In Loudoun County, disorderly conduct is a broad charge that constitutes two actions. First, it is acting in a manner to create a state of disorder. Second, disorderly conduct is acting in a manner that may trigger a violent response. It does not mean that an individual assaulted another person.
There also is a specific provision within disorderly conduct that says if conduct may be charged as something else, it does not qualify as disorderly conduct. It allows for an individual to be prosecuted when their actions are outrageous, offensive, and tend to lead to a violent response, either by another individual, a violent response by law enforcement, or a violent response to calm them down.
If you have been charged with disorderly conduct, you should reach out to an accomplished criminal attorney. A dedicated Loudoun County disorderly conduct lawyer could advocate for you and help you with your case.
Disorderly conduct is a crime against the peace and the general public, and it is a broad offense because it does not have a victim. A disorderly conduct charge says that a person’s conduct is offensive and either they will get hurt or someone will, but they have not assaulted anyone yet or destroyed property. Some of the similar charges as far as their breadth in Loudoun County might include obstruction of justice.
A person can be charged with disorderly conduct even if most people would not consider the actions disorderly because the reasonable-person standard that applies to disorderly conduct is applied at the time of the offense. It depends on the time and place and what their actions were, considered in context. A public area is any area that is open to the public and not closed off. Public areas can be roadways, parks, sidewalks, or open fences to places that are not exclusive.
Disorderly conduct is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail, up to a $2,500 fine, or both. Due to the significant consequences of a conviction, defendants should obtain a disorderly conduct lawyer in Loudoun County right away.
Virginia has a deferred finding that may be applied to something that occurs in a disorderly conduct case. Specific statutes in the Code of Virginia that are applied in Loudoun County allow for deferred, and they typically are used when a criminal defendant agrees there is sufficient information to find them guilty of a criminal offense. Still, the Commonwealth agrees not to find them guilty and instead requires that they complete specific provisions. Upon completion of those certain things and potential probation, the charge is dismissed.
A disorderly conduct conviction can lead to serious jail time, fines, and other long-term repercussions. A conviction will go on the person’s criminal record, which could impact their ability to obtain a job or lease an apartment.
If you have been charged with disorderly conduct, you should consult with a knowledgeable attorney today. Let a Loudoun County disorderly conduct lawyer fight for you.
Northern Virginia Criminal Defense Group
