Disorderly Conduct Law and Legal Definition
Disorderly conduct is a minor criminal offense that may be charged for public drunkenness, loitering, disturbing the peace, and loud threats or parties.
The following is an example of a state statute dealing with disorderly conduct:
"Offense defined.--A person is guilty of disorderly conduct if, with intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof, he:
- engages in fighting or threatening, or in violent or tumultuous behavior;
- makes unreasonable noise;
- uses obscene language, or makes an obscene gesture; or
- creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose of the actor."
