Mississippi Criminal and Family Law Blog“Disorderly conduct” may seem like a vague phrase. After all, there are many acts that could potentially be considered disorderly conduct. So, how do you know if you are breaking the law? The truth is that you could face serious legal consequences for committing this crime, so it makes sense to gain a clear understanding of what falls within the parameters of “disorderly conduct.”
If you have been charged with disorderly conduct in Mississippi, get in touch with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Although disorderly conduct might not be the worst crime you can be charged with in Mississippi, the consequences are no laughing matter. To avoid these legal consequences, you can work with an attorney and put a solid defense strategy into action.
The Definition of Disorderly Conduct in Mississippi
Disorderly conduct is a crime that is loud, obnoxious, annoying, lewd, or disturbing. Disorderly conduct must be committed in public to be a crime, although certain acts within your own home may also constitute an offense if they disturb other people outside your home. In most cases, disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor. Disorderly conduct is also very similar to “disturbing the peace,” which is another umbrella term used to describe annoying or obnoxious acts in public.
Examples of Disorderly Conduct
- Interfering with Police: An entire category of these crimes is dedicated to acts that interfere with police officers. You may be charged with disorderly conduct if you fail to obey a police officer or encourage others to disobey officers.
- Interfering with Public Services: You may also be charged with disorderly conduct if you disturb, interrupt, or interfere with any public or religious service, such as a mass, a Sunday service, a funeral, or a memorial service.
- False Reports: Falsely reporting fires or crimes may also result in a disorderly conduct charge.
- Disturbing the Peace on Buses: An entire subsection of disorderly conduct laws is dedicated to behavior on buses. If you use vulgar language, become heavily intoxicated, or smoke a cigar or pipe, you may be charged with a misdemeanor.
- Disturbing Legal Proceedings: If you disturb the legislature in Mississippi, you may be charged with a misdemeanor.
It should be noted that breastfeeding in public is never considered disorderly conduct or disturbing the peace.
With all that said, perhaps the most common reason people face disorderly conduct charges in Mississippi is resisting arrest. While resisting arrest is a separate offense that is much more serious, you could face disorderly conduct charges if you refuse to comply with a police officer’s demands. For example, you might refuse to get into a police vehicle after being arrested.
Get in Touch with an Attorney Today
If you have been searching for a Mississippi criminal defense attorney, look no further than Vic Carmody Jr., P.A. We can help you fight your charges while ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process. Remember, the consequences for disorderly conduct can be quite severe, and it is always a good idea to explore your legal options. Book your consultation today, and we can discuss a range of potential defense strategies.