What You Need to Know This Spring and Summer
As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, people across Missouri are heading outdoors to enjoy the sunshine. Whether it’s grabbing drinks on a busy patio, hosting a backyard barbecue, or celebrating at a street festival, spring and summer are prime time for public gatherings. But with more activity comes more opportunity for things to get out of handโand one of the most common charges that can arise in these situations is disorderly conduct charges.
If you’ve been charged with disorderly conduct chargesโor if you’re worried that a fun night out might turn into legal troubleโhereโs what you need to know.
What Is Disorderly Conduct in Missouri?
In Missouri, disorderly conduct isnโt a specific statutory crime. Instead, it often falls under related offenses such as:
- Peace Disturbance (Mo. Rev. Stat. ยง 574.010)
- Unlawful Assembly (Mo. Rev. Stat. ยง 574.040)
- Public Drunkenness (not a standalone crime, but can lead to other charges)
- Obstructing Traffic or Resisting Arrest
These charges are usually brought when someone is accused of causing a public disturbance, being excessively loud, fighting, blocking traffic, or engaging in other disruptive behavior.
Common Scenarios That Lead to Charges
During the warmer months, disorderly conduct-related charges often stem from:
- Bar fights or heated arguments that spill into public spaces
- Loud music or parties that disturb the peace
- Intoxicated behavior in public areas
- Protests or demonstrations that block traffic or fail to follow permit guidelines
- Refusing to disperse when asked by law enforcement
What might seem like harmless fun or harmless venting can quickly escalate if police are called.
Do You Have to Be Drunk to Be Charged?
No. While alcohol often plays a role in disorderly conduct cases, itโs not a requirement. Even sober individuals can be charged if their behavior is deemed disruptive or aggressive in a public setting.
What Are the Penalties?
The severity of the penalties depends on the nature of the charge:
- Peace disturbance is typically a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- If the behavior involved a threat to public safety or resistance to law enforcement, more serious charges like resisting arrest could apply.
A criminal conviction can also affect your employment, housing, or professional licenses, so itโs important to take any charge seriously.
What Should You Do If Youโre Arrested?
If you find yourself being detained or cited:
- Stay calm and cooperative โ Resisting can make things worse.
- Donโt try to talk your way out of it โ Anything you say can be used against you.
- Ask to speak with an attorney โ This is your right.
- Document what happened โ As soon as you can, write down everything you remember, including names of witnesses.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
An experienced criminal defense attorney can evaluate the details of your case, determine whether your rights were violated, and fight to get the charges reduced or dismissed. In some cases, we may be able to resolve the matter without a criminal conviction on your record.
Final Thoughts: Donโt Let One Night Ruin Your Summer
Enjoy the warm weatherโbut know your rights, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid confrontations in public spaces. If things take a wrong turn, weโre here to help.
Rogers Sevastianos & Bante has successfully represented clients in a wide range of criminal matters, including disorderly conduct and peace disturbance cases. Donโt face charges aloneโreach out for a confidential consultation today.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every legal situation is unique, and you should consult an attorney for personalized guidance on your specific circumstances.