What Is Disorderly Conduct?
Disorderly conduct laws are designed to help keep the peace, which is a means of helping to keep the public safe. Disorderly conduct laws are a primary example of laws the State of Tennessee employs to help reduce behavior that is deemed unreasonably offensive or behavior that could lead to harm. If you’re facing a disorderly conduct charge, it’s time to consult with an experienced Nashville disorderly conduct attorney.
Disorderly Conduct Charges
In Tennessee, disorderly conduct charges are divided into three distinct charges, including:
- Disorderly conduct
- Public intoxication
- Disorderly conduct at funerals
Disorderly Conduct
A disorderly conduct charge can refer to any of the following public behaviors:
- Fighting
- Engaging in threatening behavior
- Being unreasonably noisy as a means of preventing others from engaging in lawful activities
- Being unreasonably noisy in public with the intention of annoying others
- Refusing to obey an official order to disperse in an emergency situation
- Creating a hazardous condition with no legitimate purpose for doing so
The charge of disorderly conduct is a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a sentence of up to 6 months in jail and fines of up to $500.
Public Intoxication
Public intoxication is a charge that applies to someone who is in public while intoxicated to such a degree that they endanger themself, others, or the property of others. This charge can also apply when the accused is intoxicated to the degree that it’s unreasonably annoying to others. Public intoxication is also a Class C misdemeanor, and it carries the same fines and penalties as disorderly conduct.
Disorderly Conduct at Funerals
Anyone who interferes with a funeral, burial, viewing, service, or procession in any of the following ways – within 500 feet of the funeral-related event – can face the charge of disorderly conduct at funerals:
- Picketing
- Protesting
- Engaging in other offensive displays or gestures
The charge of disorderly conduct at funerals is a Class B misdemeanor, which can lead to a sentence of up to 6 months in jail and to fines of up to $500.
Bringing Your Strongest Defense
In addition to jail time and fines, a disorderly conduct conviction on your record can lead to unwanted social consequences that include challenges related to finding a job, renting a home, and obtaining a federal student loan. As such, bringing your strongest legal defense is always to your advantage, and this means having the professional legal counsel of an experienced disorderly conduct attorney on your side.
Look to an Experienced Nashville Disorderly Conduct Attorney for the Help You Need
If you’ve been charged with disorderly conduct, taking a wait and see approach to your defense is ill-advised. The dedicated Nashville disorderly conduct attorneys at Raybin & Weissman are well-positioned to skillfully advocate for your case’s most advantageous outcome, and we’re here for you. Our knowledgeable legal team has the experience and legal insight to help, so please do not put off contacting or calling us at 615-256-6666 for more information about what we can do for you today.