PITTSBURGH DISORDERLY CONDUCT LAWYER
If you have been charged with Disorderly Conduct, you should not take this offense lightly. Whether it's graded as a misdemeanor or summary offense, a conviction will appear on your criminal background, and could lead to the imposition of jail time and fines.
WHAT IS DISORDERLY CONDUCT?
Disorderly Conduct is found under Title 18 Section 5503 of the Crimes Code. A person can be found guilty of disorderly conduct if he or she causes public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm OR he or she is aware that their conduct is creating a risk of causing public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, and one of the following events occurs
- The person engages in fighting, threatening, violent or tumultuous behavior
- The person makes unreasonable noise
- The person uses obscene language or makes an obscene gesture or
- The person creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition and their action serves no legitimate purpose.
WHAT IS THE GRADING FOR A DISORDERLY CONDUCT CHARGE?
A disorderly conduct offense can be graded as either a summary offense or a third-degree misdemeanor offense. The more serious, third-degree grading applies when the person causes serious public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm. The summary grading applies when a person causes less serious public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm.
- Summary: Punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a $300 fine plus court costs, and a criminal record for a minimum period of 5 years;
- Third-Degree Misdemeanor: Punishable by up to 1 year in jail, a $2,000 fine, and a permanent criminal record.
WHY AM I BEING CHARGED WITH DISORDERLY CONDUCT?
Disorderly conduct is often improperly charged by police officers for a wide array of behavior that they don't like. Some of the most common reasons a person is charged with disorderly conduct include: exhibiting loud, aggressive behavior while drunk, starting or provoking a fistfight, disobeying police orders, and possessing small amounts of marijuana not worth submitting for a lab analysis.
Disorderly conduct can also be charged along with more serious misdemeanor and felony offenses.
HOW CAN THE ZUCKERMAN LAW FIRM HELP?
The Zuckerman Law Firm has successfully defended those accused of disorderly conduct throughout Pittsburgh and the surrounding counties in Western Pennsylvania. Our firm has helped college students and working professionals earn a dismissal of their charges through negotiated dismissal agreements, and have fought for not guilty verdicts during trial.
If you are charged with disorderly conduct, the first step you should do is call the Zuckerman Law Firm at 412-447-5580 for a free telephone consultation. We can help you enter a not guilty plea, schedule a hearing and prepare your defense.