Disorderly Conduct Definition
Disorderly conduct is defined as behavior that disrupts the peace. This is a broad term that envelops unruly behavior such as using vulgar or obscene language in a public place, vagrancy, loitering, causing a crowd to gather in a public place, or annoying other passengers on public transportation. Typically a judge decides whether the offense is in fact disorderly conduct and a jury will decide if the person is guilty. Disorderly conduct in Illinois is described in statute and includes bomb threats, pulling a fire alarm when there is not a fire and knowingly filing a false police report.
Disorderly Conduct Illinois Law
According to Illinois Statute, disorderly conduct occurs when a person knowingly:
- Does an act in such an unreasonable manner as to alarm or disturb another or breach the peace—Class C misdemeanor
- Transmits a false fire alarm to the fire department—Class 4 felony
- Transmits a false bomb alarm—Class 3 felony
- Transmits a threat of destruction of violence, death or bodily harm to a school building or persons at a school—Class 4 felony
- Transmits a knowingly false report of a criminal offense to a police officer—Class 4 felony
- Transmits a false report to a public safety agency without reasonable grounds—Class A misdemeanor, second or subsequent, Class 4 felony
- Calls 911 with the purpose of making a knowingly false alarm complaint—Class 4 felony
- Transmits a false report to the Department of Children and Family Services—Class 4 felony
- Transmits a false report to the Department of Public Health—Class B misdemeanor
- Transmits a false request for an ambulance—Class 4 felony
- Transmits a false report about under Article II of “An Act in relation to victims of violence and abuse”—Class B misdemeanor
- Enters the property of another for a lewd or unlawful purpose and looks into a window or other opening—Class A misdemeanor, third or subsequent, Class 4 felony
- Harasses or intimidates an alleged debtor by telephone call—Business offense
Disorderly Conduct Punishment
A charge for disorderly conduct will have a different punishment depending on the circumstances of the offense. Disorderly conduct charges can vary from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class 3 felony. In addition to any other penalties, a disorderly conduct charge also has a punishment of:
- 30-120 hours community service
A bomb threat can have an additional fine of $3,000 to $10,000 and require reimbursement of the cost of the response to the threat.
Business offense
- A fine not to exceed $3,000
Class C misdemeanor
- Up to 30 days in jail
- Up to two years of probation
- A fine of up to $1,500
Class B misdemeanor
- Up to six months in jail
- Up to two years of probation
- A fine of up to $1,500
Class A misdemeanor
- Up to one year in jail
- Up to two years of probation (formal supervision)
- A fine of up to $2,500
Class 4 felony
- Possible imprisonment of 1-3 years
- Fines of up to $25,000
Class 3 felony
- Possible imprisonment of 2-5 years
- Fines of up to $25,000
Disorderly Conduct Charges
If you face disorderly conduct charges, you need to hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer familiar with disorderly conduct charges. Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyers specialize in helping clients that are charged with a variety of criminal offenses. Dennis F. Dwyer is a Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney that is familiar with disorderly conduct charges. Call his office today to discuss your disorderly conduct charge.
