Salisbury, MD Disorderly Conduct Lawyer

Knowledgeable Lawyers for Disorderly Conduct Charges in Salisbury, Maryland

A disorderly conduct charge may be your first encounter with law enforcement and the justice system. If you have been accused of disturbing the peace, you could face serious punishments and a criminal record upon conviction. A Salisbury disorderly conduct lawyer can defend you against harsh prosecution and look for avenues to have the charges against you reduced or dismissed.

At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we proudly represent Salisbury residents who have been accused of disorderly conduct and other crimes. When you work with our firm, we will speak up for your rights in a court of law and advise you of your options throughout your case.

What Counts as Disorderly Conduct?

The state of Maryland uses very broad, non-specific language to describe disorderly conduct, rather than specific acts. You could be charged with disorderly conduct for:

• Intentionally disturbing the peace in an unruly manner
• Ignoring a reasonable order from a law enforcement officer
• Blocking or obstructing other people in a public space
• Being unreasonably loud on somebody else's property

The law also outlines public places where disorderly conduct is prohibited, such as parking lots, streets, places of public worship, parks, and more. Disorderly conduct may be charged in a variety of different contexts. For instance, peaceful protesters assembling at a park could be arrested for disorderly conduct. An argument between friends in public that escalates to shouting could also result in a disorderly conduct charge.

Disorderly conduct carries misdemeanor penalties, and a conviction may be punishable by up to 60 days of imprisonment and/or a $500 fine. While this is a lighter sentence compared to many other misdemeanor crimes, it can still have a damaging effect on your reputation and your employment prospects.

Public Intoxication Charges

In Maryland, you can be charged with public intoxication for getting drunk and subsequently causing a disturbance. This charge may also be applied if your drunken conduct allegedly put people or property at risk. Penalties for public intoxication may include imprisonment of up to 90 days and/or a fine of $100.

A public intoxication offense can be charged alongside disorderly conduct, resulting in higher penalties. At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we can help you fight a public intoxication charge by asserting that A.) you were not intoxicated at the time of your arrest, B.) nobody was endangered by your conduct, or C.) your conduct did not create an actual disturbance. No matter what happened, we will review the circumstances of your arrest and seize upon any weaknesses in the prosecution's argument.

Defending Against Disorderly Conduct Charges

It is entirely possible to beat a disorderly conduct charge in court. However, note that there is no "one-size-fits-all" defense that will account for all circumstances. At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we will work with you individually to determine the best strategy to minimize a disorderly conduct charge.

To secure a conviction for disorderly conduct, the prosecution must prove that your conduct was willful and intentional. If you were not trying to make a scene or inconvenience somebody else, the case against you could be thrown out. Furthermore, you have a protected right to free speech under the First Amendment, which we could invoke if you were arrested at a demonstration.

Meet With a Salisbury Disorderly Conduct Lawyer Today

While a disorderly conduct charge may not seem terrible, a conviction for a misdemeanor offense can have a lasting effect on your life, from your social standing to your reputation. At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, our Salisbury criminal defense lawyers are here to help you through your case, providing legal advice and representation and working to achieve an optimal outcome. To schedule a free initial consultation, call our offices at 410-280-2500 or contact us online today.