Home About Me Criminal Defense DUI Defense Resources and LawsInvocation of Rights Card Blog Videos Contact

Disorderly Conduct in Florida

For the most part, Disorderly Conduct is a catch-all crime used by law enforcement to arrest people who are acting unruly.

If accused of Disorderly Conduct, you need to know the:

• Definition of Disorderly Conduct
• Penalties for Disorderly Conduct
• Defenses to Disorderly Conduct

Definition of Disorderly Conduct

The crime of Disorderly Conduct can be committed in one of two ways:

1. Committing acts that
   • Corrupt the public morals,
   • Outrage the sense of public decency, or
   • Affect the peace and quiet of persons who may witness them,
2. Engaging in
   • Brawling or fighting, or
   • Other conduct that constitutes a breach of the peace

Penalties for Disorderly Conduct

The crime of Disorderly Conduct is a Second Degree Misdemeanor and if convicted of Disorderly Conduct, a judge can impose any combination of the following penalties:

• Up to sixty (60) days in jail.
• Up to six (6) months of probation.
• Up to $500 in fines.

Defenses to Disorderly Conduct

Generally, speech alone will not support a conviction for disorderly conduct. Exceptions to this general rule are"fighting words" or enhanced speech like shouts of "fire."

Fighting Words

Fighting words are those words likely to cause an average person to whom they are addressed to engage in fighting.

Enhanced Speech

Enhanced Speech refers to words like shouts of "fire." When analyzing enhanced speech, the courts focus on the delivery of the words. When the deliver is un-enhanced, the courts have consistently held that the speech will not support a conviction for disorderly conduct.

---

The material on this page represents general legal advice. Since the law is continually changing, some of the provisions contained here may be out of date. It is always best to consult a criminal defense attorney about your legal rights and responsibilities regarding your particular case.

The hiring of a Florida criminal lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience. This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice or the formation of a criminal defense lawyer / client relationship.

Contact Criminal Defense Lawyer Charley Demosthenous

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, please contact Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Charley Demosthenous today. The sooner you contact me, the sooner I can establish a defense on your behalf.

The initial consultation is free of charge and I will inform you of possible defense strategies and/or remedies. I am available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (813) 857-8237

Serving all of the Tampa Bay Area and Throughout Florida.

Free Invocation of Rights Cards
Know Your Rights!

---

William S. Foley, P.A.
Divorce and Family Law

---