So you’ve been charged with “disorderly conduct?”

Here’s a look into disorderly conduct charges and how an attorney at LawChamps can help you.

What is disorderly conduct?

Disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor offense that involves disruptive public behavior, typically causing anger or irritation to others and increasing the chance of illegal activity. A misdemeanor results in more severe punishment than an infraction, but less than a felony. Still, a conviction could result in a criminal record that can hinder your future employment options, restrict certain privileges such as the right to firearms, or lead to harsher penalties in subsequent charges.

In California, disorderly conduct charges are classified by the state penal code, section 647, which prohibits prostitution, public intoxication, sexual misconduct, and unlawful loitering, among other activities. 

Even if your crime is not specifically included within the disorderly conduct statute, prosecutors may apply similar charges for crimes like failing to disperse or trespassing. 

What’s the punishment?

You might be tempted to shrug off a disorderly conduct charge, but you could be facing serious consequences. Disorderly conduct charges are prosecuted as misdemeanors. So besides a criminal record, a conviction may include a $1,000 fine and 6 months in jail. Depending on the case, you might face more severe sentencing, including a suspended driver’s license or higher fines.

LawChamps can help connect you with a disorderly conduct attorney who help clear your record . This can include, but is not limited to, demonstrating the following:

• You did not engage in a prohibited act
• You were falsely accused
• Police mishandled your arrest and violated your rights

Seeking legal advice

If you are charged with disorderly conduct, you should understand your offense and the associated laws to know what to expect. 

To counter your charges, you want to make sure you have an experienced attorney who understands the local and state laws to best serve your case. Don’t plead guilty until you have spoken to a lawyer at LawChamps. We’re here to review your case and provide you with your best option.