Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Virginia

Hello, I am in Chesterfield County,VA. I am unemployed and homeless. I am not a vagrant nor do I look homeless. But I am having a tough time finding work. There is a shopping center that I have been standing at holding a sign that reads verbatim " Homeless-Need Work- Reliable Hard Worker- Need to Make $ " I have been doing this 2 days a week in the same spot.The spot is a closed down 'Blockbuster's'-on the corner behind the store. None of the other business managers or owners have complained to me,no passer by has complained to me,I have received nothing but well wishes and some $ & food. I started this about a month ago, and several police officers have passed me by,not saying a word. The day before Easter I was out there and a police officer pulled up and told me I wasn't supposed to be there and before anyone complained he was going to nip it in the bud and told me to leave -I told him several police passed me by w/ out saying anything-he said they weren't supposed to and talked about being on businesses property. There are no signs posted about soliciting or holding signs- I looked and checked. The fact that I stand on a closed down business property was ignored although I didn't bring it up to him- I didn't argue at all w/ him. I was so hurt by him telling me to leave on the day before Easter.... and that my sign read as it did-"...Need Work..." I just gathered my things and left. Is this against the law? Or is it only if signs are posted or only if a business calls and complains? I don't approach anyone asking for anything- They come up to me. Can this police officer arrest me or issue a citation w/out anyone complaining? Thank-You for a response. LG


Asked on 4/25/11, 10:07 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Would seem to depend upon the local ordinance(s) on which the

citation is based and how such local law may be reasonably interpreted

as applicable to the particular facts of your case.

Read more
Answered on 4/25/11, 10:11 am
Cary Moseley Law Office of Cary Powell Moseley, PLLC

Yes, you could be charged with any number of offenses, including but not limited to trespassing, disorderly conduct, panhandling or other public nuisance violations, without regard to formal complaints. When a police officer tells you to move it along, it is often best do so, in a prompt and mannerly way. Good luck.

Read more
Answered on 4/25/11, 10:18 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Civil Rights Law questions and answers in Virginia