Fighting Enhanced Prostitution Accusations in St. Louis County with a Dedicated Defense Attorney
The shock of a criminal accusation is profound. But when that accusation involves a prostitution-related charge that is suddenly enhanced because it allegedly occurred near a school or park in Duluth, the fear and uncertainty multiply. Your world in Northern Minnesota feels like it’s collapsing, threatening not just your freedom, but your standing in the community, your job, and your family’s stability. The specter of increased penalties, including the possibility of a felony conviction for what might otherwise be a gross misdemeanor or even a misdemeanor, casts a long, terrifying shadow. You are facing the full, unforgiving might of the state, and the thought of navigating this alone is overwhelming.
But let me be absolutely clear: an accusation, even one with enhanced penalties, is not a conviction. It is the beginning of a fight, not the end of your life. The state will attempt to leverage every legal provision to maximize the charges against you, using the “school or park zone” designation as a potent weapon. They want you to believe their case is ironclad, that your situation is hopeless. That’s precisely why you need a relentless advocate who understands the nuances of these enhanced charges and is prepared to challenge every aspect of the prosecution’s case. Your path forward, even in the face of such serious allegations in communities like Proctor or Two Harbors, can be forged by strength, strategic defense, and an unwavering commitment to your rights.
The Stakes: What a Conviction Truly Costs
Your Permanent Criminal Record
A conviction for a prostitution crime committed in a school or park zone, particularly when it elevates a gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor to a felony, can irrevocably scar your permanent criminal record. This isn’t a minor infraction that fades with time; it’s a permanent mark visible to anyone conducting a background check. Imagine applying for jobs in Duluth, seeking housing in Bemidji, or even trying to volunteer at your child’s school in Cloquet. This record will follow you, potentially closing doors, inviting judgment, and forcing you to constantly explain a past that may not fully reflect the truth. A felony conviction, especially, can eliminate opportunities for certain professions, financial aid, and even voting rights, creating long-term obstacles that dramatically limit your future.
Loss of Second Amendment Rights
For individuals in Northern Minnesota who hold their Second Amendment rights dear, a conviction for a prostitution crime in a school or park zone can have devastating and irreversible consequences. If the enhanced penalty results in a felony conviction, you will lose your right to own, possess, or purchase firearms, both under state and federal law. This is not a temporary suspension; it is a permanent forfeiture of a fundamental right that many people in communities like St. Louis County rely on for hunting, sport, or self-defense. Even if the conviction is for a gross misdemeanor, certain circumstances could still impact your ability to possess firearms, leaving you disarmed and unable to participate in activities that are deeply ingrained in the regional culture.
Barriers to Employment and Housing
In today’s society, a criminal record, particularly for an offense involving enhanced penalties due to proximity to children’s areas, acts as a significant barrier to securing stable employment and housing. Employers often run comprehensive background checks, and a conviction under Minnesota Statute 609.3242 can be an immediate disqualifier, especially for positions that involve working with children, trust, or public interaction. This can mean losing out on job opportunities in Duluth, Two Harbors, or any community where your past is scrutinized. Similarly, finding safe and affordable housing becomes incredibly challenging. Many landlords and property management companies conduct background checks, and a conviction for this type of crime can lead to automatic denials, limiting your living options and potentially forcing you into less desirable circumstances.
Impact on Professional Licenses and Reputation
If you hold a professional license – whether as a teacher, nurse, real estate agent, or any other certified professional – a conviction for a prostitution crime in a school or park zone can jeopardize your entire career. Licensing boards maintain strict ethical standards, and a conviction, particularly an enhanced one, can be grounds for suspension, revocation, or denial of your license. Even without direct license forfeiture, your professional reputation in a close-knit community like Proctor or Cloquet can be severely damaged. The stigma associated with such a charge, even if the facts are disputed, can make it difficult to maintain client relationships, attract new business, and simply regain the trust and respect of your peers and the community you serve. The ripple effect of such a conviction can extend far beyond the courtroom.
