Now we’ve all heard of the Unforgivable Curses, three of the most forbidden and dangerous spells in the wizarding world.
Casting any of these, whether it’s the Cruciatus Curse, the Imperious Curse, or the Killing Curse, is considered such a heinous crime that is punishable by a life sentence in Azkaban.
But this got me thinking. What other acts in the wizarding world can earn you a sentence to Azkaban? Beyond using the Unforgivable Curses, there are plenty of other crimes that fall under wizarding law, many of which have their own set of consequences. However, not all of them have sentences so severe.
In many cases, these more minor crimes are given less severe punishments like fines, community service, warnings, and even probation. For example, Arthur Weasley was penalized 50 galleons for the flying Ford Anglia, the official charge being bewitching a muggle car.
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Crimes That Could Lead to Azkaban
Today I want to take a closer look at some passages from the books that reveal the crimes that can get you sent to Azkaban. Taking a look at specific examples and incidents beyond the situations listed in this article, there are a number of other crimes that can get you in trouble, mind you, and Azkaban.
But for today, I want to hone in on the specific examples mentioned in the books. I also made a article in the past with a more generalized view on wizarding laws as a whole, so if you’re interested in that, I’ll link it in the description below.
Defying the Ministry of Magic
As it turns out, defying the Ministry of Magic, Britain’s governing body for all things magical, is a crime in and of itself. This crime is in a bit of a grey area because it isn’t easily defined.
Nonetheless, this crime is referenced by Arthur Weasley in The Order of the Phoenix when discussing Dumbledore.
“But Dumbledore says he doesn’t care what they do as long as they don’t take him off the Chocolate Frog card,” said Bill, grinning.
“It’s no laughing matter,” said Mr. Weasley sharply. “If he carries on defying the Ministry like this, he could end up in Azkaban, and the last thing we want is to have Dumbledore locked up.”
In this instance, Dumbledore was merely protesting the Ministry’s denial of the fact that Voldemort had returned. Dumbledore’s actions were seen as defiance because he consistently spoke the truth, rallied support against Voldemort, and refused to let the Ministry control or silence him.
Trespassing and Attempted Robbery
In The Order of the Phoenix, it’s revealed that Sturgis Podmore was convicted and sentenced to six months in Azkaban for trespassing and attempted robbery.
The article in the Daily Prophet states he was convicted on both charges, which means that just like in the Muggle world, trespassing and attempted robbery are charges that can earn jail time.
“Sturgis Podmore, 38 of #2 Laburnum Gardens, Clapham. Has appeared in front of The Wizengamot charged with trespass and attempted robbery at the Ministry of Magic.
On the 31st of August, Podmore was arrested by Ministry of Magic watch wizard Eric Munch, who found him attempting to force his way through a top security door at 1:00 in the morning.”
Podmore, who refused to speak in his own defence, was convicted on both charges and sentenced to six months in Azkaban.
Illegally Enchanting Objects and Muggle Baiting
Illegally enchanting objects is another serious crime. Wizarding law forbids witches and wizards from magically tampering with objects that are used by Muggles.
Presumably, there are a number of reasons for this, but the largest concern in the eyes of the Ministry is a breach of the International Statute of Secrecy.
Willie Widdershins was known for repeatedly engaging in muggle baiting pranks. Was first arrested for enchanting toilets to explode.
“I was just reading about Willie Widdershins’ arrest when you arrived. You know, Willie turned out to be behind those regurgitating toilets back in the summer.”
One of his jinxes backfired. The toilet exploded, and they found him lying unconscious in the wreckage, covered from head to foot in…
But that wasn’t all Willie was responsible for, as he was later caught committing another crime: selling muggle-biting door knobs.
“George, be quiet,” snapped Mrs. Weasley. “This time Willie’s been caught selling biting door knobs to muggles and I don’t think he’ll be able to worm his way out of it because according to this article, two Muggles have lost fingers and are now in Saint Mungo’s for emergency bone regrowth and memory modification.”
Attacking Muggles
This one isn’t overly complicated. You simply can’t attack Muggles. Not only do you risk harming them, but you also potentially risk exposing the wizarding community.
