What Happens If You Get Charged with Disorderly Conduct?

A Picture of an Angry Couple Fighting in Public.

Is Disorderly Conduct Serious?

As people, we all want to live in communities that are safe and peaceful. In order to keep ensure that communities and individuals are safe, there are certain laws and rules that need to be followed. Laws and rules are necessary so that communities don’t have any problems. While there are many laws in place to protect and keep communities and people safe, more often than not, individuals will break these laws. One of the most common behaviors that people can be charged with is disorderly conduct. A lot of people ask, “What’s disorderly conduct mean?” It means that someone commits an offense where they are disruptive or offensive in a public setting.

The most commonly asked question in regards to people being charged with this type of offense is, “Can you go to jail for disorderly conduct?” and the answer is yes. In the state of Florida, disorderly conduct is considered a second degree misdemeanor, so a person can face jail time, probation, and might have to pay a fine. Disorderly conduct jail time lasts up to 60 days and a fine of up to $500. If a person doesn’t have a prior record, they might be eligible for six months of probation.

Disorderly Conduct Vs Disturbing the Peace

Disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace are usually used to describe the same type of offense, but they are actually two different offenses. Disorderly conduct usually involves violence or fighting in a public place, which would be a disturbance to a number of people. Disturbing the peace is when someone is intentionally loud and only disturbs or annoys one person. An example of disorderly conduct would be if a person gets into a physical altercation with someone in a public place; an example of disturbing the peace would be if someone is playing loud music during the course of the night. Out of the two, disorderly conduct is more severe than disturbing the peace, as it can be an inconvenience to the general public.

What Are Examples of Disorderly Conduct?

In order to differentiate between disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace (as well as avoid being charged with disorderly conduct), it is important to know what some examples of this offense are.

  • Arguing or Fighting in Public: Two people are screaming at each other outside of a restaurant.
  • Using Obscene or Abusive Language: A person yelling obscenities in a public place.
  • Obstructing Traffic: A group of people having a protest in the middle of the street and will not move.
  • Public Intoxication: Someone is visibly intoxicated while in a public place.
  • Loud and Excessive Noise: Someone is blaring their music even though they have been asked to turn it down several times.
  • Loitering: A person is hanging out in a certain area and has been asked to leave many times.

There are many examples of disorderly conduct, but these are the most common reasons that someone would be arrested and charged with this type of offense.

What Are the Consequences of Disorderly Conduct?

A Picture of a Police Officer Arresting a Man.

Disorderly Conduct Charge

In the state of Florida, disorderly conduct is classified as a second degree misdemeanor. There are only two types of classes in the state of Florida, which are first and second degree misdemeanors. If someone is charged with a first degree misdemeanor, they can face up to one year in jail and have a fine of up to $1,000; if someone is charged with a second degree misdemeanor, they can face up to 60 days in jail and have a fine of up to $500. However, it is important to note that disorderly conduct could be charged as a first degree misdemeanor or even a third degree felony depending on the disturbance.

People who are charged with this type of offense usually ask, “Can you get a disorderly conduct charge dropped?” and it really depends on a few variables. Typically when someone wants a disorderly conduct charge dropped, they have to have substantial proof that they did not commit the crime. Ways in which people defend these types of charges is by saying it was self-defense, that they are protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution (freedom of speech), or that the offense did not take place in a public place. Sometimes these things can be hard to prove on both ends, in which case the charges are either dropped or the person is sentenced. If you or someone you love has been charged with disorderly conduct in Cocoa, FL and you need bail bond services, you can call on Ammediate Bail Bonds for help. Whether you need help with misdemeanor or felony bail, we are more than happy to help you! Just call us today at (321) 631-2663 and we can help you get released from jail! Being charged with disorderly conduct is not a pleasant experience, but we will do what it takes to make the situation less stressful.