What is disorderly conduct in Texas?
Disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor offense defined in Section 42.01 of the Texas Penal Code that prohibits a broad range of offensive or reckless conduct in public, including:
- abusive, indecent, profane or vulgar language
- offensive gestures
- noxious and unreasonable odors
- offensive threats toward a person
- unreasonable noises
- fighting in public
- displaying or discharging a firearm
- recklessly exposing anus or genitals
- peeking in a private residence, hotel, restroom or shower stall designed for privacy
What is the punishment for disorderly conduct?
A Fort Worth disorderly conduct charge is generally a Class C misdemeanor, which is a ticket punishable by a maximum $500 fine.
However, disorderly conduct charges that involve discharging or displaying a firearm in a public place in Texas are Class B misdemeanors, punishable by up to six months in jail and a maximum $2,000 fine.
Should you hire a criminal defense firm or a ticket attorney?
While we generally leave Class C matters to “ticket attorneys,” we do handle disorderly conduct charges in the Tarrant-Dallas area – especially if the recipient of the citation is a professional or student who is interested in resolving the citation in a way make them eligible for a future expunction.
Our goal is to resolve the ticket through a dismissal, acquittal, or in another fashion that makes the citation expunction-eligible, which means the arrest can eventually be erased from your record. We will review the facts and circumstances of the case and design a defense strategy that will produce the most favorable outcome. It’s important to note that there are some affirmative defenses to disorderly conduct, including if significant provocation lead to the abusive or threatening for which you are accused. If your charge stems from discharging a firearm, there is an affirmative defense if the firearm was discharged out of a reasonable fear of bodily injury by a wild animal. If any of these defenses apply to your case, it’s important that we assert them as soon as possible.
Seek the services of a Fort Worth disorderly conduct attorney
Were you arrested for Fort Worth disorderly conduct? Call our firm today for a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney. We will work to resolve this matter in a manner that will keep your record clean.
