What is Unlawful Dumping?
What is Unlawful Dumping?Many states have passed law that make it a crime to unlawfully dump waste or garbage in certain areas. Obviously, the goal is to keep a state clean. Unlawful dumping is generally defined as disposing of waste materials on any road, private property without consent, or public property not designated for dumping. Waste materials can include any of the following: - Garbage
- Litter, or
- Industrial chemicals.
What Punishment Can a Person Face for Unlawful Dumping?Most states have different scales of punishment for unlawful dumping that take into consideration the number of offenses and the type of waste being dumped. Generally, the more offenses a person is guilty of, or the more hazardous the waste is, the greater the punishment. Criminal punishment for unlawful dumping can include: - Mandatory fines, ranging from $250 to $10,000,
- Loss of driver's license for some period of time,
- Community service, ranging from no less than 12 to 50 hours, or
- Probation.
Do I Need an Attorney if I am Charged with Unlawful Dumping?If you have been charged with unlawful dumping, it is recommended that you contact a criminal defense attorney because you may be at risk for civil liability or even greater criminal liability. Only an attorney can explain the issues and help to decrease any punishment you may face. |
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