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Charged with Disorderly Conduct?

Barnstable County Defense Attorney

Disorderly Conduct And Disturbing The Peace In Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, it is a misdemeanor crime to engage in disruptive or offensive behavior while in public, or to “breach the peace.” This could be anything, including but not limited to:

  • a bar fight
  • using a racial slur against someone
  • screaming obscenities in a restaurant
  • cranking your music up too loud in your neighborhood

“Disorderly conduct” is a broad term used to describe any actions, threats, or words which alarm or provoke others.

“Disturbing the peace” is a very closely related offense which encompasses any conduct that is disruptive in or near a public place where at least one person was annoyed or disturbed.

If you or a loved one have been charged with disorderly conduct or disturbing the peace in Massachusetts, you face monetary fines and/or jail time, as well as a permanent blemish on your record.

Often with an aggressive defense on your side, you can get these charges reduced or dismissed altogether. Call today for a free consultation:

Barnstable Office: (508) 262-0063
Orleans Office: (774) 561-2689

Penalties For Disorderly Conduct

Disorderly persons or disturbers of the peace will face the following penalties for a first time offense:

  • Fines up to $150
  • Second offense fines up to $200, and up to 6 months in jail.

Don’t put yourself in the position of having to explain why there is a disorderly conduct conviction on your record.

Common Behaviors Of Disorderly Conduct Which Can Lead To An Arrest

  • Using words or phrases that are abusive, indecent, profane or threatening with intention to elicit a reaction
  • Fighting or challenging someone to fight
  • Intentionally making excessive and unreasonable noise even after a fair warning to stop
  • Public drunkenness
  • Committing indecent exposure
  • Disturbing a peaceful assembly
  • Loitering
  • Participating in a riot
  • Waving a gun around
  • Prostitution
  • Refusing to comply with police requests/resisting arrest/detainment

To Be Found Guilty Of Disorderly Conduct, The Commonwealth Needs To Prove:

  • you were engaged in fighting, threatening, violent or tumultuous behavior
  • you created a hazardous or physically offensive condition that served no legitimate purpose
  • your actions were reasonably likely to affect the public, and
  • you intended to cause, or recklessly created, a risk of public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm

A subsequent conviction for this offense carries the following potential penalties:

  • imprisonment in a jail or house of correction for not more than 6 months
  • fine of not more than $200
  • both fine and imprisonment
 

Get Help Today with Disorderly Conduct Charges!

 

Call Kokonowski Criminal Defense to arrange a free consultation with Thomas Kokonowski.  Tom has over 30 years of trial experience working both as a former prosecutor and principally as a defense lawyer.  Call to arrange your free consultation today:   (508) 262-0063