Frequently Asked Questions:  What are the kinds of criminal offenses that might stem from parties?

Besides the issues covered in the City Ordinance on Noise (see this page for more information), hosting parties could create situations that result in two general criminal charges:

Criminal Nuisance in the second degree: A person is guilty of criminal nuisance when; By conduct either unlawful in itself or unreasonable under all circumstances he knowingly or recklessly creates or maintains a condition which endangers the safety or health of a considerable number of persons; Or He knowingly conducts or maintains any premises, place or resort where persons gather for purposes of engaging in unlawful conduct. Criminal Nuisance in the second degree is a class B Misdemeanor

This might include allowing very large groups of people to congregate in structures, creating an unsafe situation in case of a fire or if a fight should break out.  It may also include allowing drug use, gambling or indeed any illegal activity - the host of the event becomes in part legally responsible for those actions.


Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the First Degree: A person is guilty of Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the First Degree when he gives or sells or causes to be given or sold any alcoholic beverage as defined by section three of the alcohol beverage control law to a person less than 21 years old. Unlawfully dealing with a child in the first degree is a Class A Misdemeanor.

This is straightforward - if you have anything at all to do with people under age 21 obtaining alcohol, you may be charged with this crime.