The Accusation: Understanding the State’s Case
What Does the State Allege? Prostitution Crimes Committed in School or Park Zones; Increased Penalties Explained in Plain English
When you are accused under Minnesota Statute 609.3242, the state is not just alleging a prostitution-related crime; they are claiming that this crime occurred within a specific, protected area—a “school zone” or “park zone”—thereby triggering significantly increased penalties. This means the prosecution will first need to prove the underlying prostitution offense as defined in Minnesota Statute 609.324 (such as patronizing prostitution or engaging in prostitution). Once that foundation is established, they will then try to prove that the alleged offense took place within the geographical boundaries of one of these designated zones.
The definitions of “park zone” and “school zone” are critical here. A school zone includes school property and school bus stops while children are present. A park zone generally refers to public parks and recreation areas. The state’s goal is to demonstrate that your alleged actions fall under both the umbrella of the underlying prostitution crime and the geographical parameters of these protected zones, effectively escalating what might otherwise be a gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor into a felony, or adding years to a felony sentence. The enhanced penalties are designed to deter such activities near places frequented by children.
The Law on the Books: Minnesota Statute 609.3242
Minnesota Statute 609.3242 is designed to enhance the penalties for certain prostitution crimes when they are committed within specific proximity to schools or parks, reflecting a legislative intent to create zones of increased protection for children. This statute operates by layering additional penalties on top of those defined in the underlying prostitution statute, Minnesota Statute 609.324.
Subdivision 1.Definitions.
As used in this section:
(1) “park zone” has the meaning given in section 152.01, subdivision 12a; and
(2) “school zone” has the meaning given in section 152.01, subdivision 14a, and also includes school bus stops established by a school board under section 123B.88, while school children are waiting for the bus.
Subd. 2.Increased penalties.
Any person who commits a violation of section 609.324 while acting other than as a prostitute while in a school or park zone may be sentenced as follows:
(1) if the crime committed is a felony, the statutory maximum for the crime is three years longer than the statutory maximum for the underlying crime;
(2) if the crime committed is a gross misdemeanor, the person is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than two years or to payment of a fine of not more than $4,000, or both; and
(3) if the crime committed is a misdemeanor, the person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
The Prosecution’s Burden: Elements of Prostitution Crimes Committed in School or Park Zones; Increased Penalties
For the state to secure a conviction with enhanced penalties under Minnesota Statute 609.3242, they must prove every element of the underlying prostitution offense and the additional elements related to the school or park zone. Their failure to prove even one of these elements means the enhanced penalty cannot be applied, and potentially, the entire case fails. This heavy burden of proof is your strongest protection, and it is precisely where a strategic defense can make all the difference. I will ensure they meet this burden, or their case against you will be weakened.
- Commission of an Underlying Prostitution Crime: The prosecution must first prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you committed a violation of Minnesota Statute 609.324. This means they must establish all the elements of the underlying prostitution crime, such as patronizing prostitution or another related offense, as if the school or park zone element didn’t exist. If the underlying crime itself cannot be proven, the enhanced penalty automatically falls away.
- Acting Other Than As a Prostitute: The statute specifically states that these increased penalties apply to “any person who commits a violation of section 609.324 while acting other than as a prostitute.” This means the state must prove that you were not the individual offering sexual services for hire. This element clarifies that the enhanced penalties are aimed at those who solicit, hire, or engage in prostitution, rather than the prostitute themselves, within the defined zones.
- Location Within a School Zone: The prosecution must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the alleged crime occurred within a “school zone” as defined by Minnesota Statute 152.01, subdivision 14a, or at a school bus stop while children were waiting. This requires precise geographical evidence and often involves measurements, maps, and testimony regarding the boundaries of the school property or the location of the bus stop at the time of the alleged offense.
- Location Within a Park Zone: Alternatively, the prosecution must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the alleged crime occurred within a “park zone” as defined by Minnesota Statute 152.01, subdivision 12a. Similar to school zones, this requires precise evidence of the geographical boundaries of the park or recreation area and that the alleged conduct took place within those established limits. This can involve scrutinizing city ordinances and property lines.
The Potential Outcome: Penalties for a Prostitution Crimes Committed in School or Park Zones; Increased Penalties Conviction
A conviction for a prostitution crime committed in a school or park zone carries significantly harsher consequences than the underlying prostitution offense alone. The state of Minnesota views these locations as particularly sensitive, leading to dramatically increased penalties that can alter your life’s trajectory. Understanding the gravity of these potential outcomes is essential to fully appreciate the urgency and necessity of a robust legal defense. Do not underestimate the state’s resolve to impose these escalated sentences.
