Did your charge of disorderly conduct come as a surprise to you? You are not alone – police arrest people daily under the vaguely defined disorderly conduct law. In fact, public or domestic disorderly conduct is one of the most frequently charged crimes in Wisconsin. However, in this case, an arrest does not necessarily mean a conviction.

Since disorderly conduct is quite broadly defined, police are given the authority to make arrests on their own perception of the situation. It may be that the officer misinterpreted your actions and you are not guilty. Eisenberg Law Offices criminal defense attorneys will accurately evaluate your case and provide you with a clear idea of your situation.

In Wisconsin, disorderly conduct laws are governed by Statute 947.01, which defines disorderly conduct as follows: “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.”

Disorderly conduct is further divided into public and domestic disorderly conduct. The difference between the two is in the relationship of the people present at the scene: public disorderly conduct involves strangers, while domestic disorderly conduct requires a “domestic” relationship between the persons.

According to Wisconsin law, people have a domestic relationship if they are dating, married, divorced, roommates (former or present), parents to a common child, expecting a child in common or are related by blood or marriage. Although both types of disorderly conduct carry stiff penalties, a domestic charge carries additional and much more serious punishments, including a lifelong ban on possession or using firearms.

The vague nature of Statute 947.01 allows much flexibility in defining any particular disorderly conduct. What constitutes “unreasonably loud” or “otherwise disorderly conduct” often comes down to subjective judgment of people present at the scene and the police officer.

Because of this, it is especially important to have on your side a professional attorney, who is well-versed in local Wisconsin regulations – you want the laws to work for you, not against you. Eisenberg Law Offices has extensive experience representing people charged with disorderly conduct in Wisconsin and will aggressively defend your rights with your best interests in mind.

Often people charged with disorderly conduct assume these charges to be quite common.  They may be surprised that telephone calls and computer and Internet usage can also be charged under disorderly conduct laws. What is even more alarming is that defendants are unaware of the harsh punishments to which these charges can lead.  As a Class B misdemeanor, disorderly conduct can result in the following:

• (1)  Jail term: up to 90 days in jail. 
• (2)  Fines: up to $1,000 in fines. The court decides the amount/ 
• (3)  No firearm possession: especially in domestic disorderly conduct cases, the court can order the convicted defendant to refrain from possessing firearms.
• (4)  Probation: the defendant may be ordered into probation with condition of undergoing counseling (anger management therapy, etc.).
• (5)  Restraining orders: may include the requirement to refrain from contact with the victim and prevention from employment in such public institutions as nursing home, childcare center, etc.
• (6)  Community service: court order to donate services for the benefit of the public or its institutions.

Disorderly conduct charges can leave a lasting impact on your future – the well-being of your family as well as your chances for employment and obtaining particular licenses.

If you have been accused of disorderly conduct and need an experienced attorney to represent you during the course of your case, at hearings or trial, contact Eisenberg Law Offices for a free consultation. Our disorderly conduct attorneys are well-versed in local Wisconsin laws and have extensive experience in this field. Do not take your charges lightly – seek professional legal help today.