Disorderly conduct may not initially seem like a major legal issue when compared with other criminal charges, but it is actually a Class C misdemeanor in Arkansas. The courts can sentence an individual to up to 30 days in jail and order them to pay a fine of up to $500. The defendant could also have a permanent criminal record.
People accused of disorderly conduct need to understand the allegations against them, while those who might have boisterous personalities or who enjoy consuming alcohol regularly may need to understand what constitutes disorderly conduct to protect themselves from charges. The three behaviors below are common examples of disorderly conduct.
1. Fighting in public
People sometimes assume that they won’t face repercussions for a fistfight if the other party agrees to mutual combat. However, any physical altercations that take place in a public location can lead to other people contacting law enforcement, leading to disorderly conduct charges.
2. Blocking traffic
Protesters, street performers or those attempting to race on public roadways might temporarily block traffic without a permit. Doing so can cause a variety of complications, such as delaying the arrival of emergency vehicles. Any intentional attempts to block or interfere with the flow of traffic could lead to a disorderly conduct charge.
3. Abusive language
Those who speak in an inflammatory or aggressive manner, especially in public, could end up accused of disorderly conduct. When people attempt to offend, insult or intimidate others with their speech, that can justify criminal charges.
Those accused of disorderly conduct may need help responding to those allegations in court. Reviewing the case with an attorney can help defendants choose how to respond to their pending charges.