Increased Penalties Based on Underlying Crime
- Felony Underlying Crime: If the underlying prostitution crime you are accused of is already a felony (for example, engaging in prostitution with a minor under a certain age), and it occurred in a school or park zone, the statutory maximum prison sentence for that crime is extended by three years. This means an already serious felony charge becomes even more severe, adding years to a potential prison term.
- Gross Misdemeanor Underlying Crime: If the underlying prostitution crime is a gross misdemeanor (such as patronizing prostitution with an individual 18 years of age or older), and it occurred in a school or park zone, you are now guilty of a felony. You could be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than two years or to payment of a fine of not more than $4,000, or both. This is a critical escalation, transforming a gross misdemeanor into a full-fledged felony conviction.
- Misdemeanor Underlying Crime: If the underlying prostitution crime is a misdemeanor (such as certain general prostitution crimes by a prostitute), and it occurred in a school or park zone, you are now guilty of a gross misdemeanor. While not a felony, this is still a significant increase in severity, potentially leading to nearly a year in jail and a substantial fine, compared to the original misdemeanor penalties.
The Battle Plan: Building Your Strategic Defense
An Accusation is Not a Conviction: The Fight Starts Now
Being accused of a prostitution crime, especially one enhanced by a school or park zone designation, feels like the world is closing in. You might believe the state has an insurmountable case, that the evidence against you is overwhelming, and that your future is already decided. This is precisely the moment to reject that narrative. An accusation is not a conviction. It is the precise moment when the fight truly begins, and it demands a strategic, aggressive counter-offensive. I know the fear you’re experiencing, and I’m here to tell you that we can challenge these allegations.
My approach is not to passively react to the prosecution’s moves. Instead, it is to launch a proactive, strategic defense designed to expose every weakness in their case. We will meticulously scrutinize the evidence regarding the underlying prostitution crime, challenging its veracity and legality. Simultaneously, we will rigorously test the state’s claims about the location of the alleged offense, dissecting maps, GPS data, and witness testimony to determine if the “school or park zone” element can truly be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. We will identify procedural errors, question the methods of law enforcement, and ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld at every turn. Your life isn’t over; the battle for your future has just begun, and I’m ready to lead that fight.
How a Prostitution Crimes Committed in School or Park Zones Charge Can Be Challenged in Court
Defending against a charge of prostitution in a school or park zone involves a dual strategy: challenging the underlying prostitution offense and challenging the geographical element that triggers the enhanced penalties. A dedicated defense attorney will meticulously examine every facet of the state’s case, looking for weaknesses and inconsistencies that can lead to a reduced charge, or even a full dismissal. There are numerous avenues to explore when building your defense.
Disputing the Zone Designation
The prosecution must definitively prove that the alleged offense occurred within the legally defined boundaries of a school or park zone. This is often where their case can be weakest.
- Incorrect Measurements or Boundaries: Law enforcement may make errors in measuring the distance to a school or park zone, or they might misunderstand the precise legal boundaries of the zone itself. My defense will involve independently verifying all measurements and consulting official maps and property records to challenge the state’s assertion that the incident occurred within a protected area.
- Lack of Proper Signage: While not always a complete defense, if the school or park zone was not clearly marked with appropriate signage, it can create an argument that you were not given adequate notice of the enhanced zone. This can be particularly relevant in areas where boundaries might be ambiguous or less obvious to a visitor.
- Zone Not Active: In some cases, a “school zone” might only be active during specific hours when children are present or school is in session. If the alleged crime occurred outside of these active hours, or when children were not present at a bus stop, the enhanced penalty may not apply. We will investigate the specific rules and times for the alleged zone.
Challenging the Underlying Prostitution Charge
Even if the location is undisputed, the state must still prove the underlying violation of Minnesota Statute 609.324. All defenses applicable to a standard prostitution charge can be used here.
- Lack of Intent: The prosecution must prove that you intentionally engaged in, hired, offered to hire, or agreed to hire someone for prostitution. If there was a misunderstanding, miscommunication, or no explicit agreement for sexual services in exchange for hire, your intent can be challenged. This requires a thorough review of any communications or witness statements.
