Common Stamford Disorderly Conduct Charges
Some of the most common Stamford disorderly conduct charges relate to domestic violence between family and household members, as well as incidents that occur at rallies, protests, or public meetings. Regardless of the situation, consulting a top attorney about any disorderly conduct charges may be wise.
How Does Stamford Treat Disorderly Conduct Charges?
Disorderly conduct, as defined in Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) § 53a-182, covers all types of annoying, disturbing, or disruptive conduct. When individuals purposely engage in this type of behavior or act recklessly in creating a risk of disrupting others, they commit this offense. As the statutory definition of disorderly conduct is so broad, it applies to a variety of situations.
As a result, it can be easy to get arrested for disorderly conduct. This statute provides a sort of “catch-all” offense that police can utilize to arrest individuals in many different circumstances.
What Are Some Examples of Disorderly Conduct?
Disorderly conduct charges occur in some situations more commonly than others. For instance, domestic violence situations between family and household members often lead to disorderly conduct charges. Likewise, attendance at public meetings on controversial topics and participation in rallies and protests also are the source of some Stamford common disorderly conduct charges.
How Does Domestic Violence Impact These Charges?
The involvement of domestic violence will result in the intervention of a family violence unit, which is present in the Family Relations Divisions of all courts. A Family Relations counselor is likely to become involved and assess the case for the risk of continuing violence. The court also likely will implement an order of protection designed to prevent further violent incidents, which has independent legal repercussions if violated.
What Are Common Sources of Disorderly Conduct Charges?
Oftentimes, Stamford criminal defense lawyers see a rise in disorderly conduct arrests after protests, demonstrations, or public meetings. People tend to have strong emotional responses on both sides of the issues that are central to these events. When tempers flare, arguments and fights may break out, leading to police intervention.
Fighting, making unreasonably loud noises, and disturbing public meetings all could result in disorderly conduct charges. Likewise, blocking sidewalks or traffic in streets and refusing to disperse upon a police order also could justify common disorderly conduct charges in Stamford.
What Are the Consequences of a Disorderly Conduct Conviction?
A disorderly conduct charge is a Class C misdemeanor offense under state law. The maximum penalties for a Class C misdemeanor conviction include up to three months in jail, probation, and a $500 fine. This conviction results in a permanent criminal record that will appear on background checks in the future.
If the disorderly conduct conviction involves domestic violence, individuals likely will be subject to an order of protection. These orders prohibit individuals from possessing firearms. Violating an order of protection also can result in separate criminal charges.
Resolving Stamford Common Disorderly Conduct Charges
Engaging the services of legal counsel may be the most effective means of positively handling and resolving common Stamford disorderly conduct charges. Reach out to Mark Sherman Law for the help you need.