Disorderly conduct is a criminal offense that you have probably heard about, but may not understand exactly what it means. When can the police charge you with disorderly conduct? Can you be charged with this crime simply for being loud or unruly in public?
In short, disorderly conduct can be charged whenever you make a disturbance that bothers other people, whether you’re being loud, fighting with someone, or blocking the road or sidewalk. It is often charged in connection with other offenses, such as domestic violence. Disorderly conduct is a class C misdemeanor in Connecticut.
The Sills Law Firm represents clients who have been charged with disorderly conduct and other crimes in Connecticut. We aren’t afraid to take on the state and fight to protect our clients’ rights and freedom. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation with a Connecticut criminal defense attorney, reach out to our law offices today.
What Is Considered Disorderly Conduct in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, disorderly conduct is considered a “catch-all” criminal offense. Rather than defining a single type of criminal behavior, like robbery, it can be used for a range of conduct. In some cases, disorderly conduct is charged along with another, more serious offense.
Police may charge a person with disorderly conduct for things like getting into a bar fight or a domestic violence dispute. They can also charge a person with disorderly conduct for something like being too loud in public and causing a disturbance.
To prove a disorderly conduct charge, a prosecutor will have to introduce evidence that a defendant did one or more of the following things:
- Engages in fighting.
- Engages in violent, tumultuous, or threatening behavior.
- By offensive or disorderly conduct, annoys or interferes with another person.
- Makes unreasonable noise.
- Without lawful authority, disturbs any lawful assembly or meeting of persons.
- Obstructs vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
- Congregates with other people in a public place and refuses to comply with a reasonable official request or order to disperse.
- Commits simple trespass and observes another person without their knowledge or consent, and when the other person is inside a dwelling and has a reasonable expectation of privacy (i.e., being a peeping tom).
A prosecutor has to prove that the defendant had the intent to cause inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, or recklessly created a risk of causing inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm. As with other criminal offenses, the state has to prove all elements of disorderly conduct beyond a reasonable doubt.
This statute is written very broadly, allowing the police to charge this offense in a range of circumstances. It gives the police a lot of discretion when it comes to charging a person with this crime. For example, the police may decide that you had an intent to annoy or alarm another person and arrest you simply because they don’t like your attitude, while letting another person go in a similar situation.
Disorderly conduct charges can arise in a variety of situations. For example, if you have too much to drink and are especially loud and obnoxious when leaving a bar or a party, the police might arrest you for disorderly conduct. Disorderly conduct charges are also commonly brought in domestic violence situations, such as a case where a couple is loudly arguing, and a neighbor calls the police because they are disturbed by the noise. If the fight gets physical, one or both parties could also be charged with a separate offense, such as assault, breach of the peace, or risk of injury to a minor.
In Connecticut, disorderly conduct is a Class C misdemeanor. It is punishable by up to 3 months in jail, a fine of up to $500, and/or a maximum probation period of 1 year.
While disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor, a conviction will still leave you with a criminal record. This can impact your life in many ways, including your ability to get a job, rent a house, or even go to college. If you have been charged with disorderly conduct, our Connecticut criminal defense attorneys will fight to protect your rights and get you the best possible outcome.
Defense to Disorderly Conduct Charges in Connecticut
It is very possible to defend against a disorderly conduct charge in Connecticut. Depending on the facts of your case and your criminal history, your Connecticut criminal defense attorney may even be able to get the charges reduced or dropped. For example, if you don’t have any prior charges, your lawyer might be able to get the charges dropped if you do community service or have it reduced to an infraction for creating a public disturbance.
Getting the charge reduced or dismissed may not be possible in situations where the disorderly conduct is accompanied by other, more serious charges. For example, if you were charged with disorderly conduct and assault after getting in a bar fight where the other person was seriously injured, then prosecutors might not be willing to drop the charges. However, it is still possible to defend yourself against these charges.
Depending on the facts of the case, your lawyer may argue:
- You lacked the intent to cause or recklessly create a risk of inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm.
- You were involved in a fight, but were acting in self-defense or defense of another person.
- The evidence does not show that you were engaging in disorderly, violent, or threatening behavior.
- Your conduct was protected by the First Amendment and cannot be considered fighting words or threats.
If you are a first-time offender, you may also be able to participate in a diversionary program, such as Accelerated Rehabilitation or a Family Violence Education Program. Your Connecticut criminal lawyer can review these options with you and help decide how to move forward with your case.
Expert Legal Help for Disorderly Conduct Charges in Connecticut
A disorderly conduct charge might not seem like a big deal, but it can have a major impact on your life. If you have been charged with disorderly conduct and/or other related offenses, you will need tough, smart legal representation. Our Connecticut disorderly conduct attorneys will evaluate your case and advise you of your options while zealously advocating for you.
With offices in Waterbury and Hartford, The Sills Law Firm represents clients in Connecticut who have been charged with infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. We take a proactive approach to criminal defense, working tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome for your case. Whether you have been charged with disorderly conduct or a serious felony, we will fight for your rights.
To learn more or to schedule a free initial consultation with a Connecticut criminal defense lawyer, call our law offices at 860-524-8118 or fill out our online contact form.