- Mistaken Identity: It is possible you were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time and were mistakenly identified by a witness or surveillance. If the identification evidence is weak or unreliable, an attorney can argue that the prosecution has not proven you are the person who committed the alleged act.
- Entrapment by Law Enforcement: If you were induced or coerced by law enforcement to commit a crime you otherwise would not have, you may have an entrapment defense. This defense focuses on the actions of the police, demonstrating that their conduct created the crime rather than simply detecting it.
Constitutional Violations
If your constitutional rights were violated during the investigation or arrest, evidence obtained as a result can be suppressed, potentially crippling the prosecution’s case.
- Unlawful Search and Seizure: If police searched your person, vehicle, or property without a warrant, probable cause, or a valid exception, any evidence found could be inadmissible. This includes items that the state might try to link to the prostitution charge or the zone designation.
- Miranda Rights Violations: If you were subjected to custodial interrogation without being read your Miranda rights, any statements you made to the police could be excluded from evidence. This can remove crucial admissions the prosecution might rely on.
- Lack of Probable Cause for Arrest: If the police arrested you without sufficient probable cause to believe you committed a crime, the arrest itself was unlawful. Evidence obtained as a direct result of an unlawful arrest could be challenged and suppressed.
Insufficient Evidence
Sometimes, the state simply doesn’t have enough compelling evidence to meet their burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt for all elements.
- Circumstantial Evidence Only: If the prosecution’s case is based solely on circumstantial evidence, without direct proof of the alleged prostitution activity or the specific location within the zone, a strong defense can argue that there is reasonable doubt. This highlights the need for direct, conclusive evidence for each element.
- Contradictory Witness Testimony: If witnesses for the prosecution provide inconsistent or contradictory statements, it can undermine their credibility and create reasonable doubt about the facts of the case, including the alleged activity or its location.
- Missing or Damaged Evidence: If key evidence is missing, lost, or has been mishandled in a way that compromises its integrity, it can be challenged. This can apply to surveillance footage, communications data, or other physical evidence crucial to the state’s argument.
Defense in Action: Scenarios in Northern Minnesota
The Bemidji Boundary Dispute
A client in Bemidji was accused of patronizing prostitution near what the police claimed was a “park zone.” However, the alleged incident occurred on a patch of undeveloped land that, while near a designated park, was technically outside its legal boundaries according to city zoning maps and property lines. The police had made a hasty assumption based on proximity alone, without precise measurement or verification.
In this scenario, disputing the zone designation would be the core of the defense. My strategy would involve obtaining official plat maps and zoning documents for Bemidji, and potentially hiring a surveyor to definitively establish that the alleged location was outside the legal “park zone.” We would argue that even if an underlying prostitution offense could be proven (which we would also challenge), the critical element for the enhanced penalty—the location within a designated zone—is entirely absent, thus the heightened charges cannot apply.
The Cloquet Bus Stop Timing
A client from Cloquet was charged with an enhanced prostitution offense for an alleged interaction that occurred near a school bus stop. The police claimed the interaction happened “while school children were waiting for the bus,” as per the statute. However, my investigation revealed that the incident actually took place late at night, long after school hours, and there were no children present or expected at the bus stop at that time.
Here, disputing the zone designation based on the “zone not active” principle would be key. I would gather evidence such as school bus schedules, surveillance footage from the area, and witness testimony to establish that no schoolchildren were present or waiting for the bus at the time of the alleged offense. This would directly contradict the statutory requirement for the enhanced penalty, aiming to reduce the charge back to the underlying gross misdemeanor, or even dismiss it entirely if the underlying charge is also flawed.
The Proctor Flawed Undercover Operation
A young man in Proctor was targeted by an aggressive undercover operation that escalated quickly. The undercover officer continually pressed the client, making repeated suggestive offers and even falsely claiming financial hardship, until the client reluctantly agreed to a meeting near a local school. The client had no history of such behavior, and his initial communications showed clear hesitation.
This situation would call for an entrapment defense, coupled with challenging the underlying prostitution charge. My defense would involve meticulously reviewing all recorded communications between the client and the undercover officer to demonstrate the police’s undue inducement and the client’s lack of predisposition. Even if the alleged location near the school zone was accurate, proving entrapment for the underlying offense would mean the entire case collapses, including the enhanced penalties. The focus would be on the law enforcement’s creation of the crime.
