HABLA ESPAÑOL • AVAILABLE 24/7/365 • HELP WITH BAIL BONDS

(949) 622-5522
Make a Payment
(949) 622-5522
En Español
Schedule Consultation

Disorderly Conduct

Available 24/7/365
See All Criminal Defense Practice Areas

Disorderly Conduct

Available 24/7/365
See All Criminal Defense Practice Areas

As Seen In

10 News First
CNN
Court TV
Forbes
Huff Post Live Alt
Huff Post Live
KTLA

Disorderly Conduct

The crime of disorderly conduct is also known as ‘disturbing the peace’. It’s governed by California penal code, section 647. Disorderly conduct is a crime that involves public activity or behavior that’s offensive or disruptive, and interrupts other people’s ability to enjoy a public space. According to law enforcement, most disorderly conduct arrests often involve an element of alcohol or drugs.

Disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor offence punishable by 6 months in jail, a maximum of $1000 in fines or both. If you are convicted of repeated disorderly conduct charges, the penalties could increase.

Offenses classified as disorderly conduct

The following is conduct that’s classified as disorderly under California PC 647:

  1. Improper sexual conduct such as:
    • Engaging in or soliciting another person to engage in lewd or immoral behavior in a public place or a place that’s exposed to the public.
    • Engaging in prostitution or soliciting for acts of prostitution.
    • Waylaying a person in public or a location open to public view in order to beg or solicit for money or donations.
    • Loitering in or near a public toilet with the aim of engaging in lewd acts or in order to solicit for lewd and unlawful acts.
    • Invading another person’s privacy such as peeping or recording them in a bathroom or dressing room in order to get sexual gratification.
  2. Unlawful lodging or loitering

    Lodging in a private or public building, place or structure without the owner’s permission.

  3. Drunk and disorderly behavior

    Being in public under the intoxication of alcohol, drugs and controlled substances or a combination of drugs and alcohol, to a point where one is unable to exercise care for self and others or if as a result of this intoxication, one obstructs others from using public spaces.

  4. Fighting, general noisiness and using offensive words

    Fighting in public or challenging someone to a fight in public is a crime in California. Making unreasonably loud noise to intentionally disturb others and using offensive words in a public space, particularly when those words could provoke violence is also a crime.

  5. Rioting

    Rioting is a misdemeanor offence that involves the use of unlawful force in public. Rioting is governed by California penal code section 404. The charges for rioting are also $1000 in fines or 6 months of jail time or both. You can also be held responsible in civil court for financial losses resulting from your personal conduct and any damage that you cause during a riot.

  6. Disturbing the peace on a school campus

    Under PC 415, if you are non-student, it’s a crime for you to fight, be unreasonably loud or to use offensive language while on campus property. Charges for this misdemeanor include a maximum of $400 in fines, a maximum of 90 days of jail time or both. Penalties will increase if you are charged with the same offense repeatedly.

  7. Refusing to disperse

    When two or more people who’ve assembled to disturb the peace fail to comply with an order to disperse, this is classified as disorderly conduct. Refusing to disperse is a misdemeanor crime for which penalties are restitution (that is, paying for any damages caused) and community service. (Cal. Penal Code section 404.)

Disorderly Conduct charges may not seem very serious because they are misdemeanors. However, penalties for prior convictions could potentially get heavier depending on your circumstances. Contact our Irvine defense lawyer now for a consultation.

Get A Criminal Defense Consultation Now

Please do not include any confidential or sensitive information in a contact form, text message, or voicemail. The contact form sends information by non-encrypted email, which is not secure. Submitting a contact form, sending a text message, making a phone call, or leaving a voicemail does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Recover Your Future with a Commanding Legal Defense

Immediate Action to Restore Control

Neutralize threats & prevent escalation with a firm that begins active case management as soon as you retain us

24/7 Access to Elite Legal Counsel

Connect with a member of our team at any time to begin addressing your legal challenges swiftly and decisively

Resolve Uncertainty with Clear Guidance

Reduce stress and uncertainty through honest, candid assessments and a clear, strategic path to resolution

Fierce Representation for Urgent Situations

Secure lasting stability for you or your loved one through an aggressive defense and diligent case preparation

Contact Us 24/7/365

Criminal Defense Case Results

Mr. R was charged with embezzling close to $100,000 as a utility salesperson using a scheme to steal customers’ identities. Client avoided any jail time and received probation.

