Snow Hill, Maryland Disorderly Conduct Attorney
Skilled Lawyers Representing People Accused of Disorderly Conduct in Snow Hill
A disorderly conduct charge may not seem like a big deal, but the long-term impact of a criminal conviction on your record can follow you for years. With the help of a Snow Hill criminal defense lawyer, you can work out a strategy to minimize the impact of a conviction, possibly having the charges dismissed outright.
At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we know how damaging a criminal conviction can be to your reputation. When you work with our firm, we will contest a disorderly conduct charge, fighting for your rights. We will examine your case from all angles and look for avenues to have the charge reduced or dropped.
What Is Disorderly Conduct?
You can be charged with disorderly conduct for a variety of disruptive or unruly behaviors in public. Under Maryland law, disorderly conduct includes:
- Willfully disturbing the peace
- Hindering or obstructing another person in a public space
- Knowingly disobeying a reasonable order issued by law enforcement
- Making loud noises to intentionally disturb other people in public or on somebody else's property
For the purposes of the law, public places include restaurants, malls, resorts, amusement parks, schools, churches, and more. Because the law is worded so broadly, disorderly conduct can be charged for acts like participating in a protest or having a loud argument in public.
Disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor offense, carrying up to 60 days of jail time on a conviction as well as a possible $500 fine. A prolonged jail sentence can jeopardize your employment and should be avoided at all costs.
Responding to a Disorderly Conduct Charge
If you are arrested for disorderly conduct, your emotions are likely to be running high. Despite this, it is in your best interests to remain calm and remember your rights. While in police custody, you do not have to respond to any questions asked of you by law enforcement. Furthermore, you have a right to contact an attorney who you can consult with in private. If you need to say anything to law enforcement, you should make sure your lawyer is present.
At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we are available 24/7 for any inquiries. We can work with you from the moment of your arrest to develop a strategy for your case, advising you on what to say and how to present yourself in court. With over 50 years of shared experience, our lawyers can provide you with qualified legal advice to help fight a disorderly conduct charge.
Defenses Against Disorderly Conduct Charges
It is very possible to fight a disorderly conduct charge. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could even have the charge dropped outright. At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, our attorneys will review the specifics of your case with you to work out a clear strategy for your defense.
A common defense against disorderly conduct charges is invoking your First Amendment rights to peaceful assembly and free speech. The act of protest, by itself, is not illegal. The burden is on the prosecution to prove that you willfully disturbed the peace or otherwise acted in a disorderly manner. At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we will present your case to the court, making sure that your rights are respected.
Meet With a Snow Hill, MD Disorderly Conduct Lawyer Today
The personal and professional consequences of a disorderly conduct conviction can wreak havoc on your life. When you work with the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we will do everything in our power to safeguard your best interests.
Our Snow Hill criminal defense attorneys are here to provide you with skilled representation and counsel, putting your needs first. To schedule a free initial consultation, call us at 410-280-2500 or reach out to us online.