New Jersey Disorderly Conduct Laws

Under New Jersey law, disorderly conduct is considered a "breach of the peace" and can arise out of many different situations and circumstances. In more general terms, you could be arrested and charged with this offense by engaging in "improper behavior" or "using offensive language." For instance, you could be arrested for screaming obscenities or making lewd gestures at a cashier. In this case, the inappropriateness of such behavior would overshadow one's freedom of speech or expression.

What is Considered Improper Behavior in New Jersey?

You can be arrested for improper behavior if you purposefully cause a public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk of any of the following:

• Fighting
• Threatening
• Committing violent or tumultuous behavior
• Creating a hazardous or physically dangerous condition which serves no legitimate purpose

For example, getting into a bar room brawl can be considered "improper behavior," among other possible crimes.

Offensive Language

What is offensive language? It's words used to offend people within hearing distance in a reckless disregard for them. Typically, offensive language is loud, coarse, or abusive. Let's say you are at a Phillies game and start heckling New York Mets fans. It's possible you could be in violation of the law.

The following table highlights the main points of New Jersey's disorderly conduct laws.

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

Research the Law

• New Jersey Law
• Official State Codes - Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC.

Related Resources

• Disturbing the Peace
• Public Intoxication
• Public Safety Violations

Get Professional Legal Help With Your Disorderly Conduct Offense

If you have been charged with disorderly conduct, the prosecution's case will likely be based on a combination of police testimony and the testimony of witnesses. But it's also important for them to prove that your actions crossed the line from free expression to disorderly conduct. The best way to defend your interests is to speak with an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.