Minneapolis Disorderly Conduct Lawyer
People who are seen or heard acting on in public in a way that is disturbing or disruptive can be removed from the streets and face disorderly conduct charges. Disorderly conduct is a public safety crime in Minnesota.
Have you been accused of disorderly conduct in Minnesota? If so, you will need to know what a disorderly conduct charge means and what the consequences could be if you are convicted of the charges.
What Is Disorderly Conduct?
Under Minnesota law, disorderly conduct can include a variety of behaviors and actions, including the following:
Disturbing The Peace-Fighting or causing disruption to a meeting that is lawful, or exhibiting actions and behaviors that result in anger from others.
Public Nuisance– Endangering the well-being and safety of others or disobeying local laws.
Disorderly conduct has to result in alarm, anger, or resentment from others. Also, the person who has engaged in disorderly conduct must have a clear understanding of their actions and know that their actions can bring harm to others. Disorderly conduct can take place in public and private locations.
The state of Minnesota understands that some acts of disorderly conduct can be caused by health conditions, such as epilepsy. If someone commits an act of disorderly conduct, epilepsy or any other neurological condition will allow the actions to be excused.
In Minnesota, public intoxication is viewed as a social problem or an issue related to one’s health, instead of a crime.. A person who is destructive and vandalizes property or commits illegal activities while publicly intoxicated can be punished for the crimes that have been committed.
Penalties for Disorderly Conduct
If someone commits disorderly conduct and has no criminal record, it is unlikely that person will receive jail time. Someone who is a first-time offender will likely be ordered to pay a fine and be given a sentence to commit community service. Generally, someone convicted of disorderly conduct will be given probation from 2 to 4 years.
Disorderly Conduct and Caregivers
Being a caregiver who engages in disorderly conduct or offensive behavior/language to an adult who is vulnerable can be regarded as very serious. A vulnerable adult is any person who is over the age of 18 and:
- receives services as an inpatient
- receives services at a facility for adults
- receives care from an organization or individual
- has a physical or mental weakness that impairs their ability to care for themselves without assistance
Under the law in Minnesota, a caregiver who violates the disorderly conduct laws can be given a stronger penalty.
How To Fight Disorderly Conduct Charges In Minnesota
The charge of disorderly conduct is not uncommon in Minnesota. This charge is often combined with other charges included charges that are related to the use of alcohol. The laws are very comprehensive, and this means that people who are engaged in a loud argument or people who are having a loud party can receive disorderly conduct charges.
Since the laws are as comprehensive as they are, your lawyer can depend on accounts and testimonies from witnesses to refute the charges. The prosecution has to successfully prove that you knew your behavior would anger or alarm others. The circumstances of the act will also be considered. Were you yelling in a quiet restaurant or were you yelling in a loud bar so someone could hear you?
If a disorderly conduct charge is used along with other charges, including domestic violence or domestic assault, the other charge can be dropped if you agree to the charge of disorderly conduct. There can also be situations when the first charge is assault, but you agree to a disorderly conduct charge instead.
Anyone accused of disorderly conduct should seek legal assistance immediately. There are various defenses a defense lawyer can bring to your attention, including the exercise of free speech, being provoked by an officer, self-defense, and medical-related issues.
If you are facing disorderly conduct charges in Minnesota, contact Anderson Law Firm, PLLC today for a consultation. We want to help you build a strong defense based on the details of your case.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Please contact attorney Kirk Anderson for an initial consultation.