Anyone found to be behaving in public in a manner that can anger, antagonize, or upset the people around them may face charges of disorderly conduct in Pittsburgh. There are various ways in which a person can face this charge, as police have broad discretion when making their charging decisions. At the SMT Legal, our qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney is ready to get to work on your case. We will analyze all of the evidence being used against you so we can work to get your charges reduced or dismissed altogether.
When we discuss consequences for a disorderly conduct charge in Pittsburgh, we want to first talk about the official consequences. Under commonwealth law, disorderly conduct is a summary offense that is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $300. To be guilty of this summary offense, a person must have intended to cause a public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm by:
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However, if it is determined that a person intended to cause substantial harm or inconvenience, or if a person persisted in their conduct after a reasonable warning to cease, this can become a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Looking at the law, it can be easy to see how a person could face a disorderly conduct charge even if their behavior is not really out of line. Law enforcement officers often use this statute to charge someone when they have no other charges to use or because they are simply annoyed with a person. They have broad ability to do so thanks to the wording of the law. For example, how do you define an “unreasonable noise?”
These charges can affect a person beyond jail time and fines. A misdemeanor will stay on your criminal record, and even a summary offense may show prospective employers that you should not be hired. These charges can also affect your ability to get into school and receive financial aid.
If you or a loved one has been charged with disorderly conduct, please seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At the SMT Legal, we understand that these charges can affect your life. We do not want you to be stuck with a permanent mark on your criminal record, and we don’t want you to serve any time in jail. Let our qualified team get to work on your case immediately so we can disprove what the officers have said about your arrest. Our goal is to build a solid defense to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed. When you need a disorderly conduct attorney in Pittsburgh, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 1-888-976-2529.
Call 412-765-3345 for a free case evaluation. Our attorneys are available by phone, email or in-person.
SMT Legal attorneys believe in aggressively representing our clients while maintaining the personal compassion needed when counseling clients through difficult situations and navigating a complex legal system. Contact us today.
