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Charged with Disorderly Conduct?
Amherst & Northampton 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.
With an aggressive criminal defense lawyer by your side, you can get these charges reduced or dismissed altogether. Call the Law Offices of Thomas Kokonowski, Esq. today 413.549.0022 (Amherst) 413.585.9200 (Northampton) or 413.737.9700 (Springfield) for a Free, no obligation case review and consultation.
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
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.
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
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