Disorderly Conduct
Under Ohio law, disorderly conduct is considered an “offense against the public peace” and can arise out of many different situations and circumstances. This can include loud parties, angry neighbors calling police, or refusing to disperse.
Considering the possibility for unnecessary punishment in cases that allegedly involve disorderly conduct, having an understanding of the laws that govern it, along with your options for fighting the charge will help you move through the process in an efficient and timely manner.
The first step that should be taken is to speak with a criminal defense attorney to figure out where you stand and what can be done about the pending criminal charge.
Columbus Disorderly Conduct Attorney
Dealing with a disorderly conduct allegation is an inconvenience that has the potential to follow you in the future if not dealt with in the proper manner. Working with a qualified Columbus attorney will help in making sure you do not approach the situation incorrectly.
Brian Joslyn, of the Joslyn Law Firm, is an experienced and aggressive attorney who is focused on protecting the rights of his clients while implementing a studied and effective defense strategy to fight the allegations. His legal knowledge and understanding will give you a greater chance at getting these charges reduced or possibly dismissed.
Call (614) 444-1900 or send an online message to set up a free and confidential consultation to discuss the specifics of your case with Brian today. The Joslyn Law Firm proudly represents individuals dealing with the criminal process in the Ohio counties of Delaware, Franklin, Madison, Licking, Fairfield and Pickaway.
Disorderly Conduct under Ohio Law
According to Ohio Revised Code §2917.11, no person shall recklessly cause inconvenience, annoyance, or alarms to another by doing any of the following:
- Engaging in fighting, in threatening harm to persons or property, or in violent or turbulent behavior;
- Making unreasonable noise or an offensively coarse utterance, gesture, or display or communicating unwarranted and grossly abusive language to any person;
- Insulting, taunting, or challenging another, under circumstances in which that conduct is likely to provoke a violent response;
- Hindering or preventing the movement of persons on a public street, road, highway, or right-of-way, or to, from, within, or upon public or private property, so as to interfere with the rights of others, and by any act that serves no lawful and reasonable purpose of the offender;
- Creating a condition that is physically offensive to persons or that presents a risk of physical harm to persons or property, by any act that serves no lawful and reasonable purpose of the offender.
Furthermore, the statute also goes on to say that, no person, while voluntarily intoxicated, shall do either of the following:
- In a public place or in the presence of two or more persons, engage in conduct likely to be offensive or to cause inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm to persons of ordinary sensibilities, which conduct the offender, if the offender were not intoxicated, should know is likely to have that effect on others;
- Engage in conduct or create a condition that presents a risk of physical harm to the offender or another, or to the property of another.
In most instances, disorderly conduct is a minor misdemeanor, which comes with a presumptive sanction of up to $150 in fines.
On the other hand, disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree if any of the following apply:
- The offender persists in disorderly conduct after reasonable warning or request to desist.
- The offense is committed in the vicinity of a school or in a school safety zone.
- The offense is committed in the presence of any law enforcement officer, firefighter, rescuer, medical person, emergency medical services person, or other authorized person who is engaged in the person’s duties at the scene of a fire, accident, disaster, riot, or emergency of any kind.
- The offense is committed in the presence of any emergency facility person who is engaged in the person’s duties in an emergency facility.
A misdemeanor of the fourth degree comes with a presumptive sentence of up to 30 days in jail and / or a fines of up to $250.
Joslyn Law Firm | Franklin County Disorderly Conduct Arrest Lawyer
If you or a loved one is dealing with a disorderly conduct charge, take the steps necessary to clear your name and move on with your life. Call the Joslyn Law Firm at (614) 444-1900 to schedule a risk-free consultation with attorney Brian Joslyn today.
Brian represents individuals accused of criminal acts in and around the Ohio cities of Delaware, Powell, Dublin, Gahanna, Hilliard, Upper Arlington, Grove City, Minerva Park, Plain City, Newark, Pataskala, Lancaster, Bremen, Circleville, Ashville and New Holland, among others.
