In Florida, disorderly conduct is any behavior that disrupts a public space. Some common examples include making excessively loud noise, drunk and disorderly behavior, and fighting in the street.

Florida Statute 877.03 defines disorderly conduct as acts that are of a nature to corrupt the public morals, outrage the sense of public decency, or affect the peace and quiet of persons who may witness them, or engages in brawling or fighting, or engages in such conduct as to constitute a breach of the peace or disorderly conduct.

Penalties

If you are arrested for disorderly conduct, you will be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by no more than sixty days in jail, six months of probation, and a $500 fine.

Not only will you possibly be facing jail time and financial obligations, but you will also be facing an entry on your criminal record.

Defenses

In Florida, disorderly conduct can be fairly easy to defend against. A conviction for disorderly conduct generally won’t stick if you are simply accused of creating an annoyance, using profanity, causing a crowd to gather, or displaying a belligerent attitude. Remember, you still have the First Amendment right to freedom of speech.

Central Florida Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are facing disorderly conduct charges, don’t fight it alone. You’ll want to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can present the best defense for your case.