipal law, rule, or regulation that applies to a specific town or city limits.
Because each city has their own set of ordinances, the different violations can be very broad. For example, ordinances can range from forbidding unleashed dogs while not on private property to forbidding open containers of alcohol in city parks.
Did you receive a citation or fine for a City or Local Ordinance Violation? Discuss your legal options,
call us at 727-478-4125 or schedule your free consultation with an attorney through our website.
Local and City Ordinance Violations Examples
Because ordinances vary by city, there are numerous examples of potential ordinance violations. Here are a few examples of local ordinance violations found in various counties in the state of Florida.
– Consuming Alcohol in Prohibited Areas
– Nuisance Abatement
– Commercial Use of Right of Way
– Inoperative/Unlicensed Vehicles
– County Park Violations
– Noise Violations
– Animal Control Violation
– Overgrown Grass
– Illegal Burning
Check out our blog New Port Richey Ordinances You Need to Know for information about New Port Richey’s local ordinances
Consequences of Violating a Local or City Ordinance
Just like ordinances differ from county to county, the punishments differ as well. While punishment will depend on the location of the incident, punishment for an ordinance violation is generally less severe than a misdemeanor charge. Typically, ordinance violations are kept on file locally and do not require the violator to be fingerprinted. This is beneficial for the violator because it is far less likely to impede their future—whether applying for school, a job, or to become apartment renters. Repeat violators are another story however. While they might not face the same punishment as a misdemeanor or felony charge, repeat violators could face jail time.
Why It’s Easy to Accidentally Violate an Ordinance
Ordinances can be easy to violate because they can differ greatly from county to county. One county can have an ordinance that prohibits commercial use of right-of-way, while a neighboring county allows the action. These differences in ordinance laws can create confusion for residents and visitors alike. Furthermore, ordinances are easier to alter or enact as opposed to state laws that are usually more rigid. While this ease presents certain benefits, it allows for further confusion if an ordinance changes without people realizing it.
It is a good idea to educate yourself on your city’s specific ordinances so you can ensure you are not breaking any laws. Because it can be easy to accidentally break a law and acquire an ordinance violation, it is important to have the appropriate legal representatives on your side.
For more legal information about Municipal Ordinance Violations, check out our blog: What Is a Municipal Ordinance Violation?
Criminal Defense Attorneys in New Port Richey Will Defend Your Legal Rights
The legal team of LMW Attorneys is skilled in handling a variety of cases, including common ordinance violations. If you or a loved one has acquired a city ordinance violation and are seeking legal advice, contact LMW Attorneys today to speak with an ordinance violations lawyer.
Our Tampa Bay area lawyers previously served as prosecutors for the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, and have an incredible array of experience handling matters from ordinance violations all the way up to capital cases. Laporte, Mulligan & Werner-Watkins provides free initial consultations on criminal cases.
Free consultations are always available for new clients, including those of Holiday, Hudson, and Trinity, at our office in Port Richey, Florida. During that time the nature of the charge(s) and the complexity of the case(s) will be discussed. You will only owe us a fee if you decide to retain us to represent you. The amount of the fee is dependent on many facts and circumstances, but you will be quoted a reasonable fee during the free consultation. You can then decide if you wish us to handle your matter or not.
Call us at (727) 478-4125 for a free consultation by phone or at our office in Port Richey, FL.
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