It also requires a great deal of damage control for the Ministry. In the series, both Morphin and Marvolo Gaunt were charged with attacking Muggles.
“Ogden operated back to the Ministry and returned with reinforcements within 15 minutes. Morphin and his father attempted to fight, but both were overpowered, removed from the cottage, and subsequently convicted by the Wizengamot.”
Morphin, who already had a record of Muggle attacks, was sentenced to three years in Azkaban. Marvolo, who had injured several Ministry employees in addition to Ogden, received six months.
We also know that Percival Dumbledore, Dumbledore’s father, was sentenced to Azkaban for attacking Muggles after his daughter was attacked scarcely a year previously.
“His father, Percival, had been convicted of a savage and well-publicized attack upon three young Muggles. Albus never attempted to deny that his father, who was to die in Azkaban, had committed this crime.”
On the contrary, when I mustered up courage to ask him, he assured me that he knew his father to be guilty. Unsurprisingly, murdering Muggles is also not allowed, something which Morphin admitted to, so the Ministry called upon Morphin.
“They did not need to question him to use Veritaserum or Legilimency. He admitted to the murder on the spot, giving details only the murderer could know. He was proud, he said, to have killed the Muggles, had been awaiting his chance all these years.”
Burglary
Just like in our own world, burglary is disallowed. However, it seems like the punishment for standard burglary is much more intense in the wizarding world. This is proven by the fact that Mundungus Fletcher was sent to Azkaban after committing this crime.
At the time of the burglary, Mundungus also happened to be impersonating Firenze, but it’s unclear if this worsened his punishment or not.
“Yes,” said Hermione, causing both Harry and Ron to gag on their breakfast. “But it’s all right, he’s not dead. It’s Mundungus. He’s been arrested and sent to Azkaban. Something to do with impersonating Firenze during an attempted burglary.”
Dragon Breeding
There are plenty of crimes in the wizarding world related to illegal breeding, including Newt Scamander’s ban on experimental breeding, which forbade the creation of new dangerous magical creatures.
In Britain, however, one creature that has been explicitly banned from breeding is the dragon, a crime that was outlawed by the Warlocks Convention of 1709.
“Hagrid’s always wanted a dragon. He told me so the first time I ever met him. But it’s against our laws. Dragon breeding was outlawed by the Warlocks Convention of 1709.”
Everyone knows that it’s hard to stop Muggles from noticing us if we’re keeping dragons in the backyard anyway. You can’t tame dragons; it’s dangerous.
The primary motivation behind banning dragon breeding is maintaining the International Statute of Secrecy, making sense given the law was passed just a few decades after the statute itself.
The Animagus Registry
An Animagus refers to a witch or wizard who can transform into an animal form at will. This exceptional ability is achieved by very few, but with the knowledge of this unique ability comes the responsibility of registering your Animagus status with the Ministry of Magic.
This registration includes revealing one’s animal form and distinguishing markings. The primary reason for registration is to ensure the Animagus does not abuse their abilities, as the Ministry is able to keep track of them.
In the books, Hermione threatens to expose Rita Skeeter’s unregistered status and alludes to the punishment for such a crime.
“Well, yes,” said Hermione calmly, taking a sip of her drink. “Otherwise, as you very well know, I will inform the authorities that you are an unregistered Animagus.”
Having Your Creature Attack Hogwarts Students
Another unsurprising one: it is not OK for you to set your dangerous pet on fellow Hogwarts students. Hagrid learned this the hard way when he was sent to Azkaban and accused of having Aragog attack his fellow Hogwarts students.
We know that in actuality, it was Tom Riddle and Salazar Slytherin’s Basilisk that were responsible, but Hagrid was framed nonetheless.
“They think up the school that Hagrid’s been setting a something on students, they’ve taken him to Azkaban.”
Conclusion
And that concludes my list of crimes mentioned in the books that can get you sent straight to Azkaban. If I missed any non-obvious ones, then let me know down in the comments section below.
Also, be sure to check out my articles on all wizarding laws for a more comprehensive understanding of what you can and can’t do in the wizarding world.
