RHODE ISLAND DISORDERLY CONDUCT
DEFENSE LAWYER
Disorderly conduct is a very broad offense that includes many situations. It encompasses many acts that are considered disruptions to public order. A police officer can interpret this very broadly, which is why if the police are mad at you for any reason, they may say you caused a disruption and arrest you.
Although it is a relatively minor charge, it is one that must be taken seriously. Any misdemeanor criminal conviction will leave you with a permanent criminal record. You never want to put yourself in a position to have to explain why you have a disorderly conduct conviction to a future employer. And in many cases, you may never get to explain it. Because a background check will be performed on you, and you simply won’t be offered the job.
Because of the broad nature of the law, disorderly conduct is an offense that is quite common. For this reason, we have successfully defended many disorderly conduct cases and have probably handled one very similar to yours.
Call for a consultation on your case today; we are here to help. We can offer defense suggestions, and let you know what we can do to beat the case, and keep your record clean. To discuss your criminal charges with an aggressive defense lawyer, call 401-228-8271 or email at mm@matthewtmarin.com.
RECENT DISORDERLY CONDUCT DEFENSE VICTORIES
Charge: Disorderly Conduct
Police Report: Client was alleged to have been in a drunken disorderly state at the Police Station as she was hysterically yelling and screaming profanities at the officers present.
Result:
DISMISSED and EXPUNGED
Charge: Disorderly Conduct
Police Report: On the street after an incident, the Client was alleged to have spoken "Fighting Words" to a Police Officer when the Client said "I know my fucking rights."
Result:
DISMISSED
Charge: Disorderly Conduct
Police Report: Client was walking home from the bar and got into an argument with a Police Officer. The Police Officer ordered the client to move off the sidewalk as he was allegedly blocking traffic. Client yelled profanities at the Officer and was arrested.
Result:
DISMISSED and EXPUNGED
CAN I FIGHT AND WIN A DISORDERLY CONDUCT CASE
Yes, you can. We see a lot of these charges, and there are almost always good defense strategies that can get charges reduced, dismissed, or work out a reasonable arrangement.
Because these offenses are common, they go through the Rhode Island court system quickly. When you are charged with one of these offenses, however, it may seem like time stands still. Most people have never been arrested and charged with a crime before, and that puts added pressure and uncertainty on your shoulders.
And when you are facing jail time and a mark on your permanent record, no crime seems minor. But we can help you. As your attorney I can ensure that you will be treated fairly in the courtroom and make certain you are as comfortable as possible during this stressful time.
It is important to hire a skilled defense lawyer as soon as possible to begin the process of gathering evidence and crafting a legal defense to the charges you are facing. Contact Attorney Matthew T. Marin today to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case, your rights, and your options. The Law Offices of Matthew T. Marin, Esq., Inc. can be reached by calling (401) 228-8271 or by email at mm@matthewtmarin.com.
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DISORDERLY CONDUCT LAWS AND PENALTIES
§ 11-45-1 Disorderly conduct. –
(a) A person commits disorderly conduct if he or she intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly:
(1) Engages in fighting or threatening, or in violent or tumultuous behavior;
(2) In a public place or near a private residence that he or she has no right to occupy, disturbs another person by making loud and unreasonable noise which under the circumstances would disturb a person of average sensibilities;
(3) Directs at another person in a public place offensive words which are likely to provoke a violent reaction on the part of the average person so addressed;
(4) Alone or with others, obstructs a highway, street, sidewalk, railway, waterway, building entrance, elevator, aisle, stairway, or hallway to which the public or a substantial group of the public has access or any other place ordinarily used for the passage of persons, vehicles, or conveyances;
(5) Engages in conduct which obstructs or interferes physically with a lawful meeting, procession, or gathering;
(6) Enters upon the property of another and for a lascivious purpose looks into an occupied dwelling or other building on the property through a window or other opening; or
(7) Who without the knowledge or consent of the individual, looks for a lascivious purpose through a window, or any other opening into an area in which another would have a reasonable expectation of privacy, including, but not limited to, a restroom, locker room, shower, changing room, dressing room, bedroom, or any other such private area, not withstanding any property rights the individual may have in the location in which the private area is located.
(8) [Deleted by P.L. 2008, ch. 183, § 1].
(b) Any person, including a police officer, may be a complainant for the purposes of instituting action for any violation of this section.
(c) Any person found guilty of the crime of disorderly conduct shall be imprisoned for a term of not more than six (6) months, or fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500), or both.
(d) In no event shall subdivisions (a)(2) – (5) of this section be construed to prevent lawful picketing or lawful demonstrations including, but not limited to, those relating to a labor dispute.
DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter. Also, the Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer as an expert or specialist in any field of practice.
