Tennessee Criminal Lawyer Blog

The criminal defense attorneys at Baker Associates represent individuals accused of, arrested for, convicted of, or sentenced for criminal offenses. Our office handles disorderly conduct charges and other criminal offenses in Knoxville, Sevierville, Johnson City, Loudon, Maryville, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge.

The law in Tennessee does not require that there be a victim for an individual to be charged with disorderly conduct. A person can be charged with disorderly conduct for simply yelling in a parking lot, screaming swear words, or punching another person's automobile. In fact, many types of behavior or conduct might subject someone to an arrest for disorderly conduct.

There is virtually no state in the United States that does not have some form of law regarding disorderly conduct. This law is commonly described as a catch-all law. Under Tennessee law, a person commits disorderly conduct who, in a public place and with intent to cause public annoyance or alarm:

• Engages in fighting or in violent or threatening behavior;
• Refuses to obey an official order to disperse issued to maintain public safety in dangerous proximity to a fire, hazard or other emergency; or
• Creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act that serves no legitimate purpose. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-305 (2007).

A person also commits disorderly conduct who makes unreasonable noise that prevents others from carrying on lawful activities.

A violation of the disorderly conduct statute is a Class C misdemeanor. Class C misdemeanors are punishable in Tennessee by 30 days in jail, or a fine not to exceed fifty dollars, or both.

Whenever you need a criminal defense lawyer, contact Baker Associates. Our attorneys can provide you with information that will serve you well in making important decisions that affect your case and future.