Disorderly Conduct

Although typically thought of as a minor charge, a conviction for disorderly conduct could potentially land you in jail. Therefore, if you are ever charged with disorderly conduct in the State of Alabama, you should not take it lightly.

In order to have the best chance of obtaining a favorable outcome to your criminal case, you should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A skilled Alabama disorderly conduct lawyer could represent you throughout your case and offer you thorough, result-oriented legal representation.

According to Alabama Criminal Code §13A-11-7, disorderly conduct occurs when someone intentionally annoys, alarms, creates a risk of harm or causes a public inconvenience. Legally speaking, disorderly conduct can take many forms, some common examples of which include:

• Fighting with another person
• Threatening another person
• Disturbing the peace and/or making loud noise
• Using obscene language or directing an obscene gesture at another person
• Unlawfully disturbing a meeting or public gathering
• Unlawfully blocking traffic

In most cases, disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor. As such, it is a less serious charge than a felony and carries comparatively lesser penalties upon conviction. A person charged with this offense should retain the services of an Alabama disorderly conduct lawyer.

Along with a disorderly conduct charge, an accused party in Alabama may also face any number of related criminal charges for similar offenses. These charges are separate from the disorderly conduct charge and can result in additional (or enhanced) criminal penalties upon conviction.

These separate charges may include unlawful assembly, failure to disperse, or harassment. Like disorderly conduct, these accompanying charges are also classified as misdemeanors, as opposed to felonies.

A guilty finding or conviction for disorderly conduct and related offenses may result in significant monetary fines, along with jail time. For example, a criminal conviction for a Class C misdemeanor like disorderly conduct in Alabama could result in up to three months in jail, along with a monetary fine of up to $500. Convictions for related offenses can result in more serious penalties.

Furthermore, if law enforcement arrests and charges someone with disorderly conduct or a related offense, then they may subsequently have a criminal record. Criminal records are available for viewing by the general public online and are searchable by anyone.

Moreover, if a judge or jury finds that person guilty or convicts them of disorderly conduct or a related offense, that guilty finding or conviction will be noted on their criminal record. However, under some limited circumstances, offenders can have their criminal records expunged after a certain period of time passes. This possibility may be especially relevant if the State dismisses their case or enters a nolle prosse.

Serious criminal records can make it difficult for you to move on with your life and career. Consequently, if you are currently facing a disorderly conduct charge, you may want to minimize the consequences of your charge and any conviction as much as possible.

This is where an experienced attorney could be helpful. An Alabama disorderly conduct lawyer could first discuss your case with you and determine whether you have any valid legal defenses available. They could then represent you during plea deal negotiations or during your criminal trial and sentencing hearing. Call today to get started on your case.