Title: Disorderly Conduct Charges - HG.org
Headings: Disorderly Conduct Charges
Disorderly Conduct Charges
Explanation of Disorderly Conduct Charges
Examples of Disorderly Conduct
Question on Free Speech
Consequences of Disorderly Conduct
Charges in Error
Legal Assistance

Content: Free speech is provided under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. However, this right is not absolute. The government can still take action against someone who threatens someone else through his or her speech or violates other speech laws. If their speech upsets others around them through conduct deemed offensive, a person may still be arrested. Even making a loud, public declaration about someone’s discontent with something around them can lead to arrest, especially if this person uses curse language or berates another person in an offensive manner. Consequences of Disorderly Conduct
In most locations, disorderly conduct is considered a misdemeanor offense. Misdemeanors are considered to be less serious than a felony crime. However, a misdemeanor crime can still carry significant criminal consequences such as up to one year in jail. Other possible criminal consequences include having to pay a fine of several hundreds dollars, being placed on probation or having a criminal record that can follow the defendant around for the rest of his or her life. In other jurisdictions, disorderly conduct is considered a municipal violation and is treated similarly to a traffic ticket.