Under Massachusetts criminal law, the crime of Disorderly Conduct is targeted at controlling intentional conduct which tends to disturb the public tranquility, or that alarms or provokes others.
The law against Disorderly Conduct both forbids a wide variety of conduct that involves (a) the use of force or violence; (b) making threats that involve the immediate use of force or violence; (c) tumultuous and highly agitated behavior, which may not involve physical violence, but still causes a public nuisance; (d) hazard to public safety; or (e) a physically offensive condition by an act that serves no legitimate purpose.
Under Massachusetts criminal law, the crime of Disorderly Conduct is a misdemeanor and may be found at Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 272, Section 53.
Legal Elements for Disorderly Conduct
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In order to be found guilty of Disorderly Conduct under Massachusetts criminal law, there must be strong evidence of the following legal elements:
- that the defendant involved him or herself in one of the following acts: (a) engaged in fighting or threatening or (b) engaged in violent or tumultuous behavior; or (c) created a hazardous or physically offensive condition by an act that served no legitimate purpose
- the defendant’s actions were reasonable likely to affect the public
- the defendant either intended to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly created a risk of public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm
Potential Punishment if Convicted of Disorderly Conduct in Massachusetts
The potential consequences for Disorderly Conduct, if convicted, in the Commonwealth may be found at Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 272, Section 53.
If convicted of a first offense a defendant faces a fine of $150. For a second or subsequent offense, a criminal sentence may not exceed six months in a jail or house of corrections.
If you have been charged with Disorderly Conduct and need experienced Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorneys call (508) 213-9113 to schedule a free consultation with the Law Offices of John L. Calcagni III.
