How to Navigate a Disorderly Conduct Charge in Minnesota

Disorderly conduct is one of the broadest charges available, and it can be applied to a wide variety of situations by prosecutors and police. Technically, disorderly conduct is engaging in a disturbance with reason to know your actions could alarm, anger, or disturb others, or provoke an assault, or cause a breach of the peace. Disorderly conduct is often a “catch-all offense” for anything law enforcement determines to be inappropriate, but that doesn’t mean it won’t carry serious consequences. You can face jail time and hefty fees if you’re convicted of disorderly conduct. It is important to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as you are charged with this offense.

Disorderly conduct is a common charge in Minnesota and it is often used in conjunction with other charges: assault, drug and alcohol charges, and more. In order to convict you, the prosecution must be able to prove that you had reason to know that your behavior was disorderly. The context of the act must be taken into consideration as well. For example, yelling profanity in a restaurant will likely cause the charges to apply. However, doing the same thing in a loud bar may not warrant the charge.