Fighting, using offensive language, discharging a weapon and any other behavior that disturbs the peace can be Disorderly Conduct in Greeley. People have many different reasons these behaviors occur, but did you know you could face a criminal charge for them? The Criminal lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office know that while Disorderly Conduct is generally charged as either a misdemeanor or petty offense, you can still face fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record. Below, our experienced criminal defense lawyers discuss Disorderly Conduct Charge in Greeley and what you should know. If you are in Larimer County, you can get help for a Disorderly Conduct charge here.
Definition of Disorderly Conduct, C.R.S. 18-9-106, in Weld County
In Weld County, the definition of Disorderly Conduct, C.R.S. 18-9-106, is:
A person commits disorderly conduct if he or she intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly:
(c) Makes unreasonable noise in a public place or near a private residence that he has no right to occupy; or
(d) Fights with another in a public place except in an amateur or professional contest of athletic skill; or
(e) Not being a peace officer, discharges a firearm in a public place; or
(f) Not being a peace officer, displays a real or simulated firearm, displays any article used or fashioned in a manner to cause a person to reasonably believe that the article is a firearm, or represents verbally or otherwise that he or she is armed with a firearm in a public place in a manner calculated to alarm.
Common Examples of Disorderly Conduct Charges in Greeley, Colorado
To be charged in Greeley with Disorderly Conduct you must “intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly” act in a way that disturbs the peace. A few common examples of Disorderly Conduct are:
- Discharging a firearm in a public place such as a sidewalk or park.
- Publicly fighting with another person, like for instance getting into a fight at a bar, club or school grounds.
- Make loud, rude, and offensive gestures and comments that breach the immediate peace in a public place. This could be loudly swearing, yelling, and flipping off restaurant staff for mixing up your order.
Weld County Punishment and Sentence for Disorderly Conduct
In Weld County, the punishment and sentence for Disorderly Conduct depend on the actions and conduct that caused the charge. A breach of peace, such as an offensive utterance, is a Petty offense if convicted. The penalties for a Petty crime include a fine of up to $300, up to 10 days in the Weld County Jail, or both. Fighting in a public place is also a class 1 petty offense. If you display a deadly weapon in public, or pretend and say you have one, then you will be charged with a class 2 misdemeanor and face up to 120 days in jail and up to a $750 fine. Discharging (or threatening to discharge) a weapon in public is a class 1 misdemeanor which carries the most severe penalties for a Disorderly Conduct conviction. Penalties for this crime include a fine of up to $1,000, 364 days in the Weld County Jail, or both.
Defenses for a Disorderly Conduct Charge and Why You Should Hire a Top Greeley, Colorado Lawyer for a Disorderly Conduct Charge
In Greeley, it is important to fight for your rights. The best way to do that is to overcome the District Attorney will an experienced defense lawyer – not a divorce attorney. Our lawyers are aggressive and understand that there are two sides to every story: the government’s side and the truth. Let us reveal the truth to your judge or jury. Disorderly Conduct cases can utilize many defenses depending on the details of the case. Here are some of the common defenses used in court:
- You were exercising your 1st Amendment Rights and were arrested at a protest.
- You were in a large crowd, and it was not you who was causing the disturbance, but you were arrested.
- You were arrested for fighting; however, you were actually just defending yourself.
The lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office take every case seriously in order to get the best outcome for you. Let us get to know you and the details of your case.
If you or a loved have been falsely accused of a Disorderly Conduct charge in Greeley or Weld County, contact the O’Malley Law Office. Always be smart and exercise your right to remain silent. The Greeley Police will use anything and everything you say against you! Call 970-616-6009 to meet with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Together, we can protect your future.
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