Disorderly conduct is a Class B misdemeanor in Wisconsin. The charges stem from arguments, altercations, and disagreements and are one of the easiest of charges to levy against a person.
Disorderly conduct is defined by Wisconsin State Statute 947.01(1) as:
“Whoever, in a public or private place, engages in violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud or otherwise disorderly conduct under circumstances in which the conduct tends to cause or provoke a disturbance is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.”
A conviction on disorderly conduct charges can be punished by up to $1,000 in fines and as much as 90 days in jail.
Two Facts About Disorderly Conduct Charges In Wisconsin
- Disorderly conduct is one of the most frequently charged crimes in Wisconsin.
- A person may be charged with disorderly conduct if they behave in a manner that causes a disturbance.
Disorderly Conduct FAQs
- Can I Be Charged Even If I Didn’t Disturb Anyone? If no one was bothered by your conduct, you may assume you can’t be charged with disorderly conduct. However, the statute does not specifically require that others be disturbed in order to be charged. To be charged with the crime, you must only have demonstrated the type of behavior that tends to create a disturbance.
- Can I Be Charged Based on Speech Alone? Despite free speech protections, you can face disorderly conduct charges if your speech serves no other purpose than to cause a disturbance.
- Can I Be Charged with Disorderly Conduct if I am Carrying a Gun? You cannot be charged with this crime simply for carrying a gun. In order to be charged, you must also have caused a disturbance or had the intent to harm someone else with the gun.
- What Happens if I am Arrested for Disorderly Conduct? If you are arrested and charged, you will be taken to jail and given a chance to post bond and be released the same day. If you cannot post bail or if you are charged with a felony, you will remain in jail until you see a judge.
- I Have Received a “Wisconsin Uniform Misdemeanor Citation”. What is That? This citation is not a ticket. It is a notification that you have been charged with a crime. It will include a time and date for your court appearance. If you do not appear for this appearance, the judge will issue a warrant for your arrest.
- My Situation Involved a Domestic Partner and I Received a No Contact Order. What Does That Mean? Domestic charges in Wisconsin often involve no contact orders in addition to disorderly conduct charges. If you have received a No Contact Order, you will be unable to have any contact with the other person for 72 hours. If you violate this order, you will be charged with a separate crime.
Contact the Madison Criminal Defense Lawyers at Eisenberg Law Offices S.C. for Help Today
Eisenberg Law Offices S.C. is a trusted criminal defense law firm in Madison, WI, dedicated to fighting for your deserved compensation. Our experienced attorneys will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and ensure your rights are protected. Contact us today for a free consultation.
We proudly serve Dane County, Jefferson County, Sauk County, Rock County, Columbia County, and their surrounding areas.
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