PL 240.20 · Article 240
Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct covers fighting, threatening or tumultuous behavior, unreasonable noise, abusive language in public, obstructing traffic, or refusing a lawful police order to disperse — all done with intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating that risk.
Has your loved one been arrested or taken into police custody?
Text us immediately · (845) 290-2492What the prosecutor must prove
- You engaged in one of the specific acts the statute lists.
- You intended to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly created a risk of it.
Defenses that commonly apply
- The conduct was protected speech.
- There was no public disturbance or the risk was not created.
- The police order was not lawful.
Penalties and collateral consequences
A Violation carries a maximum sentence of up to 15 days and a fine of up to Up to $250.
Every case turns on its own facts. The information on this page is general, not legal advice.
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