Available 24/7/365 Seattle

Skillful Disorderly Conduct Lawyers in Minneapolis, Minnesota

50+

Years Of Collective Experience

10,000

Cases Successfully Resolved

100%

Criminal & DWI Defense

175+

Five Star Google/BBB Reviews

Four Minneapolis Disorderly Conduct Attorneys, One Powerful Law Firm

Attorney Kyle Dreger

Kyle Dreger

Attorney Gerald Miller

Gerald Miller

How Disorderly Conduct Attorneys in Minneapolis Help You?

Brawling or Fighting

Disturbing a Lawful Assembly

Offensive Conduct

Caregiver Fighting/Brawling Enhancement

Most states have a general disturbing the peace, reckless conduct, or disorderly conduct statute. Section 609.72 of the Minnesota Statutes is actually more specific than some other similar laws in other states. Many defendants have argued the disorderly conduct law violates free speech. All these challenges have failed. Governments must respect free speech, but they can pass reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions.

Disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Additionally, many employers view disorderly conduct as a “troublemaker” offense. So, these convictions, perhaps more so than other misdemeanors, may create significant employment problems.

Since so much is at stake, Gerald Miller, P.A. aggressively defends these cases in court. We do more than reduce or eliminate the consequences of a criminal conviction. We also stand up for your rights, including your right to free speech.

Brawling and Fighting Defense

“Fighting” is very broadly defined. There is no physical or emotional injury requirement. That feature makes this section different from other disorderly conduct offenses which at least require an emotional injury. In fact, the fight need not even be physical. It could be verbal.

“Brawling” does not require active participation. Watching a fight and encouraging the conduct, or doing nothing to discourage it, could be considered brawling.

As qualified Minneapolis Disorderly Conduct lawyers, we understand that just Like other disorderly conduct charges, fighting and brawling usually requires a civilian witness. By the time police officers arrive, the fight is normally over. This additional requirement makes it difficult for prosecutors to obtain convictions.

Fighting Charges For Disturbing a Lawful Assembly

Mere presence does not disturb an assembly, no matter how the participants react. If a prominent Democrat attended the Republican National Convention and sat relatively quietly, disorderly conduct charges would probably not hold up in court, no matter how badly the Republicans resented the Democrat’s presence.

Instead, the law requires a disturbance. That act could be shouting down a speaker, chanting, or holding signs. However, these things might or might not constitute a disturbance, depending on the facts.

The lawful assembly requirement is more uncertain. If the group had a permit from a government body, the assembly is clearly legal. Ad hoc gatherings, like street demonstrations, might or might not be lawful. Speaking to a Minneapolis Disorderly Conduct lawyer will help you gain a better understanding.

Offensive Conduct Defense

The statute prohibits “offensive, obscene, abusive, boisterous, or noisy conduct or in offensive, obscene, or abusive language tending reasonably to arouse alarm, anger, or resentment in others.” That’s an awful lot of words, and an awfully vague definition. The different levels of profanity are a good example.

Common four-letter words in PG movies are technically obscene. This language legitimately offends many people. However, such language does not reasonably offend people. An exception might be shouting a four-letter word in church.

F-bombs and s-bombs are in a grey area. Occasional, incidental use probably does not satisfy the alarm, resentment, or anger requirement. Repeated use might do so, especially if the defendant used his/her outside voice.

If the defendant shouts such language at another person, this conduct almost certainly constitutes disorderly conduct. The charges only hold up in court if the other person appears and testifies that the defendant used such language and s/he was offended.

Caregiver Fighting/Brawling Enhancements

If a caregiver fights or brawls with a vulnerable adult, it can create a gross misdemeanor offense, and the maximum punishment is a year in jail and a $3,000 fine. This enhancement does not apply to obscene language or other disorderly conduct sections. Remember, even though it may seem like a Minneapolis Assault lawyer would be able to help you in such cases, it is best to speak to a proven Minneapolis Disorderly Conduct lawyer and request assistance.

A “caregiver” is someone who has responsibility for a family member. A “vulnerable adult” is someone who receives, or is qualified to receive, services from any inpatient facility, such as a nursing home or drug rehab facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor or, in some cases, a gross misdemeanor. However, a misdemeanor could mean up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine plus court costs. Disorderly conduct has substantial indirect consequences as well.

Basically, disorderly conduct is offensive physical or verbal conduct in a one-on-one or group setting. The statute criminalizes a number of behaviors when many people would not consider criminal.

Since disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor, a court appearance is almost always required. Occasionally, if the evidence is very weak, a Minneapolis defense lawyer can use that to dramatically impact the result of the case.

How We Make A Difference For You

See What Our Clients Say

Kyle Hawes
Kyle Hawes
06:44 03 Dec 23
Ever seen the movie devil's advocate? Well Brodie Haken is more powerful than God! He owns the courtroom,he's a absolute pitbull dog in the fight! He takes case on as if he was being charged instead of you. Minnesota and twin cities finest attorney 15 thousand best money one can ever spend. If you want real ethical but aggressive legal representation call Brodie he's a actual trial lawyer not some DUI lightweight playing big shot but has no trial experience except DUI a intelligent 3rd grader could handle that level of offense and Kyle is a DUI guy but Gerald Miller law Gerry is a legend In the legal realm he's got the experience to know what to do in the most dire situations I was looking at 54 years prison but I didn't even worry knowing these guys are on my side.Gerry is admired by his Peers and judges...
maddy koss
maddy koss
20:20 01 Dec 23
Nima Adan
Nima Adan
17:20 27 Nov 23
I appreciate all the hard work they do , nothing but the best
Paul Voelker
Paul Voelker
13:05 17 Nov 23
Kyle Dreger was hands on from the moment I reached out to the firm and asked for help in my case. Kyle was an absolute pleasure to work with and was always available no matter the date or time, truly worked above and beyond my expectations and I would recommend Kyle and the firm to anyone.
Nisha Thomas
Nisha Thomas
03:04 04 Nov 23
My boyfriend has been working with Gerald Miller, specifically Kyle Dreger, as the lead lawyer for his cases.My boyfriend has multiples cases happening simultaneously. The entire team has been extremely helpful and responsive. Not only have they worked with my boyfriend but they have continued to work with his family and loved ones to make sure that our case is handled properly and in a timely manner. I would highly recommend anyone seeking legal advice to reach out to Gerald Miller and specifically ask for Kyle because we believe he’ll provide the best possible advice and support for your case.
Tristen Kurtzweg
Tristen Kurtzweg
00:29 18 Oct 23
Got screwed from another lawyer in my past. Gerald Miller P.A. was a great decision as they kept my interest over theirs. I was able to set aside my worries and continue to live my life while they worked. Great group and would definitely return if needed. Highly recommend.

See More Testimonials

Keeping You Informed

Latest Blog Posts

What Happens When You get Charged With Disorderly Conduct in Minnesota

Author: Gerald Miller

Disorderly conduct charges should not be taken lightly in Minnesota. While these charges might not c

READ MORE >

How to Get a Disorderly Conduct Charge Dismissed in Minnesota

Author: Gerald Miller

There are a number of situations that could result in an arrest for disorderly conduct in Minnesota.

READ MORE >

What Does Disorderly Conduct Mean Under Minnesota Law?

Author: Cody Wright

Virtually every state has some form of statute outlawing “

READ MORE >

 

Get A Free Consultation

Acting quickly will minimize the impact. Don’t wait act now!