Disorderly Conduct

Disorderly conduct is sometimes thought of as a criminal charge for people being a nuisance, and in many ways, this can be true. You don’t have to hurt anyone to receive a disorderly conduct charge either, so altogether, it can feel like a criminal law that doesn’t carry many consequences.

This idea is incorrect. Disorderly conduct can carry hefty penalties, even for acts that feel incredibly minor. If you are charged, you need to contact the criminal defense attorneys at Lermitte & Lubin, LLC immediately. You may not realize what kind of punishments and long-lasting consequences you may be facing.

Types of Disorderly Conduct

Disorderly conduct is a broad category of offenses that can include a variety of behaviors. The specifics may vary depending on the laws of a particular jurisdiction, but some common examples of disorderly conduct offenses include:

• Public Intoxication: Being visibly drunk or under the influence of drugs in a public place.
• Disturbing the Peace: Engaging in behavior that disturbs the typical volume and activities of a community or public space. This might include excessive noise, fighting, or other disruptive behavior.
• Loitering: Remaining in a public place for an extended period of time, particularly in a way that is intended to cause disruption or annoyance. Some public places have time limits on how long you can stay. So, if there is a limit and you stay in this place over the limit, even if you’re not disrupting the peace, you can be found to be loitering.
• Obstructing Traffic: Blocking the flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic without a legitimate reason.
• Unlawful Assembly: Gathering with others in a way that is likely to cause a disturbance or incite violence.
• Rioting: Participating in a violent disturbance of the peace by a group of people.
• Harassment: Engaging in unwanted behavior that annoys, threatens, or intimidates another person.
• Vagrancy: Being in a condition of voluntary homelessness or wandering without a clear purpose or means of support.
• Public Nudity: Exposing one’s body in a public place, outside of contexts where this is socially accepted or legally permitted. This would include urinating in public.
• Trespassing: Entering or remaining on someone else’s property without their permission.

Each of these offenses can be considered a form of disorderly conduct, but the exact definitions and penalties can vary significantly depending on local laws and the specific circumstances of each case. Always consult with a legal professional if you have questions about a specific situation.