Mr. P was charged with embezzling equipment from John Wayne Airport while working as a contractor. Our office negotiated a civil compromise, resulting in the dismissal of felony charges and sealing his arrest record.

Mr. W. was charged with eight counts, including domestic violence, child endangerment, and criminal threats. Our office negotiated an offer of one year in therapy and then a dismissal of all charges.

Mr. H. was found by police passed out in his vehicle with drugs out in the open. Our office was successful in obtaining a diversion out of the criminal justice system and ultimately a dismissal.

Read More Case Results

Hear From Our Clients

Refreshing & Life-Changing Experience

Ms. Johnson-Norris is an aggressive, professional and effective attorney. Thank you for your legal assistance. Her follow-through is to be commended, and she always returns phone calls and quickly replies to email. The outcome would not have been the same without Ms. Johnson-Norris as my attorney. I would highly recommend Ms. Johnson-Norris to friends and family in need of legal advice. Thank you!

M.B., a Family client

Ms. Johnson-Norris has been a ‘guardian angel’ in our case from the first second we spoke. She’s dedicated such intense time and detail into making sure everything is handled perfectly. Our case has not been finished (yet), and we’re just in the initial stages, but we are already extremely confident in her abilities. Our case is extremely sensitive in nature, but Ms. Johnson-Norris has shown compassion, composure, and extensive knowledge, which is always super comforting. I can say with certainty that Ms. Johnson-Norris will handle our legal needs from the beginning to the end. Also, Ms. Johnson-Norris is really easy to get ahold of. She returns phone calls and/or emails very quickly, which is also a very comforting factor, and something I wanted to point out about her.

Jill, a Juvenile client

Lauren Johnson-Norris was not only responsive, she was compassionate and reasonably priced. I would highly recommend her. She negotiated with the district attorney and brought the case to a win/win.

Shannon, a Criminal Defense client

Lauren Johnson-Norris was amazing. She explained everything in ways that were easily understood, & answered all of my questions. She was respectful, but also open & honest. She started work on my case the first day we met & got results quickly. She demonstrated passion, concern, and showed true feeling for my situation. My expectations were greatly exceeded. I would say she has an incredible attention for detail, & has a real dedication to her work. Lauren Johnson-Norris would be my first recommendation to any of my family or friends similarly in need of legal assistance.

Heather, a Juvenile client

Thank you, Ms. Johnson-Norris, for your help and support in a very scary, bad time in my life! You were a ray of sunshine in a very dark place. I didn’t have to step foot in a courtroom once; Ms. Johnson-Norris was there for me. Always kept me up to date and informed of the progress of my case, was able to work out a very good deal with the courts. If you need a great attorney that will work for you and with you, then I would highly recommend you hire Lauren Johnson-Norris!

J.B., a criminal client

Read more Testimonials

Criminal Defense FaQ

What immediate steps will you take to protect my rights?

We provide immediate crisis command by reviewing the allegations against you and intervening with law enforcement to prevent further exposure. From the moment you retain the Firm, we act as your shield, managing all communications and executing a decisive strategy to protect your liberty and reputation.

We prioritize discretion and exposure management. We understand that a public allegation can be as damaging as a conviction; therefore, our strategy focuses on minimizing the visibility of your case while challenging the prosecution’s narrative to preserve your standing in the community.

We begin by meticulously reviewing the allegations to determine if the conduct even constitutes a crime under the law. We then scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence against the highest standard — proof beyond a reasonable doubt. By analyzing the “who, what, when, where, and how,” we identify the natural questions a jury will have, allowing us to build an expert strategy that derails the prosecutor’s narrative.

.

Yes, our firm offers comprehensive legal services in Orange County with a unique focus on “crossover” cases where criminal and juvenile law intersect. Johnson Criminal Law Group provides the specialized expertise necessary to navigate investigations that threaten parental rights and family stability.

When you partner with Johnson Criminal Law Group, you receive 24/7 responsiveness and a clear, strategic plan designed to resolve your legal emergency decisively. We balance aggressive defense strategies with genuine human connection, ensuring you are treated with the respect and transparency you deserve during a crisis

Habla Español • Available 24/7/365 Help With Bail Bonds

Schedule A Consultation
(949) 622-5522