CHANDLER, Ariz. - Chandler City Council unanimously voted to adopt two ordinances that prohibit unruly gatherings and minors possessing brass knuckles. The ordinances become new laws in Chandler on June 24.
The ordinances provide educational and enforcement tools intended to prevent and deter teen violence.
Violations for unruly gatherings are subject to a civil fine or a class one misdemeanor charge, which is punishable by up to a $2,500 fine, six months in jail and three years’ probation. A class one misdemeanor is the highest offense that can be prosecuted at the municipal level.
It will be unlawful to permit, organize, host or attend unruly gatherings. Police have the ability to disperse and cite participants gathered. A responsible person(s) could be arrested and charged with a class one misdemeanor if any of the following occur on the premises:
- minors possessing or consuming alcohol
- illegal drugs
- act designated a felony under state law
- physical altercation that results in injury
- previous citation for unruly gathering within prior 180 days
If the responsible party of an unruly gathering is under 18 years old, the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the juvenile can be held responsible for violations.
Under the second ordinance, minors under 18 years old are prohibited from possessing brass/metal knuckles. These products also cannot be sold or given to minors under 18 years old. Violations will be a class one misdemeanor charge, punishable by up to a $2,500 fine, six months in jail and three years’ probation.
Chandler will conduct extensive community outreach to educate the community about these new laws once they take effect in late June. The focus will be to educate Chandler residents, including parents, young adults and teens.