The Crime

Disorderly Conduct is a misdemeanor offense that can seriously damage your record and your reputation. In Tennessee, a person may be convicted of the crime of Disorderly Conduct if the state prosecutor proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the person was in a public place and with intent to cause public annoyance or alarm:

1. Engaged in fighting or in violent or threatening behavior; or
2. Refused to obey an official order to disperse issued to maintain public safety in dangerous proximity to a fire, hazard or other emergency; or
3. Created a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act that served no legitimate purpose.

A person also commits the offense of Disorderly Conduct if he or she makes unreasonable noise that prevents others from carrying on lawful activities.

If you have been charged with disorderly conduct, you should seek help from the Knoxville criminal defense attorneys at the Oberman & Rice Law Firm.

[Source: Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-305]

The Penalties

Disorderly Conduct is a Class C Misdemeanor. A conviction for Disorderly Conduct in Tennessee will result in some or all of the following penalties:

1. A sentence of up to 30 days in jail;
2. A probationary period;
3. A fine; and
4. Court costs.

[Source: Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-305]

Should I Hire A Lawyer?

Disorderly Conduct is a Misdemeanor Offense in Tennessee. However, it may result in jail time and, if convicted, the Disorderly Conduct charge will remain on your criminal history forever (except in rare circumstances). As a result, a potential employer may uncover a record of a conviction for this offense through a request for an applicant’s criminal history. An experienced Tennessee Criminal Defense Attorney provides the best opportunity to avoid a jail sentence or a conviction.

Why Hire a Lawyer Immediately?

It is important to act quickly in order to gather and preserve favorable evidence. Certain witnesses need to be interviewed as soon as possible. Key evidence (faces, dates, events, and conversations) fades from memory over time. Also, video recordings and other evidence may be destroyed. Therefore, it is critical to begin an investigation as soon as possible to ensure valuable evidence is not lost. Success or failure in any criminal case may be determined in the decisions of the defendant and his or her Tennessee Criminal Attorney in only a few hours or days after an arrest.

Contact Us Today

If you or someone you know has recently been arrested, contact the Oberman & Rice Law Firm today so that we can begin preparing a defense for your case. Submit your information for a free case evaluation from our Knoxville criminal defense attorneys or call our office at 865-249-7200.