Challenging a Stamford Disorderly Conduct Charge
The definition of disorderly conduct is quite broad, which can make challenging a Stamford disorderly conduct charge more difficult. A top criminal attorney is a crucial part of your defense to any charges.
How Does Connecticut Define Disorderly Conduct?
Under Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) § 53a-182, almost any bothersome, annoying, or disruptive behavior may qualify as disorderly conduct. This statutory section covers both generally disruptive conduct, but also some specific types of behaviors, including:
- Fighting
- Making unreasonably loud noises
- Refusing to leave a group of people in public by order of the police
- Impeding pedestrian or vehicle traffic
Disturbing or interrupting public meetings and trespassing to observe people in their homes without their consent also may constitute disorderly conduct. Essentially, any argument, disruption, or disturbance could result in disorderly conduct charges. The wide range of behaviors included as disorderly conduct can make challenges to disorderly conduct charges in Stamford more complicated.
How Is Disorderly Conduct Charged?
Disorderly conduct is a Class C misdemeanor, which is one of the least severe types of criminal offenses. Individuals convicted of a Class C misdemeanor can face three months in jail and a $500 fine. They also may be ordered to serve time on probation or be subject to an order of protection in a domestic violence context. On top of the judicial penalties, a conviction can carry a social stigma that can make it more difficult to obtain employment and housing for years to come.
What Should I Know about Domestic Violence Charges?
Disorderly conduct charges often result from a domestic violence altercation involving family or household members. When domestic violence is a component of the criminal charges, the cases are directed to the court that handles domestic violence and family relations cases. This court has a specialized domestic violence intervention team designed to find the best resolution for each family.
By engaging in the services offered, individuals may be able to emerge from their court proceedings without a criminal conviction. They may need to work collaboratively with Family Relations officers, social workers, and other service providers to resolve the situation that led to the family conflict and ensuing criminal charges. Completing all recommendations can lead to lesser sanctions, reduced charges, or even the dismissal of charges altogether.
If you are facing disorderly conduct charges, you also should be aware of the possibility of the court entering orders of protection in your case. These orders can have a significant impact on your family situations and even cause you to be removed from your home and your family. Furthermore, violating orders of protection can lead to additional criminal charges, which can complicate the resolution of the underlying disorderly conduct charge.
How Can Attorneys Challenge These Charges?
Legal counsel may be able to take several steps, depending on the circumstances, to investigate the case and challenge the pending charges. Motions for discovery allow them to review and assess all evidence against persons accused of committing a crime. This evidence can consist of police reports and notes, 911 call logs, and witness statements.
Attorneys can work to develop compelling Stamford disorderly conduct charge challenges by requiring the state to preserve all available evidence, including any video and audio recordings. By maintaining and gaining access to this evidence, individuals may be able to build a more robust defense case to their disorderly conduct charges.
Call to Discuss Challenging a Stamford Disorderly Conduct Charge
An aggressive defense is a necessity in all disorderly conduct cases. To learn more about challenging a Stamford disorderly conduct charge, reach out to Mark Sherman Law today.