Disorderly Conduct

Disorderly conduct is a relatively minor charge applied to those individuals who perform acts that “disrupt the peace” of a public or private area. Wisconsin law leaves the definition of disorderly conduct fairly open, meaning that a number of actions have the potential to fall under the realm of this charge.

Specifically, the law mandates that violators of the disorderly conduct law include:

“Whoever, in a public or private place, engages in violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud, or otherwise disorderly conduct under circumstances in which the conduct tends to cause or provoke a disturbance.”

Anyone who has committed an act of disorderly conduct is liable to be charged with a Class B misdemeanor, with a maximum penalty of up to $1000 in fines and/or incarceration for up to 90 days in a state prison. Repeat offenders may see an increase in punishment severity.

Examples of Disorderly Conduct

Many different acts may fall under the realm of disorderly conduct. The following are common examples of actions that may render an individual with a disorderly conduct charge:

• Public drunkenness
• Indecent exposure in public
• Starting a riot
• Fighting with another individual
• Using obscene language in public

In Wisconsin, disorderly conduct also constitutes telephone calls that are made to other individuals not in an effort to begin a conversation, but instead to simply annoy the victim. This offense is liable to be charged in the same manner as any public disturbance.

Contact Us

If you have been charged with disorderly conduct, a Milwaukee criminal defense lawyer of Hart Powell, S.C. can help you. Please contact our law office today at (414) 271-9595 to schedule an appointment.