Disorderly Conduct

Disorderly conduct is a broad term used to describe behavior that disturbs the peace, safety, or morals of the public. This offense can encompass a wide range of actions, including but not limited to:

  • Fighting or Threatening: Engaging in physical altercations or making verbal threats.
  • Using Offensive Language or Gestures: Employing profane, derogatory, or inflammatory language or signals in public.
  • Making Loud Noises: Disrupting public tranquility through excessive or intentionally disruptive noise.
  • Damaging Property: Vandalizing or defacing public or private property.
  • Being Drunk in Public: Exhibiting intoxicated behavior that disrupts the order and safety of public spaces.
  • Loitering: Remaining in public places without a clear purpose, potentially leading to disturbance.
  • Trespassing: Entering or remaining on property without permission.
  • Additional Violations: Disrupting public events, causing disturbances at government facilities, or exhibiting unruly behavior in sensitive areas (e.g., schools, hospitals).

At Lyon Law, we understand that charges for disorderly conduct—whether arising from simple disruptive behavior or more aggravated circumstances—can have serious consequences for your personal and professional future. Scott Lyon is committed to protecting your rights and providing a tailored defense strategy for clients in both Wisconsin and Michigan.

Wisconsin Violation Types & Penalties

  • Simple Disorderly Conduct (Misdemeanor):
    • Description: Involves actions such as minor fighting, offensive language, or low-level disturbances.
    • Penalties: May include fines ranging from $100 to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both, depending on the circumstances and prior offenses.
  • Aggravated Disorderly Conduct:
    • Description: Involves violent behavior, threats, significant property damage, or disruptive actions at large public gatherings.
    • Penalties: Often elevated to felony charges, with potential imprisonment of 1 year or more, increased fines, and extended probation.
  • Public Intoxication & Unruly Behavior:
    • Description: Being visibly intoxicated in public spaces in a manner that disturbs the peace.
    • Penalties: Typically treated as a misdemeanor with fines and possible short-term detention, with penalties increasing if combined with other offenses.

Michigan Violation Types & Penalties

  • Simple Disorderly Conduct (Misdemeanor):
    • Description: Covers basic acts of public disturbance, such as low-level fighting, offensive gestures, or minor trespassing.
    • Penalties: Can result in fines from $50 to $1,000 and/or up to 90 days in jail, with variations based on the severity and context of the offense.
  • Aggravated Disorderly Conduct:
    • Description: Involves more severe behaviors, such as fighting with intent to harm, using weapons, significant property damage, or disruptive conduct in sensitive areas.
    • Penalties: Usually charged as a felony, which may lead to longer incarceration periods (potentially exceeding 1 year), substantial fines, and extended probation.
  • Additional Considerations:
    • Combined Offenses: Offenses involving loitering or trespassing, when combined with other disruptive behaviors, can result in enhanced penalties, particularly in areas with heightened security (e.g., government buildings, schools).

If you are facing disorderly conduct charges in Wisconsin or Michigan, contact Lyon Law today. Lyon Law will work tirelessly to build a strong defense tailored to your unique situation, protecting your rights and helping to secure your future.

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