Disorderly Conduct
An arrest for disorderly conduct may seem like a minor offense, but this charge can have a massive impact on your life and future opportunities. With a lot of room for interpretation, this crime can be applied in a wide range of situations, and it sometimes added in with other offenses. You may be confused as to what steps to take against a this offense and what choices are available to you.
An experienced attorney can help protect your future from the consequences of this offense. You could be facing other offenses in conjunction with this allegation, and a lawyer who is experienced in Pennsylvania’s courts can guide you through the confusing judicial process ahead of you with confidence.
Pennsylvania Disorderly Conduct Attorney
At Ciccarelli Law Offices, we believe in going the extra mile for every client. We know that you have a heavy load of stress on your shoulders, and we want to help you through this challenging time by aggressively pursuing your defense. While proactively seeking a positive resolution for you, we can give you confidence in your situation and minimize your anxiety.
To schedule your free consultation and take the right steps in defending your future, call us today at (610) 692-8700. We can analyze the details of your unique situation and review your options with you to help you decide the best way to proceed.
What is Considered Disorderly Conduct?
Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5503 outlines what situations can be considered disorderedly conduct. A wide range of scenarios are listed, such as:
- Threatening or provoking another person in public
- Causing a loud disturbance near a residence or public building
- Fighting in a public place
- Willfully spread a false alarm of a fire or catastrophe, such as pulling a fire alarm
- Disrupting a lawful meeting or assembly
- Defacing the American flag in a way to incite trespassing or assault from another person
- Creating a loud or threatening disturbance at or near a funeral or memorial service
Generally speaking, this statute forbids and type of action that disturbs the peace of others in public, and law enforcement can detain individuals for disruptive behavior. The charge may be applied to a variety of situations, such loud parties, bar fights, or even some peaceful protests. Sometimes this charge is paired with other offenses, such as an assault charge during a fight, which can lead to more serious consequences for the alleged offender.
In some situation involving a domestic violence allegation, a report from a neighbor may lead to a charge of disorderly conduct, in conjunction with any charges of domestic assault. This charge could be upheld separately on the grounds that your actions were disruptive to the peace of your neighbors.
Penalties for a Disorderly Conduct Charge in Pennsylvania
Typically, a disorderly conduct charge is considered a third degree misdemeanor. For a first offense, a conviction carries the possibility of up to 90 days in jail and / or a maximum fine of $5,000. In addition, you will gain a mark on your criminal record that can interfere with opportunities such as education and employment.
The accompanying charges can often be more problematic, but disorderly conduct charges can be files on their own. Sometimes these charges stem from simple pranks or just having fun. Don’t let an offense for a silly decision, like pulling a fire alarm to get out of school, ruin your or a loved one’s future.
Seeking a West Chester Attorney for a Disorderly Conduct Charge
You could be arrested for disorderly conduct due to a minor infraction, but it can have serious repercussions for your future. The lawyers of Ciccarelli Law Offices can fight on your behalf, to keep this charge from creating a criminal record that can interfere with your future. With decades of combined legal experience, our skilled team of lawyers knows how to aggressively pursue a positive resolution for you. Call us today at (610) 692-8700 to schedule your free consultation.