Lexington Disorderly Conduct Lawyer

When people go out to have a good time, they rarely consider the consequences that may occur due to being overly intoxicated in public. Most people know that it is illegal to operate a vehicle past a certain point of intoxication, but what people do not often think about is that their behavior while intoxicated may lead to a criminal charge.

Under South Carolina law, it is illegal to behave in public while intoxicated in a manner that upsets, angers, or annoys others. A public space is one in which everyone from the public can access such as a bar, restaurant, or parking lot. Therefore, disorderly conduct can be yelling in a bar or using obscenities towards another individual in a parking lot.

While being charged with public disorderly conduct may seem like an unremarkable offense, it may lead to jail time and a fine as well as a mark on your record. Therefore, if you have been charged with public disorderly conduct, you should contact a Lexington disorderly conduct lawyer to review your legal rights and options. An experienced defense attorney could help you build a defense to avoid the consequences of a conviction.

Understanding Disorderly Conduct

A tricky aspect of the South Carolina law is that it does not provide specific descriptions of what is outlawed behavior. Therefore, another individual or police officers may say that anything was disorderly.

What this criminal offense does generally include is that an individual needs to be clearly intoxicated in public and behaving in a boisterous manner. It also includes disorderly to be using obscene language in a public space. Lastly, it covers if an individual shoots a firearm within 50 yards of a public road or building that is not their own property.

Under this law, there is no legal definition of disorderly, but rather only refers to an individual being boisterous, drunk, or using obscenities. This may seem unfair or targeted because many people who are intoxicated are often loud and using obscenities, so where the line is drawn is rather unclear.

While this may seem like a disadvantage, a Lexington disorderly conduct may use the “grayness” (overbroad) in the law to build a strong defense for you. Therefore, if you facing a disorderly conduct charge, it is worthwhile to have a professional who knows how to navigate the law defending you.

Consequences for Disorderly Conduct

Under South Carolina law, being convicted of disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor punishable of a fine up to $100 and 30 days in jail. These are maximum numbers, but still a possibility for a disorderly conduct conviction. The judge hearing the case is the one who determines who much you will need to pay and for how long you will need to serve in jail.

It is also possible that the disorderly conduct conviction will be public information on your record, therefore interfering with anything in the future that involves a background check. This may include job and housing opportunities.

Therefore, if you have been charged with disorderly conduct, individuals should seek the counsel of a dedicated lawyer to fight for you in court.

Contact a Lexington Disorderly Conduct Attorney Today

While a disorderly conduct charge may not seem significant, the consequences of a guilty conviction may include a fine and jail time. As well, the conviction may be made available on your public record, threatening opportunities for your future.

That is why, if you have been charged with disorderly conduct, you should contact a Lexington disorderly conduct lawyer because they may be able to advise you on your legal options and defend you in court if your case goes to trial.