Disorderly conduct is a very broad offense that includes many situations. It encompasses many acts that are considered disruptions to public order. A police officer can interpret this very broadly, which is why if the police are mad at you for any reason, they may say you caused a disruption and arrest you.
Although it is a relatively minor charge, it is one that must be taken seriously. Any misdemeanor criminal conviction will leave you with a permanent criminal record.
You never want to put yourself in a position to have to explain why you have a disorderly conduct conviction to a future employer. And in many cases, you will never get to explain it. Because a background check will be performed on you, and you simply won’t be offered the job.
Because of the broad nature of the law, disorderly conduct is an offense that is quite common. For this reason, we have successfully defended many disorderly conducts cases and have probably handled one very similar to yours. Experience counts for a lot in the California Criminal Courts.
Call for a consultation on your case today; we are here to help. We can offer defense suggestions, and let you know what we can do to beat the case, and keep your record clean.
Disorderly Conduct – Laws & Penalties
Under California criminal law, disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor charge that carries up to one year in jail and various fines. Any of the following can be charged as disorderly conduct:
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Ref: CA Disorderly Conduct Laws: (California Penal Code Section 647)
Disturbing the Peace
Similar to disorderly conduct and also considered a misdemeanor is the offense of disturbing the peace. This offense is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $400.
Disturbing the peace includes such actions as fighting in public, disturbing another with loud unreasonable noise, or using offensive words in public which are likely to provoke a violent reaction.
See: California Laws – Disturbing the Peace (California Penal Code Section 415)
Can I Fight (and win) a Disorderly Conduct Case?
Yes, you can. We see a lot of these charges, and there are almost always good defense strategies that can get charges reduced, dismissed, or work out a reasonable arrangement.
Because these offenses are common, they go through the California court system quickly. When you are charged with one of these offenses, however, it may seem like time stands still. Most people have never been arrested and charged with a crime before, and that puts added pressure and uncertainty on your shoulders.
And when you are facing jail time and a mark on your permanent record, no crime seems minor. But we can help you. As your attorneys we can ensure that you will be treated fairly in the courtroom and make certain you are as comfortable as possible during this stressful time.
For a first offense disorderly conduct or disturbing the peace charge, it is very unlikely that you are at risk of jail time, unless the circumstances are unusually serious. If you are convicted, we can petition the court for probation by capitalizing on your strengths. We have successfully represented clients like you in the past and we would be happy to do the same for you.
Please contact us today to take advantage of our free, no obligation legal consultation on any California disturbing the please, disorderly conduct, or other criminal charge.