Suffolk County, NY Chapter 828 Veterans

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Suffolk County Legislature as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]

GENERAL REFERENCES

Registration of nonprofit veterans organizations — See Ch. 353, Art. III.

Fee exemptions for veterans — See Ch. 948, Art. X.

Recognition of veterans — See Ch. 1075, Art. III; Ch. 1016.

Article I Fraudulent Representation of Status

[Adopted 3-24-2015 by L.L. No. 13-2015]

§ 828-1 Legislative intent.

This Legislature hereby finds and determines that the veterans of the United States Armed Forces placed their lives on the line to protect the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of this nation. This Legislature finds that some veterans went beyond the call of duty during their service, risking their personal safety to perform heroic acts to protect or save another person from injury or death. This Legislature determines that many soldiers receive decorations or medals, which provide lasting and public recognition of their heroic acts. This Legislature also finds that some unscrupulous individuals falsely claim to have received such decorations to obtain tangible benefits, money or other valuable items. This Legislature further finds that such actions are disgraceful and tarnish the accomplishments of those who acted bravely in the heat of battle to protect their brothers in arms or innocent civilians. This Legislature also determines that an individual who fraudulently represents himself or herself as a decorated veteran in order to obtain money, property or other tangible benefits should be subject to penalty. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to prohibit persons from deceitfully presenting themselves as a decorated veteran in Suffolk County for personal gain.

§ 828-2 Definitions.

As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

COMBAT BADGE

A Combat Infantryman's Badge, Combat Action Badge, Combat Medical Badge, Combat Action Ribbon or Combat Action Medal.

PERSON

Any natural individual.

§ 828-3 Prohibited conduct.

No person shall, with the intent of obtaining money, property, or other tangible benefit, fraudulently hold himself or herself out to be the recipient of a military decoration or any of the following medals:

A. The Congressional Medal of Honor;

B. A Distinguished Service Cross;

C. A Navy Cross;

D. An Air Force Cross;

E. A Silver Star;

F. A Purple Heart; or

G. A Combat Badge.

§ 828-4 Penalties for offenses.

Violation of any portion of this article shall constitute an unclassified misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to one year's imprisonment.

§ 828-5 Applicability.

This article shall apply to all actions occurring on or after the effective date of this article.