Olathe Disorderly Conduct Lawyer

What Is Disorderly Conduct?

According to Kansas Code §21-6203, disorderly conduct can be defined as any act that knowingly angers, alarms or disturbs another person, provokes an assault or breaches the public peace. 

This Could Include:


  • a) Brawling or fighting in public
  • b) disturbing a meeting, procession or assembly
  • c) using "fighting words" 
  • d) engaging in noisy conduct that subsequently arouses alarm, anger or resentment. 

Since the definition of this crime is so broad, however, there are a number of unique circumstances that could result in disorderly conduct charges. In fact, this is one of the most highly prosecuted offenses in the country.

Call (913) 971-0296!

Have You Been Charged With Disorderly Conduct?

Some of the most common instances of disturbing the peace / disorderly conduct include the following.

Examples of Disorderly Conduct


  • Obscene gestures or language
  • Creating a public disturbance
  • Organizing an unlawful assembly
  • Public drunkenness / intoxication
  • Refusing to disperse
  • Intentionally obstructing traffic
  • Created noxious smells / odors
  • Vandalizing public property
  • Interfering with lawful activity
  • Resisting arrest / detainment

Contact our firm to learn more about disorderly conduct charges in Olathe, KS. 

What Happens When You Go to Court for Disorderly Conduct?

In some cases, you might only receive a ticket for disorderly conduct, depending on the seriousness of the conduct. However, in more serious cases, you could be arrested for disorderly conduct. Either way, you will need to appear in court to plea “guilty” or “not guilty” regarding the charge. If you are going to plead “not guilty”, you will want a criminal defense lawyer representing you. Do not hesitate to contact our firm for legal assistance and any other questions.

Can Disorderly Conduct be Reduced?

Yes, disorderly conduct charges can be reduced depending on the discretion of the Kansas judge. In less severe situations, the judge might reduce the punishment or order another form of rehabilitation such as a fine or required community service. The charges might also be reduced if it is the offender’s first offense.

Does Disorderly Conduct Show Up on a Background Check?

Yes, a disorderly conduct charge will typically show up on a background check or even a mortgage application. This reality can significantly affect your future. Contact us today to learn more about your options and if there is a way to avoid a disorderly conduct charge altogether.

Are Fighting Words Protected by the First Amendment?

As a citizen of the United States, you are afforded certain Constitutional rights—with the most important being the freedom of speech. This means that you cannot be charged with a crime that would infringe upon these rights. When it comes to disorderly conduct, however, the lines are often blurred. If you were arrested for using offensive language in public, for example, it would be up to the prosecution to prove that your language had risen to the level of "fighting words"—as anything less would be protected under your First Amendment rights. In the United States Supreme Court case, Chaplinsky v. New Hampshire, the fighting words doctrine was very clearly articulated.

It was decided that "fighting words" could be defined as any language that is violent in nature and/or used to incite an immediate breach of peace. Many people assume that this would encompass all hurtful or insulting utterances, but it is only a crime to speak out in public if it is done in a manner that exceeds this burden of proof. For this reason, it is important for anyone who has been charged with disorderly conduct to understand the scope of their First Amendment protections. By contacting our Olathe criminal attorney from Garretson & Toth, LLC immediately after an arrest, one can ensure that their rights will be upheld and that they are given a fair trial.

What Is the Penalty for Disorderly Conduct?

In the state of Kansas, disorderly conduct is considered to be a Class C misdemeanor. If convicted of this crime, one could expect to face up to one month in jail and costly fines. If the circumstances of the incident were particularly violent, however, the severity of the charges could be increased to assault and/or battery—which would typically result in much stiffer penalties. For this reason, it is crucial that you seek the help of an Olathe criminal defense lawyer from our firm if you are currently facing charges for disorderly conduct. Our legal team may be able to help you avoid time behind bars, so there is no reason why you should wait any longer to enlist the professional help that you will need. Contact our office today for a free initial consultation.

Contact Garretson & Toth, LLC Immediately

If you or someone you love has been charged with disorderly conduct, you could be facing up to 30 days in jail. For this reason, we encourage you to contact an Olathe criminal attorney at our firm as soon as possible. Not only can we dedicate more than 60 years of experience to your case, but it won't cost you a thing to find out if we can help.

Your initial consultation is free when you contact our firm at (913) 971-0296. If you would prefer to contact us online, you can also contact us directly from our website. Either way you choose to get in touch, we look forward to hearing from you soon.

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