Vermont Disorderly Conduct Laws

13 V.S.A. §1026: Disorderly Conduct

13 V.S.A. §1026a: Aggravated Disorderly Conduct

What's Prohibited?

Following Vermont disorderly conduct laws, a person is guilty of disorderly conduct if he or she, with intent to cause public inconvenience or annoyance:

• Engages in fighting or in violent, threatening behavior;

• Makes unreasonable noise;

• Uses abusive or obscene language;

• Without lawful authority, disturbs any lawful assembly or meeting of persons; or

• Obstructs vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

Aggravated Disorderly Conduct

Vermont disorderly conduct laws also provide an enhanced version of the crime. A person is guilty of aggravated disorderly conduct if he or she engages in conduct directed at a specific person with the intent to cause inconvenience or annoyance, or to disturb the person's peace, quiet, or right of privacy and:

• Engages in fighting or in violent, threatening behavior;

• Makes unreasonable noise;

• Uses abusive or obscene language in public; or

• Threatens bodily injury, serious bodily injury, or to commit a felony crime of violence.

Penalties

A person convicted of "disorderly conduct" will be punished by up to 60 days in prison, fined up to $500, or both.

A person convicted of "aggravated disorderly conduct" will be punished by up to 180 days in prison, fined up to $2,000, or both.

Second Offenders

A person convicted of a second or subsequent "disorderly conduct" charge will be punished by up to 120 days in prison, fined up to $1,000, or both.