Disorderly Conduct Charges In Morgan County, Indiana
Getting charged with disorderly conduct can feel frustrating and unfair – especially when things got loud or tense fast. At The Gaunt Law Office, we help people in Morgan County protect their record and their future. Our attorney Joseph Gaunt, a former prosecutor with 15 years of experience, knows how to fight back against these accusations.
What Is Disorderly Conduct In Indiana?
Indiana Code (Ind. Code § 35-45-1-3) calls certain behavior disorderly conduct when it disturbs others or disrupts public peace. A person may face charges if they:
- Get into fighting or behavior that is tumultuous
- Make unreasonable noise and keep doing it after being told to stop
- Disrupt a lawful meeting, event or public gathering
While these charges are a Class B misdemeanor, disorderly conduct can be elevated to a Level 6 felony if the offense occurs in an airport or at a funeral or burial service.
Examples And Penalties Of Disorderly Conduct
These situations often happen during emotional moments. Even if you did not mean harm, the police may still make an arrest based on what they think happened. Some common examples include:
- A fight outside of a bar or other public place
- A protest that blocks traffic or disrupts an assembly
- A party that keeps going after law enforcement tells people to quiet down
A disorderly conduct charge can follow you. In many cases, it is a misdemeanor with penalties of up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, plus court costs. A conviction can also create a criminal record, and you can only ask to expunge your misdemeanor record five years after the date of your conviction. That is why speaking with a criminal defense lawyer early matters.
Defenses We May Raise
Every case is different, but strong defenses can include pointing out that the state cannot prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt or, in the case of a protest, showing that your free speech rights were violated. We also look for weak witness statements, missing video and police reports that do not match the facts.
Joseph Gaunt has handled hundreds of trials, motions, arraignments and sentencing hearings. We use that courtroom experience to push for dismissals, reduced charges or better outcomes.
Call Now – Do Not Let A Disorderly Conduct Charge Define You
If you or a loved one was arrested for disorderly conduct in Martinsville or anywhere in Morgan County, Indiana, contact The Gaunt Law Office today. Call now at 765-343-6260 or email us to speak with Joseph Gaunt and start building your defense while the evidence is still fresh.
