Legal Definitions - disorderly conduct

Disorderly conduct is a type of behavior that disturbs the peace, morals, or safety of the general public or a group of people. This behavior can cause annoyance, alarm, offense, inconvenience, physical injury, or financial harm to others. Examples of disorderly conduct include:

• Being drunk in public
• Loitering
• Fighting
• Making loud or disturbing noises
• Making offensive expressions or gestures
• Damaging public or private property

Disorderly conduct is usually a misdemeanor offense in most states and involves some public element or impact. This means that the behavior must occur in a public place or affect the public in some way.

For example, if someone is drunk and causing a disturbance in a public park, they could be charged with disorderly conduct. Similarly, if someone is fighting in a crowded street, they could also be charged with disorderly conduct because their behavior is disturbing the peace and safety of others.