Disorderly conduct charges can have serious consequences, including fines, jail time, and a criminal record. If you've been charged with disorderly conduct, it's important to understand the different types of behavior that can lead to these charges.
In this blog post, we'll explain the most common types of disorderly conduct and what you need to know if you’re facing disorderly conduct charges in Virginia.
Common Types of Disorderly Conduct in Virginia
Understanding the different types of disorderly conduct and the potential consequences can help you to better understand your case and your options. The following are the most common types of disorderly conduct in Virginia:
- Public Intoxication – One of the most common types of disorderly conduct is public intoxication. When you're in public and visibly drunk, you can be arrested for disorderly conduct. This is because you pose a risk to yourself and others and can cause a disturbance.
- Fighting – Another common type of disorderly conduct is fighting. Engaging in physical altercations in public can result in disorderly conduct charges and potentially, assault charges. Even verbal confrontations can also lead to disorderly conduct charges if they draw a crowd or cause a disturbance.
- Loud or Offensive Language – Disorderly conduct charges can also be brought against individuals using loud, offensive, or abusive language in a public place. This could involve yelling, screaming, or using racist or homophobic slurs, which can cause a disturbance, upset other people, and potentially incite violence.
- Disturbing the Peace – If you are creating a disturbance in a public space, it can lead to disorderly conduct charges. Examples of disturbing the peace can include creating loud noises, blocking a sidewalk or roadway, and engaging in conduct that is disruptive to others.
- Lewd Behavior – Disorderly conduct charges may be brought against individuals engaged in lewd behavior in public. This can include sexual acts, exposing oneself to others, or acting in a sexually inappropriate manner in public.
Destruction of Property
Destruction of property is one of the most noteworthy forms of disorderly conduct. Destruction of property refers to the damage or destruction of physical assets, such as buildings, vehicles, personal belongings, or public facilities. It is a criminal offense that involves causing harm to someone's property without their consent.
There are several types of destruction of property:
- Vandalism: This includes acts such as graffiti, breaking windows, or damaging public property.
- Arson: This involves setting fire to someone's property with the intent to cause damage.
- Theft: Stealing or taking someone's belongings without their permission can also be considered destruction of property.
- Accidental Damage: Sometimes, destruction of property can occur unintentionally, such as in a car accident or natural disaster.
Consequences of Disorderly Conduct
The consequences of disorderly conduct vary depending on the severity of the incident. In most cases, it is considered a criminal offense and can result in fines, jail time, or both. If property was damaged, the punishment may depend on the value of the damaged property. For example, causing minor damage to someone's car may result in a smaller penalty than burning down their house.
If you are facing disorderly conduct charges, contacting a criminal defense attorney is crucial. An attorney can help to defend you against these charges, potentially reducing the severity of the charges or even having them dismissed entirely. If you are unsure about your next steps, don't hesitate to reach out to a criminal defense attorney for guidance and support.
Are You Facing Disorderly Conduct Charges in Virginia? Contact Our Experienced Disorderly Conduct Defense Attorneys in Virginia Beach Today!
If you’re facing disorderly conduct charges in Virginia, it's crucial to hire a criminal defense lawyer, regardless of the specific charges you're facing. At The Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller, we have over two decades of legal experience and the necessary knowledge and resources to defend you. Our team works diligently to gather as much evidence as possible, which we can use to build a strong case on your behalf.
Contact our firm online or call (757) 267-4949 to schedule an initial consultation today!
