Disorderly conduct may be an everyday offense to police officers and courts, but every criminal allegation is serious for the defendant. A record of disorderly conduct can threaten many opportunities, such as jobs, future advancement, professional licensure, and even housing.
It can also be downright unjust. State law and city code both define what is considered disorderly conduct in Greenville, but the police officer at the scene decides whether to make an arrest. Your future should not be at risk over that kind of judgment, and a seasoned criminal defense attorney at Chris Jones Law could help you fight for your rights. Contact Chris Jones Law today to learn more.
What Does Disorderly Conduct Mean?
Both the state of South Carolina and the city of Greenville have laws against disorderly conduct, with separate definitions and penalties. Under the state’s law, any one of the following could lead to a misdemeanor charge of public disorderly conduct (PDC):
- Being grossly intoxicated
- Disorderly or boisterous behavior
- Setting off a firearm for no reason while drunk or pretending to be
- Obscene language in public or within hearing distance of a school or church
The South Carolina Code of Laws Unannotated § 16-17-530(A) contains additional details for further clarification. Greenville’s ordinance on disorderly conduct is similar, and it also prohibits specific activities, such as fighting and violent behavior, public urination or defecation, and noisy, obscene, or abusive shouting and gestures. The ordinance is online at Greenville City Code § 24-211.
PDC and Disorderly Conduct Penalties
A Greenville PDC charge could carry a fine of up to $100 and a jail sentence of up to 30 days. However, the court could defer judgment for anyone who has never committed a similar drunk or disorderly offense. Once the defendant completes the terms of probation, the court dismisses the charges. This is only possible once, which is explained in S.C. Ann. § 16-17-530(B).
A disorderly conduct charge could also carry a penalty of up to 30 days in jail, as well as a fine of up to $500, although the judge has the discretion to suspend a sentence, according to the Greenville City Code. The municipal court may handle both state and city disorderly conduct charges.
How a Defense Attorney Could Save Time and Money
A disorderly conduct attorney in Greenville could help you understand what is considered when you are being charged and how to move forward to protect your rights. With probation or a fairly light penalty, the charge may seem relatively easy to get over with. However, it could be much more than that, especially if you hold a professional license or have career ambitions.
An arrest record could cause problems for anyone seeking to become a licensed professional or hold a position of trust. This includes:
- Attorneys
- Teachers
- Childcare workers
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Other medical professionals
Licensed professions usually require criminal background checks or self-reporting for consideration of character and fitness. Though one offense may not end a career by itself, the record could cause delay and uncertainty at best and undo years of effort at worst.
Even if the charge is dismissed, the court may take the record into account if you have any future criminal charges. Anyone who does not qualify for dismissal may face difficulty in job searches and housing applications.
Contact an Attorney for Help Understanding Disorderly Conduct in Greenville
As a former prosecutor and municipal judge, Christopher L. Jones could determine whether your behavior actually involved what is considered disorderly conduct in Greenville and work hard to get the best possible result. Contact Chris Jones Law today to set up your first appointment.
