If you’re like most people, you’ve heard of disorderly conduct – but what is it, and what happens if you’re convicted of disorderly conduct in court? Will you go to jail? Here’s what you need to know.
What is Disorderly Conduct?
Disorderly conduct is an umbrella term that covers quite a few types of crimes. In fact, the state of Wisconsin can convict you of disorderly conduct if the court believes that you:
- Engaged in violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud or otherwise disorderly conduct
- Your conduct tended to cause or provoke a disturbance.
The state defines disorderly conduct this way: “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.”
Related: Examples of disorderly conduct in Wisconsin
Can You Go to Jail for Disorderly Conduct in Wisconsin?
You can go to jail for disorderly conduct in Wisconsin. In addition to your initial arrest, when police bring you to the station for booking, you can be convicted of a Class B misdemeanor. A Class B misdemeanor carries a penalty of up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
How Do You Beat a Disorderly Conduct Charge in Wisconsin?
There’s no guarantee that you’ll beat a disorderly conduct charge in Wisconsin, but you can get the best possible outcome if you get legal advice related to your situation. You can fight these types of charges and, in some cases, defeat them – but you do need to know the law and how it applies to your situation. You can’t walk into court completely unprepared.
Related: All about disorderly conduct in Wisconsin
Will Disorderly Conduct Go on Your Criminal Record?
A criminal conviction will go on your criminal record. You may later qualify to clear your criminal record, but there’s no guarantee that a court will approve an expungement in your case – and that means in most cases, disorderly conduct will stay on your criminal record.
Do You Need to Talk to a Disorderly Conduct Attorney in Wisconsin?
If you’ve been accused of disorderly conduct, we may be able to help you. Call our office at 414-383-6700 to schedule a free consultation – we’ll answer your questions and help you start moving forward.
