PITTSBURGH DISORDERLY CONDUCT LAWYER
If you’ve been charged with disorderly conduct in Pennsylvania, you cannot afford to dismiss it as a minor matter. A conviction—even at the summary level—can lead to jail time, fines, and a criminal record that may impact your future employment. At the Zuckerman Law Firm LLC, we are dedicated to defending clients facing disorderly conduct and other criminal charges in Pittsburgh and throughout Western Pennsylvania.
What is Disorderly Conduct in Pennsylvania?
Disorderly Conduct is found under Title 18 Section 5503 of the Crimes Code. A person can be found guilty of disorderly conduct if he or she causes public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm OR he or she is aware that their conduct is creating a risk of causing public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, and one of the following events occurs:
The person engages in fighting, threatening, violent or tumultuous behavior
The person makes unreasonable noise
The person uses obscene language or makes an obscene gesture; OR
The person creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition and their action serves no legitimate purpose.
Grading and Penalties for Disorderly Conduct?
A disorderly conduct offense can be graded as either a summary offense or a third-degree misdemeanor offense. The more serious, third-degree grading applies when the person causes serious public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm. The summary grading applies when a person causes less serious public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm.
Summary: Punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a $300 fine plus court costs, with criminal history record information that cannot be expunged for a minimum period of 5 years;
Third-Degree Misdemeanor: Punishable by up to 1 year in jail, a $2,500 fine, and a permanent criminal record with no record sealing for a minimum period of 10 years.
Why am I facing Disorderly Conduct charges?
If you have engaged in some type of disruptive behavior, you may find yourself charged with Disorderly Conduct. In many cases, Disorderly Conduct is one of several charges filed against an individual. Some of the most common reasons include:
Behaving aggressively or loud towards law enforcement or others, typically when intoxicated;
Provoking a fight, altercation or loud and disruptive argument;
Disobeying police orders;
Possessing small amounts of marijuana or drugs when police opt for this charge instead of a drug-specific offense.
The Zuckerman Law Firm can help defend you against Disorderly Conduct charges.
The Zuckerman Law Firm has successfully defended those accused of disorderly conduct throughout Pittsburgh and the surrounding counties in Western Pennsylvania. Our firm has helped college students and working professionals earn a dismissal of their charges through negotiated dismissal agreements, and have fought for not guilty verdicts during trial.
If you are charged with disorderly conduct, the first step you should do is call the Zuckerman Law Firm at 412-447-5580 for a free telephone consultation. We can help you enter a not guilty plea, schedule a hearing and prepare your defense.