What to do about a disorderly conduct charge?
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What to do about a disorderly conduct charge?
I’m from PA. I was leaving a bar, waiting outside for our cab ride. The cab wait was about 45 minutes and I had to use the bathroom, the bouncers to the bar would not let me back in and I could not hold it. I went behind a building and an officer saw me and charged me with disorderly conduct. Unfortunatley the buliding that I went behind is also the magistrate’s office, which I was obviously unaware of. I cooperated with the officer and did not resist at all. I believe it is a class C misdemeanor. What will happen?
Asked on May 7, 2012 under Criminal Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
Kevin Bessant / Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
In most states a disorderly conduct charge is considered a low level misdemeanor criminal offense. Because it is a low level offense, most people believe that they do not need to hire a criminal attorney and often represent themselves in these cases. This can be dangerous because a conviction for this offense can cause damage to your criminal record. Speak with a criminal attorney in your area to discuss options of having this case dismissed, or even the option of having a deferred sentence if this is your first ever criminal offense to avoid having a record. If you can not afford an attorney, the court may appoint one for you.
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