Disorderly Conduct in Florida
Under most circumstances, people try to be the best version of themselves while out and about in public, however, there are instances where things may get out of hand and law enforcement may be called to diffuse the situation. If police believe that your behavior was too out of line you may be charged with disorderly conduct and potentially brought to jail. If this occurs, your initial reaction may be shame and disbelief; however, it is important that you immediately reach out to a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer to handle the charge or charges you are facing.
Florida Law
The common charge in Florida associated with disorderly conduct is known as breach of the peace. Typically, this is charged as a second-degree misdemeanor if it is determined that your behavior disrupted the peace of another individual. While this may be a shocking revelation to an individual charged with this crime, it is imperative that you take the charges seriously. Some of the most common ways an individual can get charged with some variation of disorderly conduct are the following:
- If you disrupt someone else’s peace and quiet;
- If you violate Florida public decency laws;
- If you corrupt public morals.
Obviously, this is an extremely broad and general list, thus, a large amount of behavior can be classified as a violation of Florida disorderly conduct regulation. Thus, it is important to be aware that a multitude of disruptive actions can lead to a disorderly conduct charge. Some of the common types of behavior that will be considered a breach of the peace are the following:
- Fighting/arguing in public;
- Abusive language;
- Excessive noise;
- Blocking traffic, blocking roadways;
- Public intoxication;
- Loitering.
These are just of the few of the actions that can lead to a disorderly conduct charge. In certain circumstances, if you participate in these activities you can be subject to more serious charges such as misdemeanors or a third-degree felony charge.
Defending Yourself Against Disorderly Conduct Charges
Due to the nature of disorderly conduct charges, police often arrest individuals involved prior to asking any questions. This is an attempt by law enforcement to simmer the situation and protect individuals and property involved. However, since police are often swift to arrest a suspect in these situations there are several solid forms of defense, including the following:
- You were purely engaging in self-defense;
- You were protected by your First Amendment rights;
- Your actions occurred on private property.
There are numerous ways to defend yourself against a disorderly conduct charge due to the subjective nature of the crime. It is best to work with your criminal defense lawyer to evaluate your situation and develop a plan of action. Conviction of even a minor disorderly conduct charge can have serious repercussions on your future.
Let Us Help You Today
If you have been charged with disorderly conduct, it is important that find an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Although typically considered a minor criminal offense, a disorderly conduct conviction can have major implications. At the Baez Law Firm in Miami, our team of criminal defense lawyers has the experience to advocate on your behalf regardless of the charges you are facing. Call 800-588-BAEZ now for a free consultation.
Resource:
usnews.com/news/best-states/florida/articles/2017-05-09/the-latest-3-charged-in-fights-at-fort-lauderdale-airport
