Facing a PA Disorderly Conduct Summary Offense? Get Legal Counsel
Someone gets into a loud argument with you because they pushed ahead of you in front of a food truck. A Giants fan gets into a shouting match with you outside a sports bar. You end up having a loud disagreement with your friend after a concert on a public street. You could have too much to drink and mistakenly shove someone on the street. In all these scenarios, you might have only yelled and annoyed some people around you. However, if you behaved in an unruly manner in public, you may be charged with disorderly conduct. And you might be charged even if you didn’t present an actual threat to anyone.
A person can be charged in Pennsylvania for a host of reasons. The charges might differ, but they all include fines and jail time. An experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer might be able to reduce the punishment.
The Definition of Disorderly Conduct
You can face charges of Disorderly Conduct in PA if you engage in unruly behavior with the intent to create public alarm, inconvenience, or annoyance. Disorderly conduct encompasses:
- Tumultuous, violent, threatening, or fighting behavior.
- Causing unreasonable noise.
- Making obscene gestures or using obscene language.
- Create physically or hazardous offensive conditions by behavior that doesn’t serve a legitimate objective.
A disorderly conduct charge is a summary offense. However, if you intended to create substantial inconvenience or harm, you can face a third-degree misdemeanor charge. You can also be charged if you refuse to stop the disruptive behavior after being warned or asked to stop.
Why You Need a Criminal Lawyer When Charged With Disorderly Conduct
Getting convicted for disorderly conduct isn’t harmless. A disorderly conduct conviction on an otherwise clean record can cause unnecessary stress and havoc. Especially when you seek employment, apply for a loan, or attempt to buy a firearm. The nature of a disorderly conduct charge is vague. Moreover, you will find yourself explaining everything over and over again to make it less of a “big deal”. The person on the other end might not think your explanations are valid. This is why you’d need a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer in your corner.
Disorderly conduct charges need to be fought as if facing charges of narcotic possession or aggravated assault. Even though it’s a summary offense in most circumstances, you can still be fined heavily and sent to jail. An experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help collect witnesses and evidence to fight the charges. They will also make sure the charge is removed from your record via expungement.
Possible Steps Taken by a Lawyer
Here’s what your criminal lawyer might do if you get charged with disorderly conduct:
- Your lawyer will meticulously review each aspect of the case. They will do so to determine if there’s adequate evidence for everything you’ve been charged with.
- Your Pittsburgh criminal lawyer strives to discredit all unfavorable evidence.
- Everything your lawyer can do will rely on the precise conditions of your case.
- You may not have wanted to cause inconvenience or harm. If so, witnesses or evidence will have to be gathered by your lawyer to prove it.
Logue Law Group is the expert you want fighting for your rights. Don’t allow a disorderly conduct charge to tarnish your record. Don’t let the prosecution charge you with disorderly conduct when they can’t charge you with anything else. Let us stand by you every step of the way. To know more, get in touch with sean@seanloguelaw.com now.