Frisco, TX Disorderly Conduct Lawyers

Experienced Attorneys Defending Clients Charged for Disorderly or Disruptive Conduct in Frisco, Texas

People may engage in a wide range of behaviors that could be considered disruptive or disorderly. When people find this conduct to be disturbing, threatening, or abusive, a person could be arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. While this offense is classified as a misdemeanor, a conviction can still have serious consequences. Beyond the immediate criminal penalties, such as fines or potential jail time, a disorderly conduct conviction can leave a permanent mark on a person's criminal record, causing difficulties in their life.

At Barbieri Law Firm, our attorneys work with clients in Frisco and the surrounding region who have been accused of disorderly conduct, helping to defend against these charges and prevent them from suffering serious penalties. These cases are often highly subjective, and an arrest may be based on questionable assumptions or misinterpretations of a person's actions. We can challenge weak evidence, advocate for our client's rights, and explore all legal options for resolving a case while avoiding a criminal conviction.

What Is Disorderly Conduct Under Texas Law?

Disorderly conduct is defined under Texas Penal Code Section 42.01. A person may be charged with this offense if they intentionally engage in conduct that is considered to be offensive, disruptive, or threatening while they are in a public place. Types of behavior that may result in disorderly conduct charges include:

• Using profane, vulgar, or abusive language or making offensive gestures in a way that is considered to be a breach of the peace
• Creating unreasonably loud or disruptive noise in a public place or near a private residence
• Fighting with another person in public
• Acting in a threatening or abusive manner toward another person in a public location
• Using a smoke bomb or chemicals to cause a noxious odor or unreasonable smell in a public location
• Exposing one's genitals or anus in public without regard for the possibility of offending people who may be present
• Looking into a residence, hotel room, bathroom, shower stall, dressing room, or changing area for lewd purposes or other unlawful reasons (commonly referred to as "peeping")
• Displaying a firearm or another type of deadly weapon in public in a manner that is meant to alarm others
• Discharging a firearm in a public place

Examples of Situations That May Lead to Arrests for Disorderly Conduct

There are a variety of everyday disputes or misunderstandings that could lead to disorderly conduct charges, including:

• Yelling obscenities at someone during a public altercation
• Participating in a loud argument late at night near a residential area
• Brandishing a firearm during a road rage incident
• Getting into a fight at a bar, nightclub, or concert
• Making lewd gestures or offensive remarks in a public park
• Public urination
• Peering into a neighbor's window and being seen by a witness

In many of these cases, the behavior may be interpreted differently by witnesses or police officers, and there may be questions about whether the accused actually intended to provoke or threaten anyone.

Penalties for Disorderly Conduct

Most of the time, disorderly conduct is classified as a Class C misdemeanor offense, and a conviction may lead to a fine of as much as $500. However, disorderly conduct involving firearms can result in more serious charges. Displaying or discharging a gun in public could lead to Class B misdemeanor charges, and the penalties may include a sentence of up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

Regardless of the specific penalties, a misdemeanor conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, which can affect:

• Job applications and background checks
• Applications for rental housing
• Professional licensing
• School or university admission

Defending Against Charges of Disorderly Conduct

The attorneys at Barbieri Law Firm take all criminal charges seriously. We understand that even a minor misdemeanor offense can have lasting effects. We will investigate the circumstances of an arrest and build a defense for our client. Some of the defense strategies that may be available include:

• Lack of Intent: Disorderly conduct offenses involve acting intentionally or knowingly. If a person's conduct was accidental, was misinterpreted, or was taken out of context, we may argue that it did not rise to the level of a criminal offense.
• Free Speech Protections: Not all offensive speech is illegal. If a person's conduct involved protected expression under the First Amendment, we may argue to have the charges dismissed.
• Self-Defense or Justification: If a person was provoked or was acting to protect themselves, their actions may be legally justified, even if a confrontation occurred in public.
• False Accusations or Misidentification: In chaotic public settings, law enforcement officers may arrest the wrong person, or they may rely on inaccurate witness reports. Our team will review surveillance footage, audio recordings, and other evidence to find evidence that our client did not commit the offense in question.
• Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove each element of disorderly conduct beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence does not clearly support the charge, our lawyers may argue for a dismissal.
• Diversion Programs: In some cases, including those involving first-time offenders, our attorneys can advocate for solutions that will allow a case to be resolved without a criminal conviction.

Contact Our Frisco, Texas Disorderly Conduct Defense Attorneys

While charges of disorderly conduct may seem minor, they can result in serious and lasting consequences if they are not handled properly. The attorneys at Barbieri Law Firm can challenge allegations of disorderly conduct or related offenses, and we will work to resolve these cases while minimizing the penalties for our clients. Contact our Frisco disorderly conduct lawyers at 972-424-1902 to arrange a free consultation.