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    Should I Use Accelerated Rehabilitation For A Disorderly Conduct Arrest in Connecticut?

    • Disorderly conduct is one of the most commonly charged crimes in Connecticut.
    • As a class C misdemeanor, a guilty plea could result in jail time.
    • The best Connecticut criminal lawyers will try and avoid buring your AR.

    • Hire a top CT disorderly conduct defense attorney to help resolve your case to protect your reputation and find out if you should use accelerated rehabilitation for a disorderly conduct arrest in Connecticut.

    What is Disorderly Conduct in Connecticut?

    Disorderly conduct is a broadly worded criminal offense that, in practice, can be used when someone acts with “intent to cause inconvenience, annoyance or alarm” one does so through a variety of different acts. C.G.S. § 53a-182. There is no “one size fits all” definition when it comes to disorderly conduct and it can be charged across a variety of different scenarios.

    Disorderly Conduct is Frequently Charged in Connecticut Domestic Violence Arrests

    Oftentimes, you will see disorderly conduct charged in tandem with a variety of other crimes, like in domestic violence cases. Other times, disorderly conduct can serve as a standalone charge. At the end of the day, the facts and circumstances of your particular case will determine the best course of action for an attorney in resolving the matter and whether they should utilize accelerated rehabilitation after a disorderly conduct arrest in Connecticut.

    What Are The Penalties For Disorderly Conduct?

    As a class C misdemeanor, a disorderly conduct conviction can result in a jail term of up to three months and a fine of up to $500. C.G.S. §§ 53a-36 and 53a-42. However, you might face certain penalties before a finding of guilt depending on the nature of the case. In family violence related cases, disorderly conduct charges and the facts underlying them might be the basis for a judge to issue a protective order. In thinking about how to best resolve the criminal case, the best defense attorneys will consider what diversionary programs are available to the defendant and how they can be best used to protect an individual’s future interests too.

    What Is AR And How Does It Work?

    Connecticut offers many diversionary programs to give people benefits of the doubt and dispose of disorderly conduct cases and arrests without creating a criminal record. Under C.G.S. § 54-56e, the state’s accelerated pretrial rehabilitation program is one of the most flexible diversionary programs available to criminal defendant. In order to use it, you cannot have a conviction for a felony or misdemeanor on your record or have used AR within the last 10 years. Additionally, using AR for a particular case can also eliminate the opportunity to utilize other programs like the family violence education program.

    However, depending on the facts and circumstances, the best defense attorneys will try and resolve the case without “burning” a program. If a program is necessary, they’ll explain what you can expect and which options available to you best protect your current and future interests.

    Contact a Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

    A disorderly conduct charge may seem like a minor offense but like any legal proceeding, it can create stress and anxiety. Finding the right counsel to guide you through your criminal case is important. At the Law Offices of Mark Sherman, a passionate and dedicated team of attorneys are ready to advise you and protect your interests. Check out our hundreds of certified 5-star Avvo reviews and call us to learn more about how we can help you with accelerated rehabilitation after a disorderly conduct arrest in Connecticut.