Frank Falls Out the Window
Criminal Activities
Assault
Threatening another with imminent physical harm or displaying a weapon in a manner that puts others in reasonable fear of harm; in many jurisdictions brandishing a firearm or threatening violence is a criminal offense.
Situation:
"Charlie physically grabs The Waitress and says he was going to throw her out the window (and there is a struggle in which she exclaims 'Ow!'), a forcible physical act against another person."
Attempted bank fraud
Presenting a bank with a check while making false representations about its validity or origin (attempting to obtain funds by deceit), which can constitute bank fraud or passing a false instrument.
Situation:
"The group attempts to cash a very large check they claim was just written by Frank, but the teller points out the check is dated 2006; Dennis/Dee represent otherwise in an effort to obtain the funds."
Conspiracy to Commit Theft
Agreement and concerted action to defraud a benefactor by creating a sham charity and diverting donated funds for personal use; criminal conspiracy and theft/embezzlement under state and federal law.
Situation:
"Dennis proposes and Dee and Mac agree to a plan to get Frank to write a large check by creating a fake charity (a 'Wyclef Jean' style Haiti charity) and then keep the money for themselves once they have the check."
Possession of a controlled substance
Unlawful possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) under state and federal law.
Situation:
"Dennis and Dee are depicted as having gone out, bought crack, smoked it, and are seen with a crack pipe (Dennis wakes up to find a crack pipe). They repeatedly discuss needing more crack and being high."
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Possession of items used to consume illegal drugs (e.g., crack pipe); a criminal offense under many state laws.
Situation:
"After a night of drug use the characters discover and refer to a crack pipe; Dennis is explicitly shown/identified with the pipe."
Welfare fraud
Making false statements and submitting falsified documentation to obtain public assistance/welfare funds, a crime in most U.S. jurisdictions.
Situation:
"Dennis and Dee go to a welfare office pretending to be a recovering crack addict and a cognitively impaired relative, produce falsified paperwork (crossing out 'not' and replacing names) and attempt to obtain benefits under false pretenses."