Minneapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer
Understanding Disorderly Conduct Charges
Under Minnesota Statute 609.72, disorderly conduct is the crime of engaging in a brawl or fight, disturbing an assembly or meeting, or engaging in offensive, obscene, abusive, boisterous or noisy conduct, or in offensive, obscene or abusive language that arouses alarm, anger or resentment in others. It is often used as a "catch-all" crime that can occur in a private residence or public place, and even includes school buses.
Police may arrest an individual for disorderly conduct if that person is disruptive in some way, even if there is no threat of assault or imminent harm to others. Prosecutors are often overzealous in viewing certain actions as criminal ones, such as throwing a snowball at a neighbor's child, yelling at a person in a bar, or making an ''obscene'' gesture in a public place.
Common Offenses in Minneapolis
Some specific examples of disorderly conduct include:
- Public drunkenness
- Inciting a riot
- Disturbing the peace
- Loitering in certain areas
- Fighting or other physical altercations
- Obstructing traffic
- Use of extremely obscene or abusive language
- Loud or unreasonable noise
If you or someone you know has been charged with disorderly conduct in this state, it is important to seek help from a skilled attorney who can protect your rights and best interests. I will meet with you at no charge, review your case, and determine the best course of action for your defense.
Possible Penalties for Disorderly Conduct in Minnesota
Though disorderly conduct charges are classified as a misdemeanor, and may seem trivial to you and I, the consequences are certainly not. You may be facing up to 90 days in jail, have to pay a significant fine, do community service, pay restitution, be put on probation, and end up with a criminal record. The Law Offices of William K. Bulmer II will provide the competent legal advocacy needed to fight your disorderly conduct charges.