Title: What is disorderly conduct?
Headings: What is disorderly conduct?
What is disorderly conduct?
Disorderly Conduct in Speech
Fighting, Assaultive, or Harrassing Behavior
Lewd Behavior
Disorderly Conduct Charges and Penalties

Content: Most states will charge disorderly conduct as a lower level misdemeanor. The basic punishment can include probation or confinement in a county or parish jail up to a year. If a defendant is placed on probation, the judge can order conditions of probation designed to address how the offense was committed. For example, if the disorderly conduct charge was based on a defendant exposing his genitals, then a judge could order him to participate in a sex offender assessment. If a defendant lost his temper publically, the judge could order him to complete anger management counseling. To avoid a final conviction, some defendants may qualify for diversion court programs where they are placed on informal probation. After the completion of the program, the disorderly conduct charge is dismissed. Even beyond the terms of probation or time in jail, a disorderly conduct charge could have other collateral consequences. Some employers interpret this charge to reflect aggressive tendencies, which they do not want in their workplace. If the conduct is directed at a family member, it may qualify as type of family violence which could be used in a later prosecution to enhance a punishment.