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The definition of disorderly conduct varies from state to state, but each statute generally makes it a crime to disturb the peace. These laws tend to act as catchall crimes designed to prevent obnoxious or unruly behavior in public. Utah's disorderly conduct law makes it illegal to fight, block traffic, or make too much noise in a public place. The following chart outlines Utah's disorderly conduct law.
Code Section |
Utah Criminal Code section 76-9-102: Disorderly Conduct |
What's Prohibited? |
Refusing to disburse from a public place when told to do so by a law enforcement officer Knowingly creating a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act that doesn't serve a legitimate purpose, or Engaging in any of the following activities while intending to cause public inconvenience, annoyance, alarm, or recklessly causing a risk thereof:
|
What Qualifies as a "Public Place?"
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Any place that the public (or a substantial group of the public) has access to. This includes streets, highways, and the common areas of schools, hospitals, apartment buildings, office buildings, transport facilities, and shops. |
Penalties |
Class C misdemeanor if the offense continues after a request by a person to stop. Otherwise it is an infraction. Class C misdemeanors are punishable by a fine of up to $750, and/or imprisonment for up to 90 days. |
Utah's criminal code also has a couple of laws that are closely related to the crime of disorderly conduct, namely riot and failure to disperse.
Riot: The crime of rioting can be committed in three different ways:
If anyone suffers bodily injury, there is substantial property damage, arson occurs during the riot, or the offender was armed with a dangerous weapon, then the crime is a third degree felony. Otherwise rioting is a class B misdemeanor.
Failure to Disperse: In Utah it is a crime to remain at the scene of a riot, disorderly conduct, or an unlawful assembly after a peace officer orders you to disperse. Failure to disperse is a class C misdemeanor.
State laws change frequently. If you're facing charges for disorderly conduct, you should consult with a local criminal defense lawyer.
Contact a qualified attorney.
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Utah attorneys offer free consultations.