What are Disorderly Conduct Crimes?
Disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor offense in Tennessee. Even still, it can leave a criminal record in its wake and severely damage your reputation. You will be convicted of a Disorderly conduct crime if the state prosecutor can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were in a public place and with the intent to cause public annoyance or alarm. Behaviors that fall into the category of disorderly conduct as perTennessee Code Annotated Section 39-17-305 include:
- Engaging in fights or violent or threatening behaviors
- Refusing to obey an officer’s order to disperse that was issued in the interest of public safety in dangerous proximity to a hazard, fire, or another emergency
- Creating a physically offensive or hazardous condition by any act not serving a legitimate purpose.
- Making unreasonable noise that prevents others from carrying on lawful activities
Types of Disorderly Conduct Crimes
Disorderly conduct can take on many shapes and forms. Some actions that will likely lead to disorderly conduct charges in Tennessee include:
- Loitering
- Begging in public
- Disturbing the peace
- Being loud in public while intoxicated
- Violating noise ordinances
- Exhibiting reckless behavior in a crowded area
- Public drunkenness
- Any behavior that compromises public safety
- Disturbing a religious ceremony
While many types of disorderly conduct involve alcohol use, it’s not a requirement for this type of charge.
Consequences Upon Conviction of Disorderly Conduct Charges
In Tennessee, disorderly conduct is a Class C Misdemeanor. A conviction for this charge will result in some or all the following consequences:
- A jail sentence of up to 30 days
- Probation
- Fines
- Court costs
While these might seem like minimal consequences compared to more serious crimes and felonies, they can still have severe implications for your life. For example, suppose you apply for a job. In that case, your potential employer could run a background check and find that you were convicted of disorderly conduct. Such a criminal record can keep you from getting the employment you want or need, ruin your professional and social reputation, and be expensive. Don’t risk these things; instead, hire a well-versed Tennessee criminal defense lawyer to help you fight these charges in the best way possible.
Are You Facing Disorderly Conduct Charges? Hire a Tennessee Criminal Defense Lawyer Immediately
Unfortunately, the failure or success in any criminal case is often determined by the decisions of the individual facing charges (defendant) and their Tennessee criminal defense attorney in just a few hours or days after an arrest.
If you are facing disorderly conduct charges in Tennessee, it’s essential to act quickly to collect and preserve evidence to support your defense. Eyewitnesses need to be interviewed as soon as possible while they can still be contacted and have reliable memories of the event. Key evidence such as faces, dates, events, and conversations naturally fades from their memory over time. If too much time passes, video recordings and other evidence to help you escape a conviction could be destroyed. Beginning an immediate investigation can help ensure that valuable evidence isn’t lost.
Don’t waste any more time; contact Raybin & Weissman, Attorneys at Law, today for help. We can be reached by phone at 615-256-6666 or online.