Disorderly conduct is a charge that can impact your teen’s future, and it’s important to understand what behaviors may lead to it. This offense typically occurs when someone disturbs public peace, but what exactly does this mean for your teenager?
What is disorderly conduct?
In Indiana, disorderly conduct is generally defined as actions that cause a disturbance or disrupt the peace. For a juvenile, this can involve fighting, making unreasonable noise, or using obscene language in public. Disorderly conduct is a broad charge that can cover many types of behavior, so it’s important to know what could lead to such a charge.
How do common situations lead to charges?
Teenagers are often in situations where emotions run high. Arguments at school, disagreements at social gatherings, or loud outbursts in public places can quickly escalate into a disorderly conduct charge. For example, if a teen engages in a physical altercation or threatens violence, they may face disorderly conduct charges. Even actions like excessive shouting or throwing objects in a public space can result in a charge.
While some of these behaviors may seem harmless, they can have serious consequences for a teen’s criminal record. Disorderly conduct is considered a misdemeanor, which may result in fines, community service, or a juvenile detention sentence. Furthermore, the record could impact future opportunities like college admissions or job prospects.
How can you prevent disorderly conduct charges?
Preventing disorderly conduct charges starts with good communication. Encourage your teen to express their emotions calmly and think before reacting to a difficult situation. Setting clear expectations around acceptable behavior and discussing the consequences of poor decisions can also help your teen avoid the pitfalls of this offense.
By addressing potential issues early on and offering guidance, you can protect your teen from the long-term effects of a disorderly conduct charge.
