Burlington County Disorderly Conduct Lawyer
Experienced Disorderly Conduct Attorney in Burlington County, NJ, John B. Brennan Seeks Dismissals, Reductions of Charges, and Other Beneficial Outcomes
Disorderly conduct may sound like a minor offense, but in New Jersey, it is a criminal charge that can leave you with a permanent record, financial penalties, and even potential jail time. As a Burlington County disorderly conduct lawyer, I represent individuals accused of conduct that prosecutors claim was meant to cause public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm. Disorderly conduct often arises from emotionally charged situations, such as incidents involving alleged assault and threats. Having an experienced defense attorney on your side can help prevent a momentary misunderstanding from becoming a life-altering conviction.
At The Law Office of John B. Brennan, I bring more than 30 years of criminal law experience and the perspective of a former prosecutor to every case I handle. I understand how easily a heated argument, a misinterpreted gesture, or a chaotic scene can lead to an accusation of disorderly conduct. My goal is to give you the strongest defense possible so your rights, reputation, and future remain protected.
It’s time to make sure you understand your legal rights, the charges against you, and your options for building a strong, effective defense. Contact The Law Office of John B. Brennan today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
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Understanding Disorderly Conduct Charges Under New Jersey Law
In New Jersey, disorderly conduct is governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2. The statute defines the different broad categories of behavior that may be charged as disorderly conduct.
Improper Conduct
Fighting, threatening behavior, violent or tumultuous actions, or creating a physically hazardous or dangerous condition that serves no legitimate purpose can constitute disorderly conduct. These situations often arise during disputes, confrontations, or emotionally charged incidents. Improper behavior of this nature can lead to petty disorderly persons offenses.
Offensive Language
Using unreasonably loud, offensively coarse, or abusive language in a public place with the intent to offend or provoke can also be charged as disorderly conduct in the form of a petty disorderly persons offense. Although subjective, police frequently apply this subsection when a verbal dispute escalates in public.
Concealing Identity During Disorderly Conduct
Under subsection (c) of this statute, it is a disorderly persons offense to conceal or attempt to conceal your identity by wearing a mask or disguise while engaging in disorderly conduct as defined in subsection (a). This statute applies when the purpose is to instill fear, hinder prosecution, or avoid apprehension. This provision targets situations where a person’s concealment of identity is intended to heighten alarm or obstruct law enforcement and can lead to disorderly persons charges.
Disturbance at a Public Gathering
Subsection (d) of New Jersey’s disorderly conduct statute makes it a disorderly persons offense to act with the purpose of disrupting or causing a disturbance at a public event or gathering, or to engage in behavior knowing that it will disrupt such an event. This can include causing chaos at concerts, sporting events, political events, or other assemblies. Importantly, the law clarifies that wearing a mask or disguise solely for medical, religious, or expressive purposes does not, by itself, establish intent to instill fear or avoid apprehension.
The Definition of “Public” in the Context of Disorderly Persons Charges
The statute defines “public” broadly to include any location that affects or is likely to affect people in spaces accessible to the general public or large groups. This includes highways, transportation facilities, schools, prisons, apartment buildings, places of business or entertainment, and neighborhoods.
Law enforcement often charges disorderly conduct as a catch-all offense when an incident doesn’t neatly fit another criminal statute.
Examples of Disorderly Conduct in Assault-Related Situations in NJ
Because disorderly conduct overlaps with many assault and threat-based offenses, police frequently file disorderly conduct charges when they believe someone acted aggressively or caused public alarm. Examples include:
- Shouting matches or heated arguments in public that attract attention or cause people nearby to feel threatened
- Physical altercations that do not rise to the level of simple assault or aggravated assault but still involve pushing, grabbing, or attempting to strike someone
- Verbal threats made loudly in a public place or during a confrontation
- Behavior perceived as menacing, such as raising a fist, advancing toward another person aggressively, or acting in a way that bystanders interpret as threatening
- Domestic disputes spilling into public view, even if no assault or formal threat occurred
- Arguments in bars or restaurants where alcohol contributes to loud or contentious behavior
Disorderly conduct can also cover a wide range of non-assault-related actions, such as:
- Creating a public disturbance by blocking traffic, throwing objects, or causing a scene
- Participating in public intoxication-related incidents, such as disruptive drunken behavior
- Using offensively coarse or abusive language in public with the intent to offend or provoke
- Starting or contributing to a crowd disturbance, including minor disruptions at sporting events, concerts, or public gatherings
- Engaging in dangerous pranks or stunts with no legitimate purpose
These allegations often rely on subjective perceptions, split-second judgments, and incomplete accounts. As your Burlington County disorderly conduct lawyer, I work to demonstrate that your actions were misunderstood, exaggerated, or taken out of context.
