Refusal To Leave

Refusal to leave generally refers to a situation where a person does not leave a property or premises when asked to do so by the owner, authorized personnel, or law enforcement. This can occur in various contexts, such as private property, public buildings, or hospitals.

Here are key points about refusal to leave:

• Legal Context on Private Property: When someone refuses to leave private property after being asked, it is typically considered trespassing. Property owners can initiate eviction procedures or call law enforcement to remove the individual. Legal consequences may include fines or criminal charges depending on the jurisdiction and severity of the refusal.

• Public Buildings: In places like public buildings or grounds, refusal to leave when asked—especially during closed hours or if the person is disruptive—can be a misdemeanor. For example, under Maryland law, refusing or failing to leave a public building when asked by authorized personnel can lead to imprisonment or fines.

• Hospitals: In medical settings, refusal to leave can refer to patients who insist on staying in the hospital against medical advice. This situation presents unique challenges for healthcare providers in managing patient care and safety.

• Employer Context: The term "refusal of leave" in employment law refers to an employer's right to deny an employee's request for leave, which is a different context from physical refusal to leave a premises.

In summary, refusal to leave means not vacating a location when legally or properly requested, and it can have legal implications such as trespassing charges or other penalties depending on the setting and jurisdiction.