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Hi I'm hoping to find some information, I'm usually a rock climber not a base jumper but I'm working on an idea, my plan was to rappell down a bridge and land on my friends boat and take off. I know that it is illegal and since it's a very unusual thing for a climber to rappell a bridge I figured I ask u guys since you have to deal with similar problems.
How is the law situation in how much trouble can get for doing that, like can I expect a fine or will I be arrested or maybe even be departed since I live in massachusetts on a visa. I want to find out what would happen to me as a worst case scenario. I hope you guys can help me with that.

if the bridge doesn't have a pedestrian walk way, then you can be charged with tresspassing for being on any part of it. depending on the cop this could result in- a warning, a fine between $100 and $50,000 (usually between $100 to $500), and/or being jailed until your hearing.

as for the rappelling they could charge you with reckless endangerment. if they can make it stick in court will depend on you lawyer.

and don't forget that your buddy in the boat can be charged as an accomplice/ accessory to whatever they charge you with.

i don't know about the deported part, i didn't search that out.

i say don't do it.

most likely a criminal trespassing charge. look up the Massachusetts state laws. I know that in Texas, this is a class B misdemeanor, which has a maximum penalty of 6 months in jail and a maximum fine of $1000 (or $2000). Usually accessories to a crime have the penalty one notch lower, which would be a class C misdemeanor. The penalty for a class C crime is $500 maximum fine and no jail time. call a bail bondsman and make preparations beforehand if you think you have a significant chance of getting arrested. a boat getaway is always the best way to go.

Reckless endangerment: A person commits the crime of reckless endangerment if the person recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury to another person

Reckless endangerment shouldn't apply to a guy rappelling over water and it rarely applies to BASE jumpers.

Havent jumpers been charged with public nuisance before as well? I think it has happened on several occassions but am thinking of one in particular that occured on a bridge last year involving a jumper that has recently reformed himself.

Just curious how tall the bridge is to the water. I recently rapped a 75ft railway bridge in aussie land a few months ago. I understand your desire for space raps, theyre fun as hell. Remember to be quick, efficient and elusive :)

I once rapped 150' down from the green one and then jumared back up, but that was before people doing other things there heated the place up. Very airy rappel

I think I know the bridge you're looking at. feel free to pm or e-mail

just go for it man! take some precautions and try not to get caught, but go for it. we only live once. the excitement and memories will be worth it even if you get busted. never let the law stand in your way.

Has anyone ever been actually convicted of R.E.? Or have all or most of those charges always been dropped for BASE Jumping?

 you might want to research criminal mischief. that is what i was threatened with for jumping a 72ft bridge.
as for being deported.... the government wants their money, you'll be put on probation, if they want to charge you. i have a few illegals on my crew that are on probation and they haven't been deported for felonies. i say do it.

On the tune of Legality...

http://www.blincmagazine.com/...ng-jumpers-wztv.html

Police looking for building jumpers

This is the first I have heard about using YouTube videos for a criminal investigation.

I'm pretty sure that's what Jeb got charged with for ESB and they got it dropped, but I also heard it's in appeals and they're going after him again.

He was suing the City, that is why, IMHO, they went after him again with charges.