Defense Options For Disorderly Conduct Charges
A charge of disorderly conduct can mean many different things in Wisconsin. The law is written very broadly to encompass many actions and behaviors. Even so, it is a serious charge because one of the underlying themes to the charge is that it disturbs others.
If you are found guilty of disorderly conduct, you will have a criminal record, which can affect your current and future job and housing prospects and even your ability to obtain government documentation. A domestic disorderly conduct conviction will make it illegal for you to possess guns under federal law.
This is extremely unfortunate because sometimes disorderly conduct is nothing more than being a little too loud in the wrong place and at the wrong time. Physical harm to others is not a prerequisite of a disorderly conduct charge. Many times whether or not you are charged with disorderly conduct comes down to the law enforcement officer on the scene. Some people are sent home with a warning, others find themselves cuffed and heading to jail. It’s a very subjective charge.
Defending yourself against disorderly conduct charges becomes crucial as you suddenly face the possibility of fines, jail time, and a criminal record, especially if your actions were not causing true harm to others. But a criminal charge is still a criminal charge, and for the best potential outcome you should obtain the services of an Eisenberg Law Offices criminal defense lawyer in Madison, WI.
Three Potential Defenses To Disorderly Conduct Charges
Defense of disorderly conduct charges depends on what your “disorderly” actions or activities were at the time of arrest. Here are three common defenses to the charge:
- Freedom Of Speech. If you were loud and obnoxious or offended someone with your words, you could claim protections under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects our freedom of speech. It is possible for your defense attorney to argue that you were simply expressing your feelings, as you are freely able to do, and not engaging in disorderly conduct. This is the most common defense.
- Involuntary Actions. In some cases it could be argued that you were not in control of yourself and therefore are not liable for your involuntary actions. You’ll likely need to prove that you have a medical condition or something that caused you to act the way you did.
- Self Defense. If a physical altercation was part of the disorderly conduct, you might be able to argue that you acted in self-defense. This defense is bolstered if you have witnesses who can tell police or the judge what they saw.
Every case is unique and a defense that works in one situation is not guaranteed to work in another. Your Eisenberg Law criminal defense attorney will examine the facts of your case and develop the best defense possible under those particular circumstances.
Fight Disorderly Conduct Charges With Help From An Eisenberg Law Offices Criminal Defense Lawyer In Madison, WI
No one should face jail time simply for expressing themselves. If you feel you have been unfairly charged with disorderly conduct and are facing criminal charges, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Eisenberg Law Offices in Madison. We bring over 30 years of experience to every situation and are backed by and hundreds of successful case results.
Remember, you always have a right to self-expression and should not be penalized for exercising that right. Call Eisenberg Law Offices at 608-200-3698 or schedule a free consultation online today to learn more about fighting disorderly conduct charges.