Common Connecticut Disorderly Conduct Charges
Common Connecticut disorderly conduct charges may involve allegations of domestic violence, but charges can arise in a wide variety of situations. Let a top defense attorney help you through these trying times.
Why Might I Be Charged With Disorderly Conduct?
Because so many common actions can be charged as disorderly conduct, the offense frequently serves as a useful tool to law enforcement officials.
Common disorderly conduct charges in Connecticut may involve:
- Protests or marches
- Fights
- Playing loud music (either live or recorded)
- “Peeping Tom” behavior
- Vocal arguments
- Domestic violence
- Contentious meetings
- Disruption of planned gatherings such as graduations
Is the Charge Clearly Defined in the State Statutes?
Disorderly conduct is something of a “catch-all” crime, so police may issue charges with little provocation if someone is alleged to be a nuisance, leaving the disposition of a case for the court to settle later. Because individuals must be acting with intent or recklessness to be convicted, attacking this element after an arrest is often helpful.
What Is the Definition of Disorderly Conduct?
To understand common Connecticut disorderly conduct charges, it is helpful to examine the definitions in the disorderly conduct statute at Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-182.
Individuals may be found guilty of disorderly conduct under C.G.S. §53a-182(a)(1) or (2) for actions such as fighting or engaging in threatening or “tumultuous behavior.” In addition, if someone annoys or interferes with another person using actions considered “offensive or disorderly,” then they may be convicted of disorderly conduct.
Can I Be Charged for Making Too Much Noise?
One very simple way to commit the misdemeanor crime of disorderly conduct in Connecticut is to make too much noise. Anyone who produces “unreasonable noise” may be convicted under C.G.S. §53a-182(a)(3). Therefore, any angry confrontation or even a loud party could result in disorderly conduct charges.
What Happens When I Disrupt a Public Gathering?
If you act in a way that disrupts a public gathering, you can be found guilty of disorderly conduct. Just as disrupting a gathering can lead to disorderly conduct charges, forming a gathering may also violate the law.
If people congregate in a public place and refuse to leave when ordered to do so, they may be convicted of disorderly conduct. They may also violate the law if they do something that blocks traffic on a road or walkway.
Can Trespassing Be Charged as Disorderly Conduct?
A final type of behavior that may be prosecuted as disorderly conduct involves trespassing. If you trespass and view another person in their home without their consent and in a place where that person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy, then, that trespass may be treated as disorderly conduct.
Assistance with Common Connecticut Disorderly Conduct Charges
Common Connecticut disorderly conduct charges could haunt you far into the future unless you take proactive steps to defend yourself now. It is possible to have charges dismissed or reach another outcome that avoids having a conviction on your record. Reach out to Mark Sherman Law today for the help you need.