Examples of Disorderly Conduct in Wisconsin
Under Wisconsin law, disorderly conduct is a very broad term – and the consequences of a conviction can be pretty serious (and they’ll stay on your record forever unless you petition the court to remove them). It covers any behavior in public or in private that’s likely to provoke a disturbance, such as behaviors that are:
- Violent
- Abusive
- Indecent
- Profane
- Boisterous
- Unreasonably loud
- Otherwise disorderly conduct
Just from that list, you can see that the police can arrest you for disorderly conduct when you’re doing just about anything but walking quietly down the street. If you’re convicted, you’re looking at a Class B misdemeanor – and that’s punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
3 Examples of Disorderly Conduct in Wisconsin
Still not sure what constitutes this type of crime? Check out these three examples of disorderly conduct.
#1. Participating in a disruptive protest
The state can charge you with disorderly conduct if you’re part of a disruptive protest. For example, if the protest you’re participating in devolves from a peaceable assembly into one that involves fighting, profane verbal altercations (with the police or with others), or destruction of property, you can be arrested, charged with disorderly conduct, and possibly convicted.
#2. Public intoxication
It’s not uncommon for people to drink at a bar in downtown Milwaukee, walk to another bar, drink more, and hit the streets again. However, when public intoxication is obvious (such as when other people see you staggering, being loud or obnoxious, or urinating in public), the police can arrest you and charge you with disorderly conduct.
#3. Yelling, screaming or verbally assaulting others
In a recent Michigan protest, a man was alleged to have screamed in a police officer’s face. In some instances, that’s enough to get someone arrested for disorderly conduct (the police did not arrest that man).
Do You Need to Talk to a Lawyer About These Examples of Disorderly Conduct or Your Own Charges?
If you’ve been accused of disorderly conduct, we may be able to help you. Call us at 414-383-6700 to schedule your free consultation with a Milwaukee disorderly conduct attorney today.
