Disorderly Conduct

Columbus and Delaware, Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor offense in Columbus or Delaware, Ohio, contact Johnson Legal, LLC and speak with an experienced Columbus and Delaware, Ohio criminal defense attorney. Attorney David Johnson of Johnson Legal, LLC will discuss your case and assist you in fighting the charges. Call (614) 987-0192 or send an email to schedule a consultation regarding your misdemeanor offense case.

What is Disorderly Conduct in Ohio?

Disorderly conduct is an offense that encompasses a broad range of behavior. Under ORC 2917.11, a person can be charged with disorderly conduct if the officer believes that you have recklessly caused inconvenience, annoyance or alarm to another person by doing any of the following:

  • Fighting, threatening harm to a person or property or engaging in violent or turbulent behavior;
  • Making unreasonable noise or an offensively coarse utterance, gesture or display, or communicating unwarranted and grossly abusive language to another person;
  • Insulting, taunting or challenging another under circumstances in which it is likely to elicit a violent response;
  • Hindering or preventing the movement of persons on a public street, road or highway, or to, from, within or upon public or private property, so as to interfere with the rights of others and by any act that serves no lawful and reasonable purpose of the offender; or
  • Creating a condition that is physically offensive to persons or that presents a risk of physical harm to persons or property, by any act that serves no lawful and reasonable purpose.

In addition to the actions outlined above, there is a portion of the statute that addresses the behavior of a person who is voluntarily intoxicated. Specifically, no person shall do either of the following while voluntarily intoxicated:

  • In a public place, or in the presence of two or more persons, engage in conduct likely to be offense or cause inconvenience, annoyance or alarm to others; or
  • Engage in conduct or create a condition that presents a risk of physical harm to the person or another, or to the property of another.

Penalties for Disorderly Conduct in Ohio

Disorderly conduct is typically a minor misdemeanor in Ohio, which carries only a maximum fine of $150. However, disorderly conduct can escalate to a 4th degree misdemeanor, if one of the following applies:

  • The person persists in disorderly conduct after reasonable warning or request to desist;
  • The offense is committed in the vicinity of a school or in a school safety zone;
  • The offense is committed in the presence of law enforcement, emergency medical services person, firefighter, or other person who is engaged in the person’s duties at the scene of a fire, accident, disaster, riot, or emergency of any kind; or
  • The offense is committed in the presence of any emergency facility person who is engaged in the person’s duties in an emergency facility.

If the disorderly conduct offense is charged as a 4th degree misdemeanor, the offense carries up to 30 days in jail and a $250 fine.

Criminal Defense Attorney – Columbus and Delaware, Ohio

If you have been charged with disorderly conduct, you should hire an attorney immediately. Contact Attorney David Johnson of Johnson Legal, LLC and speak with an experienced Columbus and Delaware, Ohio criminal defense attorney. Attorney Johnson will examine your case and assist you in putting forth the strongest defense possible. Call Johnson Legal, LLC at (614) 987-0192 or send Attorney David Johnson an email to discuss your disorderly conduct case.