Charged with Disorderly Conduct in Indiana? You Need an Experienced Criminal Defense Team On Your Side
Not all criminal offense charges result in extensive prison time within the criminal justice system. Just because the penalties may not be as severe does not mean you should accept a guilty verdict when you face disorderly conduct charges under Indiana law. If you have been charged with disorderly conduct in Indiana, you may initially believe these charges are unlikely to have a profound impact on your—and you may be wondering whether you really need legal representation. However, consulting an Indianapolis disorderly conduct attorney early in the process may help you avoid mistakes that could affect the outcome of your case.
However, a conviction on your record could be far more impactful than you realize and may lead to a permanent criminal record, affecting employment and future opportunities. Prosecutors can use various forms of evidence to prove disorderly conduct, and facing a conviction is a very real concern regardless of the circumstances at hand.
You Need an Experienced Criminal Law Firm that Can Help You Fight for a Favorable Outcome
Working with a highly skilled Indianapolis disorderly conduct attorney from Wruble Law could be the solution you have been looking for. Contact our office today to request a confidential consultation with a respected criminal defense lawyer. When you do, you can learn more about when disorderly conduct laws apply, the harsh penalties and serious consequences you are facing, and how to present the strongest defense strategy possible to pursue the best possible outcome. Criminal defense is one of our core practice areas, and we are prepared to do whatever it takes to protect you—including fighting for your freedom before the Indiana Supreme Court if necessary.
If you are facing a disorderly conduct charge, you need to exercise your right to remain silent. You also need to avoid making any assumptions about your case. From security footage to eye-witness testimony, police officers may have gathered various forms of evidence that prosecutors can use to pursue a conviction in court.
What are Disorderly Conduct Charges?
You can be charged with disorderly conduct under Indiana Code 35-45-1-3, which governs Indiana disorderly conduct offenses. Generally, these charges apply if you are accused of recklessly, knowingly or intentionally, and behaving offensively or disruptively in public and interfering with lawful assembly, peace, and others in public spaces. Some examples of disorderly conduct include:
- Disrupting groups in public spaces or engaging in unlawful assembly
- Making unreasonable noise in public
- Tumultuous conduct or fighting in public
It is not unusual for people charged with a criminal act to face stacked criminal cases. In addition to disorderly conduct, you could be charged with public intoxication or offenses involving a controlled substance or property damage.
Aggravating Factors Can Lead to Charges for a Level 6 Felony
More often than not, disorderly conduct is tried as a Class B misdemeanor, as described by the Hamilton County Superior Court. However, under certain circumstances, such as incidents involving airport security, an airport parking area, a maintenance bay, a funeral procession, or a funeral or memorial service, it may be elevated to a Level 6 felony.
Whether you are facing misdemeanor charges or you have been charged with a Class 6 felony, the maximum penalty could involve jail time, and these severe consequences could have a devastating impact on your future. The Indiana legislature intentionally made disorderly conduct a serious offense; and, from determining if prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction to fighting the prosecution’s case at court hearings and at trial, you need to be prepared to do whatever it takes to protect yourself. This starts with hiring an experienced attorney.
Criminal Consequences of a Guilty Verdict for Disorderly Conduct
Many factors will influence the consequences you will face if you are found guilty of disorderly conduct. Your prior criminal offense history, whether there was serious bodily injury, the involvement of a deadly weapon, and other aggravating factors, could all have an impact on your sentence. If you are convicted of a Class B misdemeanor, you could spend up to 180 days in jail and pay fines not to exceed $1,000. You may be forced to perform community service as well. If your charges were elevated to Level 6 felony, the conviction carries fines up to $10,000 and spend as much as 2 1/2 years in an Indiana state prison.
Long-Term Consequences After a Disorderly Conduct Conviction
Once you have completed your sentence, you may be anxious to move forward with your life. However, your life may continue to be affected by your conviction through collateral consequences. For many people, a conviction for disorderly conduct adversely affects their life for years (if not decades) to come.
A felony conviction on your record can result in serious penalties, you may have your firearm rights revoked, face immigration issues, lose federal student aid, be passed over for career advancement opportunities, or even have your professional license suspended or revoked, creating severe consequences in the long-term and causing substantial damage to your reputation. The potential consequences in your personal and professional life are reason enough on their own to put an experienced Indianapolis disorderly conduct attorney on your side.
The Advantages of Hiring an Experienced Indianapolis Disorderly Conduct Lawyer are Undeniable
When you are facing criminal charges for disorderly conduct, your reputation, future opportunities, and freedom could be on the line. Know your rights. Since disorderly conduct can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony, the consequences can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances of your arrest.
Attempting to represent your own interests without a skilled criminal defense attorney by your side could backfire and lead to the prosecution securing a conviction in court. You need to have a clear and comprehensive understanding of the legal issues involved in your case, and you need to be prepared to defend yourself by all means available.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Indianapolis Disorderly Conduct Attorney
As soon as possible, enlist the services of a trial-tested Indianapolis disorderly conduct lawyer from Wruble Law. As one of the highest-rated criminal defense law firms in Indiana, you can rely on our experienced legal team to explore your legal options and safeguard your future, as they know how prosecutors build these cases, how to pursue charges reduced where possible, and secure the best possible outcome. Complete our secure contact form or call us to schedule your confidential consultation with an Indianapolis Disorderly Conduct lawyer as soon as today.