How Serious Is a Disorderly Conduct Charge in New Jersey?
Although disorderly conduct is classified as a petty disorderly persons offense, it should never be underestimated. A conviction can carry lasting consequences that affect your professional life, personal relationships, and future opportunities.
If you are found guilty of a disorderly conduct charge, a judge may impose penalties such as:
- Up to 30 days in jail for a petty disorderly persons offense or up to six months in jail for a disorderly persons offense
- Fines of up to $500 for a petty disorderly persons offense or up to $1,000 for a disorderly persons offense
- Court costs and mandatory assessments
- Probation
- Community service
A disorderly conduct conviction, even for what seems like a minor incident, results in a permanent criminal record that can appear on background checks. Having a criminal record can also complicate employment, professional licensing, immigration status, and educational opportunities. It may also be used by prosecutors to paint a negative picture of your character in any future criminal proceeding.
The stakes are too high to face these charges without skilled representation. As a disorderly conduct attorney serving Burlington County, NJ, and all of South Jersey, I understand exactly how prosecutors build these cases. I use that insider knowledge to challenge every aspect of the accusation and defend your rights aggressively.
Outcomes an Experienced Disorderly Conduct Attorney in Burlington County, NJ, Could Achieve for You
With the right defense strategy, many disorderly conduct cases can be resolved favorably. Depending on the facts of your case and the quality of your legal representation, possible outcomes include:
- Dismissal of charges when evidence is insufficient, witnesses are inconsistent, or your conduct does not meet the statutory standard
- Downgrading of the offense to a municipal ordinance violation, which avoids a criminal conviction
- Entry into conditional dismissal programs for eligible first-time offenders, allowing the charge to be dismissed after successful completion of court-ordered conditions
- Not-guilty verdicts at trial, especially when the evidence relies on subjective perceptions or unreliable testimony
- Expungement eligibility after the waiting period, enabling you to clear the charge from your record
Because I am a Burlington County disorderly conduct lawyer with decades of criminal trial experience, I know how to negotiate effectively, challenge flawed evidence, and present compelling arguments to judges and prosecutors. My goal is always to secure the best outcome possible and protect your future.
How The Law Office of John B. Brennan Can Help
When you come to my office after being charged with disorderly conduct, you get more than legal advice. You get an advocate who is committed to understanding your side of the story and fighting to ensure it is heard.
I begin by conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, analyzing video footage, and identifying where assumptions, exaggerations, or constitutional violations occurred.
From there, I build a defense designed to:
- Challenge the prosecution’s interpretation of your behavior
- Argue that your actions served a legitimate purpose or did not rise to the level of criminal conduct
- Demonstrate that your conduct was misinterpreted or that no public disturbance occurred
- Expose unlawful police conduct or improper charging decisions
- Protect you from unfair treatment throughout the legal process
As your disorderly conduct attorney in Burlington County, NJ, I’ll be here to guide you through each step of your case, explain your options, and defend your rights both inside and outside the courtroom.
Get Advice From An Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer. All You Have To Do Is Call 856-446-5123 To Receive Your Free Case Evaluation.
Why Choose The Law Office of John B. Brennan to Defend You Against Disorderly Conduct Charges?
When you need a disorderly conduct attorney in Burlington County, NJ, you can count on to help you fight back against overcharging prosecutors, unfairly obtained evidence, and exaggerated allegations, you need The Law Office of John B. Brennan. Here’s why defendants throughout South Jersey trust us with their legal strategies.
Unwavering Representation to Challenge the Prosecution’s Case
Backed by my status as a Certified Criminal Trial Attorney, I bring decades of courtroom experience and the certification awarded to only attorneys who meet New Jersey’s highest standards of trial proficiency. I am prepared to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, expose weaknesses in their case, and fight for you at trial when necessary.
