Facing a disorderly conduct charge brings along many challenges, but having the right legal help makes all the difference. When the prosecution charges you with disorderly conduct, hand over the reins to a seasoned criminal defense attorney.
A Pickens County disorderly conduct lawyer would be happy to work with you to prepare an effective defense to present in court. As a former prosecutor and municipal judge, Christopher L. Jones, Attorney At Law, LLC understands your concerns and provides personalized assistance that prioritizes what matters most to you. Let him guide you through the legal process and defend you against the pressures put on you by the government.
What Is Disorderly Conduct?
Under South Carolina law, someone engages in public disorderly conduct when they are on a highway or at a public place (including a gathering) and are drunk or act disorderly, rowdy, or noisy. Someone also behaves in a disorderly manner when they swear or talk in an obscene way while on a highway, at a public place, or within earshot of a church or school. Finally, someone’s behavior is disorderly when they discharge a firearm while they are drunk and while on or within 50 yards of a public road or highway.
In addition, a Pickens City ordinance also makes it illegal for people to engage in disorderly conduct. Under this rule, it is unlawful for someone to block roads, put people (or their property) in harm’s way, or interfere with a police officer doing their job. Other instances of disorderly conduct include:
- Being intoxicated in public
- Inciting or attempting to incite a riot
- Damaging public or private property
- Disturbing the peace by making exceptionally loud or obnoxious noises
A conviction of disorderly conduct could be a misdemeanor or an ordinance violation. An experienced attorney in Pickens County could help people understand the disorderly conduct charges against them and prepare an effective defense.
Penalties for a Disorderly Conduct Charge
A disorderly conduct charge based on state or city law may carry a penalty of up to 30 days in jail or more and up to $100 or more in fines. When someone first receives a disorderly conduct conviction, the court may decide to lessen the fees or jail time.
In some cases, the court may allow the person to participate in a treatment program instead of receiving a guilty sentence, serving jail time, and paying a fine. If the person takes the treatment option but does not follow the program conditions, the judge may change course and order them to pay fines and go to jail. Alternatively, if they successfully complete treatment, the court may dismiss the charges against them (for a fee). They may also be able to expunge the incident from their public record.
Disorderly conduct charges negatively impact people’s lives, forcing them to pay money or spend time in jail away from their families and jobs. People facing these charges on the state or city level could help their cause by going into the case well-prepared. A disorderly conduct attorney who serves Pickens County regularly assists those facing criminal convictions or municipal ordinance violations.
Call a Pickens County Disorderly Conduct Attorney for Help
Going through a criminal case for disorderly conduct can be difficult, especially when you do not have a background in legal education. Moreover, you may be concerned about how the charges will impact your life and how to defend yourself.
Christopher L. Jones, Attorney At Law, LLC has helped many South Carolinians charged with disorderly conduct, assault, and other criminal offenses. He provides compassionate and effective counsel to help get the charges dismissed or minimize the consequences as much as possible. Contact a Pickens County disorderly conduct lawyer to schedule a consultation.