The Two Harbors Search Pretext
A client in Two Harbors was pulled over near a park for a questionable traffic violation. The officer then used this stop as a pretext to conduct a search of his vehicle and phone, claiming to be looking for drugs. During this unlawful search, evidence was allegedly found that led to a prostitution-related charge, enhanced by the park zone designation. There was no probable cause for the search, and the evidence was discovered only as a result of this illegal action.
My defense would primarily focus on a violation of constitutional rights, specifically an unlawful search and seizure. I would file a motion to suppress all evidence obtained from the illegal search. The argument would be that the initial traffic stop lacked proper justification, or that the scope of the search far exceeded what was legally permissible without a warrant or probable cause. If the court agrees to suppress the evidence, the prosecution’s case for both the underlying prostitution charge and the enhanced park zone penalty would be severely undermined, likely leading to a dismissal.
The Advocate: Why a Dedicated Duluth Defense Attorney is Essential
Countering the Resources of the State
When you face a criminal charge, especially one enhanced by a school or park zone designation, you’re not just up against a single prosecutor; you’re confronting the full, overwhelming might of the state of Minnesota. This includes highly trained law enforcement agencies with extensive investigative resources, forensic capabilities, and legal teams whose entire purpose is to secure convictions. They possess seemingly unlimited time, taxpayer-funded resources, and access to advanced technology to build their case. Trying to navigate this formidable system alone is like stepping into a boxing ring against a heavyweight champion without any training or a coach. I am here to be your counterweight, your shield, and your sword, matching their resources with my relentless dedication and strategic legal acumen, ensuring that your rights are not trampled in the process. My presence ensures you have a fighting chance against overwhelming odds.
Strategic Command of the St. Louis County Courts
Every courthouse, every judge, and every prosecutor in St. Louis County, from the bustling halls of Duluth to the quieter dockets in Two Harbors or Cloquet, operates with its own unique set of norms, unspoken rules, and procedural nuances. What proves effective in one courtroom might be detrimental in another. Without a deep, intimate understanding of this local legal landscape, you are at a significant disadvantage. I have spent years honing my skills in these very courtrooms, learning the individual tendencies of local judges, understanding the negotiation styles and strategies of prosecutors, and mastering the intricate procedural details that can ultimately determine the outcome of a case. This isn’t merely about knowing the law; it’s about knowing the players, the unwritten rules, and how to strategically command the courtroom to your distinct advantage. My involvement provides you with that invaluable local insight, guiding every decision.
Fighting for Your Story, Not Just the Police Report
When law enforcement compiles a police report, they are constructing a narrative. This narrative is often a one-sided account, carefully crafted to support their version of events and justify your arrest, particularly when enhanced charges like those involving school or park zones are applied. This police report then becomes the primary foundation of the prosecution’s case, often presented as undeniable objective truth. However, your life, your unique circumstances, and the genuine reality of what transpired are far more intricate and nuanced than anything a police report can ever capture. The police report is not your story; it’s their biased interpretation, frequently incomplete and designed for their convenience. My role is to fight relentlessly for your story – to meticulously uncover every detail, to aggressively challenge the police’s narrative, to expose any inaccuracies, inconsistencies, or omissions, and to ensure that your voice is heard with clarity and conviction, not just the allegations written on a piece of paper. I will conduct an exhaustive investigation into every facet of the case to present a complete and compelling picture of what truly transpired.
An Unwavering Commitment to a Winning Result
From the moment you seek my counsel, my unwavering commitment is singularly focused on achieving the best possible outcome for you. This is not merely a professional obligation; it is a profound and deeply personal responsibility. I fully grasp the fear, the pervasive uncertainty, and the devastating impact a criminal charge, especially one with enhanced penalties, has on your life in Northern Minnesota. My paramount focus is always on winning – whether that necessitates securing a complete dismissal of the charges, negotiating a highly favorable plea agreement that meticulously minimizes the long-term impact on your life, or fearlessly taking your case to trial and fighting with every fiber of my being for a definitive acquittal. I do not waver. I do not compromise when your freedom, your reputation, and your future are hanging in the balance. I will meticulously exhaust every available legal avenue, relentlessly challenge every piece of evidence presented against you, and advocate with unyielding resolve to safeguard your rights and your future. My commitment to you is absolute, commencing from our very first consultation and persisting steadfastly until the final resolution of your case.