Proven Results and a Focus on the Most Favorable Outcome Possible
I have successfully represented thousands of clients facing charges ranging from minor offenses to serious felonies. My approach centers on achieving dismissals, reduced charges, or alternative resolutions whenever possible to protect your record and future.
Skilled Defense Against All Types of Criminal Charges in NJ
My broad experience defending against charges that involve assault, violent crimes, drug offenses, gun crimes, and white-collar crimes ensures that I can handle cases involving complex evidence, expert testimony, and high-stakes criminal exposure. No matter what type of charge you face, I have the knowledge and skill to build a strong and strategic defense.
Contact a Burlington County Disorderly Conduct Lawyer at The Law Office of John B. Brennan Today for a Free Consultation
If you are facing a disorderly conduct charge in New Jersey, you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. As an experienced Burlington County disorderly conduct lawyer, I am fully prepared to help you understand your options and fight for the best possible outcome.
Contact The Law Office of John B. Brennan online or call 856-446-5123 today to schedule a confidential consultation and begin building your defense.
Frequently Asked Questions About Disorderly Conduct Crimes in Burlington County and Throughout South Jersey
In New Jersey, disorderly conduct is defined under N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2 and includes a wide range of behaviors that cause public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm. Common examples include fighting, threatening behavior, loud arguments, aggressive gestures, using offensively coarse language in public, or creating a hazardous condition that serves no legitimate purpose.
Police often charge defendants with disorderly conduct when an incident is disruptive but doesn’t meet the elements of another crime, such as assault or terroristic threats. Even misunderstandings, heated disputes, or emotionally charged interactions can lead to an accusation. Because the statute is broad, many people are charged based on subjective interpretations of their conduct.
You should never plead guilty to disorderly conduct without first speaking to an experienced criminal defense attorney. Although the offense may seem minor, a guilty plea creates a permanent criminal record and can affect employment, licensing, immigration status, and future legal matters.
An attorney may be able to negotiate a dismissal, secure entry into a conditional dismissal program, reduce the charge to a non-criminal ordinance violation, or challenge weaknesses in the evidence. Pleading guilty ends your ability to fight the case and achieve any of these outcomes.
It’s important to understand all available defenses and potential consequences before making any decision in court. At The Law Office of John B. Brennan, I provide free, confidential consultations, so it costs you nothing to speak to an attorney about your case and your next steps.
Under N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2, most forms of disorderly conduct, including improper behavior and offensive language, are classified as petty disorderly persons offenses. However, subsections (c) and (d) of the statute (concealing identity during disorderly conduct and disturbance at a public gathering) are categorized as disorderly persons offenses, the more serious level.
This distinction is important because the potential penalties differ significantly, and the consequences of a conviction can have a lasting impact on your record and future. As a defense attorney, I evaluate which subsection the prosecution is relying on and work to challenge the classification and evidence wherever possible.
For a disorderly conduct charge in Burlington County that constitutes a petty disorderly persons offense, a conviction can result in penalties including up to 30 days in jail, fines of up to $500, court costs, probation, and community service. Judges may also impose mandatory assessments and other conditions depending on the circumstances of the case. Certain allegations can result in more serious disorderly persons charges, which can carry significantly longer jail sentences (up to six months) and higher fines (up to $1,000).
Jail time is not always imposed for a disorderly conduct conviction, but this legal trouble can impact you for years, even if you aren’t sentenced to incarceration. One of the most significant consequences of a disorderly conduct charge is the permanent criminal record that follows a conviction. That record may appear in background checks and affect employment or professional opportunities. Because the penalties can impact your future, strong legal representation is essential.
In New Jersey, a disorderly conduct conviction becomes part of your permanent criminal record unless it is expunged. You may become eligible to apply for expungement five years after the conviction, completion of probation, or payment of fines, whichever occurs last. However, if your case is dismissed through a conditional dismissal program, you can typically expunge it after a six-month waiting period.
Until expunged, the charge may appear on background checks conducted for employment, housing, or professional licensing. Because of these long-term effects, defending against the charge proactively is the best way to avoid a lasting record.