{"id":377029,"date":"2016-03-31T21:37:16","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:37:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/washington-law\/disorderly-conduct-laws-in-washington.html"},"modified":"2018-06-18T16:46:06","modified_gmt":"2018-06-18T21:46:06","slug":"disorderly-conduct-laws-in-washington","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/washington-law\/disorderly-conduct-laws-in-washington.html","title":{"rendered":"Disorderly Conduct Laws in Washington"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Disorderly Conduct Laws in Washington<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\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

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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

Disorderly conduct laws are in place to make unruly or obnoxious conduct illegal in public. These types of laws can include anything from disturbing the peace to public intoxication. Under Washington state law, disorderly conduct<\/a> falls under the umbrella of a "public disturbance" and can arise out of many different situations and circumstances. Related offenses include criminal mischief, failure to disperse, and false reporting.<\/p>\r\n

Abusive Language Defined<\/h2>\r\n

What is abusive language? This involves words used to offend people within hearing distance in a reckless disregard for them. Typically, offensive language is loud, coarse, or otherwise offensive. Let's say you're at a Seahawks game and start heckling San Francisco 49ers fans and a fight breaks out. It's possible you could be in violation of the law.<\/p>\r\n

An Overview of Washington Disorderly Conduct Laws<\/h2>\r\n

There's no doubt that an important step of legal research is to read the actual language of applicable laws. Often times, however, laws are written in "legalese," which can take more time to interpret and understand. For this reason, it's helpful to read a summary of the laws in plain English. The following chart provides a brief overview of Washington disorderly conduct laws as well as links to relevant statutes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Statute(s)<\/b><\/td>\r\n

Washington Revised Code Section 9A.84.030<\/a> (Disorderly Conduct<\/i>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

What's Prohibited?<\/b><\/td>\r\n

The following is a violation of disorderly conduct laws in Washington:<\/p>\r\n

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  • Using abusive language and intentionally creates a risk of assault;<\/li>\r\n
  • Intentionally disrupting any lawful assembly or meeting of persons without lawful authority;<\/li>\r\n
  • Intentionally obstructing vehicular or pedestrian traffic without lawful authority; or<\/li>\r\n
  • Fighting or making unreasonable noise within 500 feet of a funeral, wake, burial, or memorial service knowing<\/i> that the activity adversely affects the funeral, wake, burial, or memorial service.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Charges and Penalties<\/b><\/td>\r\nDisorderly conduct<\/i> is a misdemeanor<\/a> punishable by up to 90 days in county jail and\/or a fine of up to $1,000.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Related Statute(s)<\/b><\/td>\r\n

Washington Revised Code:<\/p>\r\n