{"id":352044,"date":"2023-08-21T14:12:41","date_gmt":"2023-08-21T19:12:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/disorderly-conduct.html"},"modified":"2023-08-21T14:12:41","modified_gmt":"2023-08-21T19:12:41","slug":"disorderly-conduct","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/disorderly-conduct.html","title":{"rendered":"Disorderly Conduct"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Disorderly Conduct<\/h1>\n
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\n By John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Almost every state has a disorderly conduct law on the books. Many types of obnoxious or unruly conduct may fall under these statutes and can result in criminal charges and possibly jail time. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Criminal defense lawyers often call these "catch-all" crimes. Generally speaking, law enforcement officers may use a disorderly conduct charge to keep the peace when a person is behaving in a disruptive manner and presents some public danger.<\/p>\r\n

In this article, you’ll find examples of state disorderly conduct laws and the possible penalties. But because this crime often has a loose definition, there can be concerns about the criminalization of otherwise legal activities. <\/p>\r\n

Even if a disorderly conduct case seems straightforward, the legal questions and process might not be so simple. If you face these charges, review your rights with a criminal defense lawyer<\/a>. <\/p>\r\n

Examples of State Disorderly Conduct Laws and Penalties<\/h2>\r\n

Disorderly conduct, known as "disturbing the peace<\/a>" in some states, represents a common public safety crime. <\/p>\r\n

The charge of disorderly conduct can vary from state to state. In several states, including New York<\/a> and Ohio<\/a>, the crime may include elements with the following or similar language. The crime occurs when a person:<\/p>\r\n