Delaware Disorderly Conduct Laws

State disorderly conduct laws generally make it illegal to disturb the peace by fighting in public, making unreasonable noise, or obstructing traffic. This article provides a brief overview of Delaware's disorderly conduct laws.

Disorderly Conduct at a Funeral

Delaware has a separate statute that criminalizes disorderly conduct at a funeral. This law prohibits any of the following acts within 300 feet of a funeral or memorial service (or within 1,000 feet of a funeral procession or burial):

• Making direct abusive epithets or any threatening gesture which the person knows or reasonably should know is likely to provoke a violent reaction by another
• Disturbing a funeral, memorial service, funeral procession, or burial by conduct intended to disturb or disrupt the funeral

This disorderly conduct is prohibited one hour before the funeral and two hours after the funeral has concluded. Disorderly conduct at a funeral is a class A misdemeanor for a first offense, and is a class F felony for a second (or subsequent) offense.

Riot

Delaware's riot law makes it illegal to engage in disorderly conduct with two or more people under any of the following circumstances:

• If the offender has the intent to commit or facilitate the commission of a felony or misdemeanor
• If the offender has the intent to prevent or coerce official action, or
• If any of the participants, with the knowledge of the offender, uses or plans to use a firearm or other deadly weapon

Additional Resources

• State Disorderly Conduct Laws

State laws change frequently. For case specific information regarding Delaware's disorderly conduct laws contact a criminal defense lawyer.