UConn Disorderly Conduct Lawyer
If you are a current student or faculty member at the University of Connecticut facing charges for disorderly conduct, seeking assistance from a dedicated student defense attorney should be a top priority. Fortunately, help is available from a UConn disorderly conduct lawyer with experience defending people in the same situation.
How Does State Law Define “Disorderly Conduct”?
Disorderly conduct is one of the more confusing criminal charges defined in the Connecticut Penal Code. There are various behaviors that could constitute disorderly conduct in different circumstances. All of them can be prosecuted to the same extent and with the same range of penalties, regardless of what effect they had or did not have on others nearby.
According to Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-182, there are eight different acts that could qualify as unlawful and “disorderly” behavior, seven of which are fairly straightforward:
- Engaging in a public fight with another person
- Behaving in a “tumultuous” or threatening way
- Making an unreasonable amount of noise
- Illegally disturbing a lawful gathering
- Obstructing traffic, whether vehicular or pedestrian, without authorization
- Refusing to obey a police officer’s order to disperse from a public gathering
- Trespassing on someone else’s property and observing them without their consent
Defining the eighth type of behavior that could constitute “disorderly conduct” is more complicated. As per C.G.S. §53a-182(2), anyone who “annoys or interferes” with someone else through “offensive or disorderly conduct” has committed a disorderly conduct offense.
As a result, police officers have significant discretion to determine what does or does not count as “disorderly conduct” and make arrests accordingly. This can lead to people being charged with this offense without a clear understanding as to why. No matter the circumstances that led to your disorderly conduct allegation or arrest at UConn, assistance from a seasoned attorney can be crucial to protect your rights.
What are the Consequences of a Disorderly Behavior Conviction in UConn?
Since state law classifies it as a class C misdemeanor, disorderly conduct is a fairly minor offense in terms of possible criminal sanctions. At most, a person convicted of violating C.G.S. §53a-182 might be sentenced to a three-month stay in local jail, a $500 fine, and/or a period of probation, and it is generally rare for courts to impose jail time on first-time offenders.
However, if someone engages in disorderly conduct against a family or household member, their offense may be considered a form of domestic violence. This could lead to family court proceedings with additional repercussions against the defendant that would run separately from any criminal prosecution they face. Support from a qualified lawyer in the area is crucial for anyone accused of domestic violence disorderly conduct. To learn more about domestic violence representation, click here. A disorderly conduct conviction on your record could significantly limit your occupational and even residential options.
Work with a UConn Disorderly Conduct Attorney
All things considered, moving forward with your case without retaining a skilled UConn disorderly conduct lawyer could be a costly mistake. A skilled lawyer, like the 5-star reviewed lawyers at Mark Sherman Law can help protect your name and future. Call our law firm today to learn how our dedicated legal team could help in your situation and tirelessly defend your case.