Your Questions Answered
What does “school zone” mean for these charges?
A “school zone” refers to school property, including its buildings and grounds. Under Minnesota Statute 609.3242, it also specifically includes school bus stops established by a school board while school children are waiting for the bus. The exact boundaries are legally defined and can be crucial to the case.
What does “park zone” mean for these charges?
A “park zone” has the meaning given in Minnesota Statute 152.01, subdivision 12a. Generally, this refers to public parks and recreation areas. Similar to school zones, the precise legal boundaries are important for proving the enhanced penalty element of the charge.
Does it matter if there were actual children present?
For school bus stops, yes, the statute explicitly states “while school children are waiting for the bus.” For general school or park zones, the mere fact that the alleged crime occurred within the defined geographical boundary is usually sufficient for the enhanced penalty, regardless of whether children were physically present at that exact moment.
How are the distances to school or park zones measured?
Distances are typically measured from the nearest boundary of the school or park property to the location of the alleged crime. Law enforcement may use various methods, including GPS, mapping tools, or physical measurements. These measurements are often subject to challenge in court.
Can a misdemeanor become a felony due to this law?
Yes. If the underlying crime is a gross misdemeanor (like patronizing prostitution of an adult) and it occurred in a school or park zone, the charge is elevated to a felony. If the underlying crime is a misdemeanor, it becomes a gross misdemeanor. This dramatically increases the severity of the potential penalties.
What kind of evidence proves location in a zone?
Evidence proving location in a zone might include police officer testimony, GPS data from patrol cars or your devices, surveillance footage showing landmarks, official maps, and aerial photographs. A strong defense will scrutinize all this evidence for accuracy.
Can I argue I didn’t know it was a school or park zone?
While lack of knowledge of the zone’s presence isn’t typically a full legal defense, it can sometimes be argued as a mitigating factor or used to challenge the fairness of the specific charge, especially if signage was absent or ambiguous. It would not negate the core elements of the crime, but could influence sentencing or plea negotiations.
What if I was just passing through the zone?
The statute focuses on whether the “violation of section 609.324” was “committed while in a school or park zone.” Simply passing through isn’t enough; the alleged criminal act must have occurred within the zone’s boundaries. The exact timing and location of the alleged offense are crucial.
How quickly can a case with enhanced penalties move to court?
Cases with enhanced penalties are often prioritized by prosecutors due to their perceived seriousness. The timeline can vary depending on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the investigation, but it’s crucial to have an attorney involved immediately as these cases can move quickly.
What is the maximum sentence for an enhanced felony under this law?
If the underlying crime is already a felony, the statutory maximum for that crime is extended by three years. For example, if the underlying felony carried a maximum of 10 years, with this enhancement, it would increase to 13 years.
Can these charges affect my ability to visit my children?
Yes. Any conviction for a sex-related or enhanced crime, especially one involving a school or park zone, can raise serious concerns in family court regarding child custody and visitation rights. The court’s primary concern is always the best interest of the child, and such a conviction can be seen as a significant risk factor.
What does “acting other than as a prostitute” mean?
This phrase means that the enhanced penalties apply to individuals who are allegedly engaging in, hiring, offering to hire, or agreeing to hire someone for prostitution, rather than the individual who is providing sexual services for hire. It targets the “demand” side or facilitators, not the “supply” side.
Is there a difference between public and private parks for this law?
Minnesota Statute 152.01, subdivision 12a, which defines “park zone,” typically refers to publicly owned or controlled parks and recreation areas. Private property, even if it has park-like features, usually would not fall under this definition unless it’s specifically designated.
Can an attorney reduce the charge from a felony back to a gross misdemeanor?
Yes, a dedicated defense attorney can work to challenge the “zone” element of the charge. If successful, this can lead to the removal of the enhanced penalty, effectively reducing a felony charge back to the underlying gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor, thereby significantly reducing potential consequences.
What should I do if police ask me questions about an incident near a school or park?
If police ask you questions about an incident near a school or park, or any criminal matter, you should politely but firmly state that you wish to speak with an attorney before answering any questions. Do not offer explanations or try to talk your way out of it; anything you say can and will be used against you.