Police responding to a call regarding a fight arrested a Waukesha man on suspicion of disorderly conduct while armed after finding him in a backyard yelling while wielding a bat.
When emotions run high, people can find themselves running afoul of the law resulting in criminal charges. Engaging in violent, abusive, indecent, unreasonably loud or other disruptive behavior while armed can result in a charge of disorderly conduct in Wisconsin - a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum penalty of $1,000, 90 days in jail, and a criminal record.
Disorderly conduct can include fighting, inciting a riot, public drunkenness, trespassing, loitering and vagrancy - nearly any behavior that is offensive, that may compromise public safety, can be charged as disorderly conduct.
If you or a family member is charged with disorderly conduct, it is advisable to work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can either seek to dismiss the case or have your charges reduced, perhaps arguing mental incapacity, duress or self-defense factored in, or that a defendant is a minor needing a second chance.
Although disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor charge, which is less serious than a felony crime, it is important to fight the charges you face to avoid jail time, a fine and a record. It is best not to plead guilty to charges of disorderly conduct until you review your case with your attorney and discuss available strategies to reduce charges or dismiss your case and a pathway to expungement of the record.
Decades of Experience Fighting Disorderly Conduct Charges
If you are facing charges of Wisconsin disorderly conduct, or have been charged with assault, contact the Waukesha criminal defense lawyers of Andrew C. Ladd LLC for a free consultation at 262-542-3900.
