Most people consider disorderly conduct to be a minor criminal offense, but a conviction for disorderly conduct still carries the potential for significant penalties. A disorderly conduct conviction also creates a criminal record that will show up on background checks. As a result, consulting a Deerfield Beach disorderly conduct Lawyer when facing criminal may be beneficial.
A proper defense by one of our experienced criminal Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert may result in you facing lesser charges, decreased penalties, or even a dismissal of the charges. By allowing a skilled legal advocate to protect your interests, you may place yourself in a superior position to resolve your charges favorably. To get started on building a defense, be sure to schedule a consultation today.
What is Disorderly Conduct?
Fla. Stat. § 877.03 defines breach of the peace or disorderly conduct as any conduct that is offensive to public morals, outrageous to public decency, or affects the peace of others. Disorderly conduct also may occur when individuals engage in fighting, brawling, or similar conduct. This broad definition can encompass a whole host of behaviors, depending on the perspective of the Law Enforcement officers involved.
Disorderly conduct is a “catch-all” criminal offense that can apply to various situations. Any annoying or disruptive behavior in public or in front of others arguably could constitute disorderly conduct or breach of the peace. As a result, some people may face charges for disorderly conduct for the same behavior that results in different or no criminal charges at all for other people.
Many individuals who face disorderly conduct charges are not those who have extensive criminal records. In many cases, the people charged were having bad days or made poor decisions. A disorderly conduct Lawyer in the local area might be able to build a strong defense to the charges and present mitigating factors to minimize the impact and results of these charges.
Examples of Disorderly Conduct Under State Law
Although many people think that disorderly conduct always involves fighting with other people, criminal charges can result from other circumstances. For example, individuals could face criminal charges of disorderly conduct for engaging in the following actions:
- Urinating in public and displaying other signs of public drunkenness
- Arguing with a Law Enforcement officer
- Protesting in a way that blocks sidewalks or roads
- Trespassing on the property of others and refusing to leave
Another typical example of disorderly conduct or breaching the peace might be taking action to make excessive noise, whether it is by repeatedly yelling loudly, raucously playing musical instruments, or setting off alarms. In these situations, a disorderly conduct Attorney in the nearby region may be able to lend some assistance. Legal counsel may help individuals explain and rationalize their behaviors or raise other defenses to the charges against them.
What are the Potential Consequences of Disorderly Conduct Offenses?
Disorderly conduct is a second-degree Misdemeanor under state law. A person convicted of a second-degree Misdemeanor like disorderly conduct may face up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Some sentences also may provide for the completion of community service hours or counseling sessions.
If intoxication or drug impairment contributes to the disorderly conduct offense, individuals may face more severe penalties. For example, repeated instances of disorderly intoxication, which is a related but separate crime, can result in the sentencing judge ordering defendants to complete substance abuse treatment.
Call a Deerfield Beach Disorderly Conduct Attorney for Advice
No matter how innocuous your situation may seem, having an arrest record and a criminal conviction on your background typically is not a positive attribute. You always are entitled to a vigorous defense to any criminal charges, as the criminal justice system deems you innocent until proven guilty. As a result, you may need the assistance of a Deerfield Beach disorderly conduct Lawyer at Leifert & Leifert to fight back against the charges that you are facing.
All too often, people end up facing disorderly conduct charges simply because their behavior was offensive to others. Being offensive, however, does not mean that your conduct is illegal. Allow legal counsel to assess your situation today and determine the most effective course of action in your case.
