Disorderly conduct can be charged in either county court, or municipal court. When charged at the county court level, it can be classified as a class 2 misdemeanor, a class 3 misdemeanor, or a petty offense. However, when charged at the municipal court level (city as opposed to state court), disorderly conduct is a municipal offense punishable by one year in the county jail.
Charges of Disorderly Conduct in County Court
Disorderly conduct is a class 1 petty offense when a person makes an offensive utterance or gesture (for example, extending a middle finger) in a public place, and that gesture tends to incite an immediate breach of the peace, or when a person makes unreasonable noise in a public place or near a private residence.
Either of those acts becomes a class 2 misdemeanor where the defendant committed the act with the intent to disrupt a funeral or to cause emotional distress to someone attending a funeral.
Discharging a firearm in public, or displaying a deadly weapon, also constitutes disorderly conduct and is a class 2 misdemeanor.
Fighting in a public place, not for the purpose of a contest of professional skill, is a class 3 misdemeanor.
Charges of Disorderly Conduct in Municipal Court
Disorderly conduct charges are frequently prosecuted in municipal or city court. That is, in part, because disorderly conduct is something of a catch-all offense encompassing a wide range of conduct you may not even suspect could serve as the basis for criminal charges. Driving with your windows rolled down and loud music playing out of the windows of your vehicle could serve as the basis for charges. Alternatively, a verbal argument could be prosecuted. Even foul language alone could result in a disorderly conduct citation.
Disorderly Conduct in Domestic Violence Cases
In most domestic violence cases charged at the municipal court level, disorderly conduct is charged along with any other offenses like assault and battery. This charge can be used and often is used by the prosecuting attorney as leverage, since many cases involving a weak allegation of assault may still involve a vulnerability on a charge of disorderly conduct. Because all offenses at the municipal court level are punishable by the same possible jail term – one year in the county jail – the significance of a disorderly conduct charge should never be overlooked.
Do I need a defense attorney?
While disorderly conduct may seem like a minor charge, you can still be sent to jail, face fines, or be ordered to do community services, substance abuse treatment, domestic violence classes, or even complete an anger management course.
If you have been charged with disorderly conduct, contact a criminal defense lawyer to discuss your case and evaluate any possible defenses you may have, and how best to defend and mitigate you case.
To schedule a free initial consultation, call 720-257-5346 or fill out a free case review form, and a representative from the Law Office of Kimberly Diego will contact you as soon as possible.
Being falsely accused of sexual harassment in the workplace can be a devastating experience, with profound implications for your reputation, career, and personal well-being. If you find yourself in this situation, knowing how to respond effectively while protecting your rights and preserving your defense is essential. Understanding the steps to take can help you confidently navigate this challenging situation.
Understanding False Accusations:
False accusations of sexual harassment can arise for
False accusations of child abuse can be life-altering, causing immense emotional and legal turmoil for the accused. In an era where technology permeates daily life, digital evidence and forensic analysis are emerging as powerful tools in both investigating and defending against such allegations.
This blog post delves deeper into this complex landscape, exploring how technology can contribute to defending individuals facing false child abuse claims, discussing the legal considerations surrounding
Navigating the legal system can be daunting, especially when it involves your child. If your child is accused of a juvenile crime in Denver, it’s crucial to understand their rights and their protections. In this guide, we’ll explore what parents need to know to advocate for their children effectively.
Know Your Child’s Rights
First and foremost, being aware of your child’s rights in the juvenile justice system is essential. Just