Disorderly Conduct Defense Lawyer in Bethlehem, PA
Disorderly conduct charges often happen after public arguments or confrontations. Many people assume the charge is minor because it’s commonly filed as a summary offense, but a conviction can still leave you with a criminal record that affects future employment and other opportunities.
Attorney Alexandria “Ally” Crouthamel at Crouthamel Law Offices represents clients in Bethlehem and throughout East Central Pennsylvania facing disorderly conduct allegations and other criminal charges. Early legal representation can help you respond effectively to the charges against you.
What Is Disorderly Conduct Under Pennsylvania Law?
Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 5503, Pennsylvania defines disorderly conduct as behavior intended to cause public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm. A person may also be charged if prosecutors claim they acted recklessly and created a risk of disturbing the peace.
The statute covers several types of conduct, including:
- Fighting or threatening behavior: Physical confrontations or conduct police describe as violent or tumultuous.
- Unreasonable noise: Noise that officers claim was excessive under the circumstances.
- Obscene language or gestures: Allegations involving offensive language or gestures made in public.
- Hazardous or offensive conditions: Conduct that allegedly created a dangerous or offensive situation without a legitimate purpose.
Because the statute is broad, disorderly conduct charges are sometimes filed after confrontations or other situations that escalate quickly. Whether the conduct actually meets the legal definition often depends on the specific facts of the case.
What Counts as “Public” Conduct?
Anything that takes place in a public setting can potentially lead to a disorderly conduct charge. Situations that happen inside a home can also result in charges if they affect other people or spill into a public area.
Public conduct may involve incidents occurring in places such as:
- Streets
- Businesses
- Schools
- Apartment complexes
- Public events
In some cases, disorderly conduct charges are filed after arguments outside bars or restaurants, disputes between neighbors, or confrontations that attract attention from bystanders or police. Whether conduct qualifies as “public” depends on the surrounding circumstances and who was allegedly affected by the incident.
Defending Against Disorderly Conduct Charges
Disorderly conduct is a broad charge commonly used during heated situations or public confrontations. Pennsylvania law requires more than offensive or annoying behavior; prosecutors must still prove the conduct met the legal definition under the statute.
Attorney Alexandria “Ally” Crouthamel reviews whether the incident actually involved a public disturbance and whether the evidence supports the allegations. She examines witness statements and available video footage while preparing a defense based on the facts of the case. If the charge is based mostly on words used during an argument or protest, she can examine whether police treated protected speech as criminal conduct.
Speak With a Bethlehem Disorderly Conduct Defense Attorney
Many people underestimate disorderly conduct charges because they’re sometimes treated as minor offenses. A conviction can still leave you with a criminal record that affects future employment and other opportunities.
Attorney Crouthamel represents clients throughout Bethlehem and East Central Pennsylvania facing disorderly conduct allegations. Early legal guidance can help you understand your options and avoid mistakes in the case. Call 610-428-3386 or send us a message to discuss your case.
