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A disorderly conduct charge in Appleton, Wisconsin can be categorized as a misdemeanor or felony offense. A felony disorderly conduct charge carries fines up to $50,000 and 15 years in prison. A misdemeanor charge carries a penalty of up to $100,000 in fines and/or 9 months in jail.
If you are facing disorderly conduct charges in Appleton, call Grieve Law's criminal defense attorneys for a free case consultation.
Under Wisconsin statute 947.01, disorderly conduct refers to any behavior that could provoke or disturb others whether public or private.
Behavior classified as disorderly conduct includes:
The experienced attorneys at Grieve Law in Appleton will walk you through your disorderly conduct charges and determine the best defenses that will achieve the best results.
Many people are under the misconception that a disorderly conduct charge on their record is just a ticket. Disorderly conduct charges can come with serious penalties. Depending on your unique situation, you might be charged with a criminal offense that leads to fines, jail time, and forfeiture of gun rights.
In Appleton, a Disorderly conduct charge is a Class B misdemeanor. Penalties for conviction are up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Penalties become worse if your arrest is the result of unlawful assembly. This is a Class A misdemeanor with penalties of 9 months in jail and/or $10,000 fines.
If your disorderly conduct citation is classified as a forfeiture violation, you may face extra fines (but no jail time). Disorderly conduct charges will show up on background checks for the rest of your life. Based on unique circumstances, prosecutors have the ability to charge your case as criminal or as a forfeiture. Trust Grieve Law’s successful attorneys to get these citations dismissed.
Disorderly conduct charges don’t normally involve victims. Even if you didn’t direct your actions towards a person, your behavior could still lead to violent or verbal retaliation, making it a disorderly conduct violation. For example, if you’re talking unreasonably loud or yelling in a movie theater, but aren’t directing it at anyone, this is a disorderly conduct violation. This is because the behavior may result in violence.
As long as you have a permit to openly carry a firearm as protection, it is legal in Wisconsin. If that weapon was used with criminal or malicious intent, you could be charged with a disorderly conduct violation.
Domestic violence enhancer charges could be added to your disorderly conduct charge if you were disputing with family, roommates, or a significant other. This may jeopardize your right to own a firearm. Keep your record clean and maintain your rights with strategic help from the experienced attorneys at Grieve Law.
In the case of domestic violence, you will not be allowed to contact the other party for 72 hours. This “72 hour no contact provision” protects both parties from further harm. A “no contact provision” may also be called for by the prosecuting attorney, which is different than the “72-hour no-contact provision.” The “no contact provision” prohibits contact between both parties until the set court date. Violation of the “no contact provision” can result in a separate crime known as bail jumping.
Disorderly conduct charges will likely remain on your record forever. Expungement may be possible under a very specific set of circumstances, but the conviction remains on your record regardless. Keep your record clean with the best defense possible at Grieve Law.
Obtaining a knowledgeable defense attorney is the first step to beating a disorderly conduct charge. Contact an Appleton criminal defense attorney to create a successful defense for your case. Grieve’s lawyers will pull out every piece of useful information to fight for your desired outcome.
