Disorderly conduct is a crime in the state of Illinois, and a conviction can result in up to 3 years of imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine.
Disorderly Conduct in Illinois
Disorderly conduct can include a number of activities that can:
- Waste public resources
- Unnecessarily cause public fear or stress
- Alarms or disturbs others
The laws prohibiting disorderly conduct are generally focused on public safety, so the consequences of a conviction can be severe.
In most cases, the state of Illinois considers disorderly conduct a Class A, B or C misdemeanor. Depending on the circumstances, disorderly conduct can be a Class 3 or Class 4 felony.
Punishments for Disorderly Conduct in Chicago and the Suburbs
The court can impose penalties for any type of disorderly conduct conviction, which include fines of up to $2,500 for misdemeanors and up to $10,000 for felonies. The sentences vary based on the type of charge you receive.
- Class A misdemeanor: 1 year imprisonment
- Class B misdemeanor: 6 months imprisonment
- Class C misdemeanor: 30 days imprisonment
- Class 3 felony: 2 to 5 years imprisonment
- Class 4 felony: 1 to 3 years imprisonment
Defenses Against Disorderly Conduct Charges in Illinois
Because no two cases are the same, it’s important that you talk to your disorderly conduct lawyer to determine what defense strategy will work best in your case. Some of the most common defenses include self-defense or the defense of another person; the First Amendment right to freedom of speech; and entrapment or outrageous police conduct.
What Illinois Law Says About Disorderly Conduct
The actual statute, 720 ILCS 5/26-1, says:
(a) A person commits disorderly conduct when he or she knowingly:
(1) Does any act in such unreasonable manner as to alarm or disturb another and to provoke a breach of the peace.
The statute goes on to describe other instances that may be construed as disorderly conduct, including activating fire alarms when there is no fire, calling in bomb threats and threats to schools, as well as several other crimes.
What to Do if You’re Accused of Disorderly Conduct
Any type of conviction can have a long-lasting impact on your life. It’s important that you work with a disorderly conduct lawyer in Chicago who can represent you in court and help preserve your rights.
Call us at 847-920-4540 or contact us online if you’re facing disorderly conduct charges in Chicago or the suburbs. We have offices in Skokie, Rolling Meadows and Chicago.
