Riverside Disorderly Conduct Attorney
What constitutes disorderly conduct?
This type of offense could encompass a multitude of different acts or behaviors
that violate and disrupt public order. Most offenses under
California Penal Code § 647, disorderly conduct are misdemeanor crimes punishable by six months to
one year in. These offenses include loitering, prowling, soliciting, prostitution,
public intoxication and much more.
This may seem like a relatively minor charge, but it could have significant
negative implications in regards to your reputation and possible future
employment. It would be quite uncomfortable when you have to explain to
a possible employer about the disorderly conduct conviction on your record-
in fact, you may not even get the chance. Many employers run a background
check on applicants before they even call them in for an interview, so
you may never be considered for the job. Whether you are guilty or not,
your freedom and reputation is at stake and the odds are against you.
If you have been arrest for disorderly conduct, it is definitely in your
best interest to obtain an experienced
Riverside domestic violence lawyer from our firm to protect your rights against the prosecution.
Examples of Disorderly Conduct
Since the category of disorderly conduct law is so broad, these charges
occur rather frequently. Anyone found guilty of an offense of this nature
could be facing a year in jail along with various fines. Any of the following
crimes can be considered a disorderly conduct offense:
- Window peeping
- Squatting
- Prostitution
- Public intoxication
- Being under the influence of drugs in public
- Using binoculars to spy into other peoples' property
- Panhandling
- Loitering
- Soliciting
- Trespassing on private property
- Harassment
All of these crimes are considered to be a misdemeanor offense. Disturbing
the peace is another crime that is similar to disorderly conduct. Some
examples of disturbing the peace would be fighting in public, loud irrational
noise, and using offensive language in public that could invoke violence.
If you are convicted of disturbing the peace, then you could be facing
up to 90 days in jail and be required to pay a fine of $400. The California
statutes regarding disturbing the peace could be found in the
CA Penal Code § 415.
Can I fight a disorderly conduct charge and win?
The answer is definitely yes. In many cases we find that our clients have
been falsely accused- they either made the police angry, or were victims
of unprofessional police conduct, and found themselves in handcuffs for
causing a disruption. Need an attorney for a disorderly conduct charge
in San Bernardino? Our firm has successfully handled countless disorderly
conduct cases. There are a number of effective defense strategies and
tactics that are designed to reduce or dismiss charges of this nature.
Due to the broad nature of the law, these cases fly in and out of the
Riverside court system. In cases where this is your first offense, there
is a good chance that you will be able to successfully avoid jail time.
In cases where you are convicted, we could petition for the court to reduce
your sentence to probation by highlighting your strengths.
Public Intoxication Laws in California
Many disorderly conduct crimes involve alcohol and drugs. Whether you are
found intoxicated via alcohol consumption or drug use, it is considered
to be a crime if you are found drunk in public. If an officer finds that
you are being disruptive to the public you could face criminal penalties
and if you are found in a debilitating state, they may arrest you and
have you sleep it off in a jail cell for up to 72 hours. These public
intoxication laws are meant to promote public safety and keep intoxicated
people off the streets. If you are disruptive in a restaurant, sidewalk,
park, shopping or any other public place, you could face criminal consequences.
This type of offense is not as severe as DUI or DWI, but it could still
count as a mark on your criminal record. A (DIP) or drunk in public conviction
is a misdemeanor offense that is punishable for up to six months in jail
and a fine of up to $1,000.
How a Riverside Domestic Violence Lawyer Can Help
If an officer believed you to be a danger to yourself or to others and
you have been arrested for disorderly conduct, then it is vital that you
consult with a
San Bernardino domestic violence attorney as soon as possible. By getting our firm involved early on in your case,
we may be able to persuade the prosecution not to file formal charges.
If you have been arrested for reckless or disruptive behavior in public,
then you could be facing a jail sentence, a steep fine, probation, community
service, or a possible restraining order. Do not underestimate the possible
gravity of your charges, rather take swift legal action. Our legal team
may be able to prove that your civil rights were compromised during the
arrest or that you were never actually posed any danger to yourself or
people around you.
Are you looking for a lawyer for your disorderly conduct case in Riverside?
Contact a Riverside domestic violence attorney today to schedule a free consultation so we can discuss your disorderly
conduct charges.