Baton Rouge Disorderly Conduct Lawyer

What Actions Constitute Disorderly Conduct in Louisiana

In Louisiana, disorderly conduct cases encompass various types of disruptive behavior and unreasonable noises that could disturb others in public spaces. The behaviors that constitute disorderly conduct or disturbing the peace in Louisiana can result in criminal charges when someone:

• engages in a fight or “fistic encounter.”
• uses offensive words or offensive language, addresses other persons using obscene language, makes unreasonable noise meant to disturb a person or group in a public place, or attempts to prevent someone from conducting business by making threats, whether by abusive language or physical threats in a public space
• appears intoxicated in public
• engages in violent or tumultuous behavior involving three or more people
• participates in or holds an unlawful assembly
• disrupts a lawful assembly
• deliberately disrupts a funeral or burial service/route with no lawful purpose

Penalties for a Disorderly Conduct Conviction in Louisiana

The potential penalties for a disorderly conduct conviction can include fines up to $100, jail time of up to 90 days, or both.

If the crime involves disturbing a funeral, a disorderly conduct conviction can result in fines of up to $500 and/or a jail sentence of up to six months.

Courts may also impose community service or court costs, depending on the circumstances. Additionally those guilty of disorderly conduct will have a criminal record.

You can typically expunge a disorderly conduct conviction after five years (and completing jail and/or community service time). However, having a criminal record can limit job and housing opportunities, which are both harsh inconveniences for a crime related to offensive language and public inconvenience.

Contact a Baton Rouge disorderly conduct attorney for a free consultation to learn how we can assist.

How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help With Disorderly Conduct Charges in Baton Rouge

Our criminal defense attorney team assists those facing disorderly conduct charges in Baton Rouge by evaluating the circumstances of the criminal cases to build strong defenses. We create an airtight criminal defense and use effective negotiation to help clients get their charges dropped for this “catch-all” crime.

For cases in which clients must plead guilty, we’ll work towards negotiating a deal for the pretrial diversion program in Baton Rouge or other ways of reducing the potential penalties of a disorderly conduct conviction.

The best criminal defense strategy will vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the crime. Schedule a free consultation with our Baton Rouge disorderly conduct attorney group to learn more.

Potential Defenses for Those Charged With Disorderly Conduct in Baton Rouge

The potential defenses for a disorderly conduct charge in Baton Rouge include:

• Free speech: The offensive language used was protected by free speech.
• Lack of Intent: While the defendant acted in a disruptive manner, they had no intent on disturbing the peace. Intent is often required for disorderly conduct charges.
• Self-Defense: If the charges were related to a physical altercation our criminal defense attorney can argue the accused was responding to physical threats and acting under self defense laws in Louisiana.
• Unlawful Arrest or Police Misconduct: If the police officer acted improperly, used excessive force, or violated the defendant’s rights, this may be grounds for challenging the charge.
• Insufficient Evidence: Our criminal defense lawyers may argue that the prosecution does not have enough evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

If you’ve been charged with disorderly conduct in Baton Rouge, whether for unruly conduct, unreasonable noise, offensive language, or other public inconvenience, our criminal defense lawyers will work diligently to reasonable doubt and minimize the chances of a permanent criminal record.