What is Disorderly Conduct?

Disorderly conduct is a not-too-specific minor misdemeanor charge for any conduct police think may go beyond basic freedom of expression.

Ohio Revised Code prohibits anyone from “recklessly” causing “inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm to another by” taking any of the following actions:

• “Engaging in fighting, in threatening harm to persons or property, or in violent or turbulent behavior;
• Making unreasonable noise or an offensively coarse utterance, gesture, or display or communicating unwarranted and grossly abusive language to any person;
• Insulting, taunting, or challenging another, under circumstances in which that conduct is likely to provoke a violent response;
• Hindering or preventing the movement of persons on a public street, road, highway, or right-of-way, or to, from, within, or upon public or private property, so as to interfere with the rights of others, and by any act that serves no lawful and reasonable purpose of the offender;
• Creating a condition that is physically offensive to persons or that presents a risk of physical harm to persons or property, by any act that serves no lawful and reasonable purpose of the offender.”

The code further prohibits drunk and disorderly conduct when it states that if a person is intoxicated, they are not allowed: “In a public place or in the presence of two or more persons, (to) engage in conduct likely to be offensive or to cause inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm to persons of ordinary sensibilities, which conduct the offender, if the offender were not intoxicated, should know is likely to have that effect on others;” and the intoxicated person is further prohibited from engaging in conduct or creating “a condition that presents a risk of physical harm to the offender or another, or to the property of another.”

Disorderly conduct laws are meant to help keep society civil. The charge is a fourth degree misdemeanor, punishable by as much as 30 days in jail, a $250 fine, court costs, community service, restitution, and treatment.

If you’re facing these charges, even though they are a “minor” misdemeanor, there really is no such thing as a minor criminal record. Trying to handle this situation alone could be a recipe for disaster. Protect your future and seek qualified legal representation.

Do You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney in Columbus, Ohio?

If you are facing criminal charges for disorderly conduct, you need an attorney who knows the law and can help defend you against these serious charges. Get the representation of a skilled and trusted attorney who can give you the help you need.  Call The Maher Law Firm today for a free consultation at 614-205-2208 or contact us online.