Texas Disorderly Conduct Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed February 27, 2018
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Overview of Texas Disorderly Laws
Various types of unruly or obnoxious conduct may violate Texas state law. Police may use a disorderly conduct charge when a person is disturbing the peace or behaving in a disruptive manner, but is not presenting any serious danger to the public. Disorderly conduct may be viewed as a "catch-all" crime. See FindLaw's Public Safety Violations to learn about related offenses.
Examples:
- Using abusive, profane or vulgar language in a public place
- Making an offensive gesture in a public place that could incite unruly conduct
- Chemically creating an unreasonable odor in a public place
- Abusing or threatening a person in a public place
- Making unreasonable amounts of noise in a public place or near a private residence that is not your own
- Fighting in public
- Displaying or discharging a firearm in public
- Exposing one's self in public
- Looking or "peeping" into a private area that is not your own such as hotel rooms, homes, restrooms, or shower stalls
Texas Disorderly Conduct Laws: The Basics
Specific details about Texas disorderly conduct laws, including relevant statutes, possible defenses, and more are listed in the following table. Remember if you are charged with a crime in Texas, you should always consider speaking with an attorney before entering a plea or admitting guilt.
Statutes |
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Elements of Disorderly Conduct |
In Texas, to prove disorderly conduct, a prosecutor must prove that the conduct was performed both intentionally and knowingly. If the conduct was being performed either unintentionally or if the person did not know their conduct was disturbing the peace, it will likely be insufficient to prove disorderly conduct. Sometimes, prosecutors may offer a plea deal in which a charge of a more serious crime may be reduced down to that of disorderly conduct in exchange for the defendant's agreement to plead guilty, or perhaps to help the prosecutor with information for a higher priority investigation. |
Possible Defenses |
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Penalties |
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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.
Texas Disorderly Laws: Related Resources
Charged With Disorderly Conduct? An Attorney Can Help
What’s worse than being arrested for disorderly conduct in Texas? Not having a strong criminal defense attorney on your side to help you navigate through the Texas criminal justice system. You don’t need to figure out your defense by yourself; let a legal professional help you. Find a Texas criminal defense attorney today.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex criminal defense situations usually require a lawyer
- Defense attorneys can help protect your rights
- A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Texas attorneys offer free consultations.
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