Disorderly Conduct Defense Attorney in DeLand

If you’ve been charged with disorderly conduct in Florida, it’s crucial to understand that this charge can be vague and easily misapplied. Disorderly conduct is often a "catch-all" offense that law enforcement uses to arrest or detain individuals for a wide range of behaviors, sometimes even when no actual crime has occurred. Whether you were simply exercising your right to free speech or involved in a misunderstanding, an experienced disorderly conduct defense attorney can help protect your rights and ensure that the charges are handled appropriately.

At Williams Legal, P.A., we specialize in defending individuals against disorderly conduct charges. We are committed to providing skilled legal representation and advocating for your best interests in court.

What is Disorderly Conduct in Florida?

Disorderly conduct in Florida is defined as a breach of the peace or an act that disrupts public order. While the concept may sound straightforward, disorderly conduct can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from a lawful expression of free speech or a minor public disturbance.

Examples of disorderly conduct may include:

• Fighting in public
• Public intoxication
• Acts that corrupt public morals or outrage public decency
• Disrupting the peace or quiet of others, even through minor verbal disputes
• Any action that disrupts public order or engages in a brawl

In some cases, even something as simple as asking a police officer a question or voicing your opinion may escalate into a disorderly conduct charge if the officer feels their authority is being challenged.

The Legal Elements of Disorderly Conduct

For the state of Florida to convict you of disorderly conduct, they must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you:

1. Committed an act that corrupted the morals of the public or outraged public decency; or
2. Disrupted the peace and quiet of people who witnessed the act; or
3. Took part in a brawl, fight, or public altercation.

Because this is often a subjective charge, law enforcement may arrest individuals on disorderly conduct allegations for actions that are not clearly defined as criminal. As such, it’s important to have a strong defense in place to challenge the evidence and prevent a wrongful conviction.

Penalties for Disorderly Conduct

If you are convicted of disorderly conduct in Florida, you may face the following penalties:

• Second-degree misdemeanor charge
• Up to 60 days in jail
• A fine of up to $500

Additionally, a disorderly conduct conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, which could impact your future employment opportunities, travel, and other aspects of your life.

Defending Against Disorderly Conduct Charges

There are several potential defenses against a disorderly conduct charge, including:

• Lack of intent: If you did not intend to disrupt the peace or corrupt public morals, the state may not be able to prove that the act was criminal.
• Freedom of speech: If you were simply exercising your right to free speech or expressing a lawful opinion, the charge may be inappropriate.
• False accusations: Disorderly conduct charges can sometimes be based on misunderstandings or false allegations. If you can show that you were not involved in any disruptive behavior, you may have grounds for a defense.
• Unlawful arrest: If law enforcement detained you without proper cause or violated your rights during the arrest, the charges may be dismissed.

Why You Need a Disorderly Conduct Defense Attorney

Disorderly conduct charges can result in serious legal consequences, and defending against them requires an experienced attorney who understands Florida’s laws. At Williams Legal, P.A., we have extensive experience in handling disorderly conduct cases and will work diligently to protect your rights. We will investigate the details of your case, explore potential defenses, and fight for the best possible outcome.

Contact a Disorderly Conduct Defense Attorney Today

If you have been arrested or charged with disorderly conduct in Florida, don’t leave your future to chance. Contact [Firm Name] today to schedule a consultation with an experienced disorderly conduct defense attorney. We are committed to providing you with aggressive, personalized defense to achieve the best possible result in your case.

Call (386) 277-1166 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation now.