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Skilled Defense Against Disorderly Conduct Charges In Pennsylvania

The attorneys at Chieppor & Egner LLC represent individuals charged with all manner of criminal offenses, including disorderly conduct and similar charges. Disorderly conduct is defined under the Pennsylvania Criminal Code as a person who had the “intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk.” Some examples include:

  • Engaging in fighting or threatening, or in violent or tumultuous behavior
  • Making unreasonable noise
  • Using obscene language or making an obscene gesture
  • Creating a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any action which serves no legitimate purpose

Examples of disorderly conduct include having a loud party at your home, fighting in a public place or yelling obscenities. It is also frequently charged against those who urinate in public.

Being charged with disorderly conduct in Pennsylvania is typically a summary offense, but in some circumstances can be classified as a misdemeanor depending on the severity of the behavior. Any charge of disorderly conduct should be fought because even a summary conviction will be on your criminal history and cannot be expunged for five years.

Understanding The Penalties For Conviction

Penalties for disorderly conduct as a summary offense, if convicted:

  • $300 fine
  • Up to 90 days in jail
  • Can be expunged after 5 years

Penalties for disorderly conduct as a misdemeanor, if convicted:

  • $300 fine
  • Up to one year in jail
  • Not able to be expunged; would require a pardon to erase from criminal history

If you are a minor (under the age of 18) and convicted of disorderly conduct, you will face the following penalties:

  • A fine of up to $300, plus approximately $120 in administrative costs
  • Up to 90 days in jail (it’s extremely rare to get jail time)
  • Potentially being able to have the charge expunged

Our attorneys can help you contest the charges or otherwise resolve them in the most favorable manner available.

Speak To A Defense Lawyer About Your Disorderly Conduct Charges

The attorneys at Chieppor & Egner LLC can help you if you were charged with disorderly conduct in Lancaster County or surrounding areas. To learn more, call us at 717-985-8358 or reach out online.