Disorderly Conduct Defense in Rhode Island
Have you been charged with disorderly conduct?
If you've been arrested and charged with disorderly conduct it is important that you do not take this charge lightly. Although it may seem like a minor infraction, the law takes it very seriously and you could be in jeopardy of fines, imprisonment and a criminal record. It is essential that you have sound legal representation if you hope to avoid the repercussions of a conviction.
Contact a Rhode Island criminal defense attorney today to discuss your legal options.
Types of Disorderly Conduct:
Disorderly conduct is very broadly defined by Rhode Island General Law 11-45-1. Many different types of behavior can lead to disorderly conduct charges including:
(1) Engages in fighting or threatening, or in violent or tumultuous behavior;
(2) In a public place or near a private residence that he or she has no right to occupy, disturbs another person by making loud and unreasonable noise which under the circumstances would disturb a person of average sensibilities;
(3) Directs at another person in a public place offensive words which are likely to provoke a violent reaction on the part of the average person so addressed;
(4) Alone or with others, obstructs a highway, street, sidewalk, railway, waterway, building entrance, elevator, aisle, stairway, or hallway to which the public or a substantial group of the public has access or any other place ordinarily used for the passage of persons, vehicles, or conveyances;
(5) Engages in conduct which obstructs or interferes physically with a lawful meeting, procession, or gathering;
(6) Enters upon the property of another and for a lascivious purpose looks into an occupied dwelling or other building on the property through a window or other opening; or
(7) Who without the knowledge or consent of the individual, looks for a lascivious purpose through a window, or any other opening into an area in which another would have a reasonable expectation of privacy, including, but not limited to, a restroom, locker room, shower, changing room, dressing room, bedroom, or any other such private area, notwithstanding any property rights the individual may have in the location in which the private area is located.
The penalties include up to six (6) months imprisonment, a $500 fine or both. Disorderly conduct can be charged as a domestic violence crime pursuant to R.I.G.L. 12-29-5. If your charge is for domestic disorderly conduct, additional penalties of domestic violence counseling and a no-contact order with the victim will be imposed.
Disorderly conduct/indecent exposure is a more serious charge. A person commits indecent exposure/disorderly conduct when, for the purpose of sexual arousal, gratification or stimulation, that person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly:
(1) Exposes his or her genitals to the view of another under circumstances in which his or her conduct is likely to cause affront, distress, or alarm to that person;
(b) Any person may be a complainant for the purposes of instituting action for any violation of this section. This act shall not apply to any conduct between consenting adults where the complainant is an unintended witness.
The penalties if convicted include up to one (1) year imprisonment, a $1,000 fine or both. Professional counseling is also required.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving Rhode Island
Attorney Humphrey brings over 30 years of experience to assist you in your legal needs. As a former prosecutor and current Bail Commissioner, he has the knowledge and skill to ensure that you are receiving the best possible legal representation. If you are facing disorderly conduct charges it is crucial to find an attorney who will vigorously defend your case.
Contact a Rhode Island criminal defense attorney today if have been charged with disorderly conduct!