Addison, IL Disorderly Conduct Attorneys

Criminal Defense Lawyers Handling Disorderly Conduct Charges in DuPage, Cook, and Surrounding Counties

Disorderly conduct is something of an umbrella term for a wide range of offenses in 720 ILCS 26-1. The statute covers a wide range of conduct, from alarm[ing] or disturb[ing] another to threats against public facilities to fake 911 calls. The range of punishment is equally broad, from Class C misdemeanor to Class 4 felony. Disorderly conduct can be charged as a stand-alone crime or along with other offenses. Also, it is a lesser-included offense in many weapons violations and other matters.

The attorneys at Stringini & Garvey, P.C. have over 65 years of combined experience, and they routinely handle criminal defense matters throughout Chicagoland. Our firm has access to almost limitless legal resources through our vast online library, and we leverage these resources and our experience for you, at trial and during plea negotiations. Furthermore, because you are not satisfied with anything less than the best possible result under the circumstances, neither are we.

Disorderly Conduct Violations

Altogether, there are 12 different reckless conduct offenses in this section of the penal code. Some of the more common ones are:

• Breach of the Peace: An (a)(1) violation could be a shouting match in a parking lot that includes a bit of fisticuffs or displaying a weapon in a somewhat menacing fashion. This offense is a Class C misdemeanor with a maximum 30 days in jail and $500 fine.
• False Report: Ten subsections pertain to false reports to police departments, fire departments, and other governmental or public agencies. Depending on the entity involved, maximum punishment ranges from Class B misdemeanor (six months in jail and $1,500 fine) to Class 4 felony (one to three years in prison and $25,000 fine).
• Unlawful Entry: The Peeping Tom statute is a Class A misdemeanor (one year in jail and $2,500 fine) for a first offense, and a Class 4 felony for a subsequent violation.
• Unlawful Debt Collection: Calls made with the intent to harass, annoy or intimidate the alleged debtor are punishable by a $3,000 fine.

In addition to the state laws, many cities and municipalities have their own disorderly conduct measures. Such provisions are nearly always akin to Class C misdemeanors or traffic tickets for punishment purposes.

Disorderly Conduct and Plea Bargaining

Many of the provisions in 720 ILCS 26-1 are lesser-included offenses of other violations. Breach of the peace is a lesser included offense of most domestic violence, weapons, and assault charges. In borderline cases - for example, the complaining witness in an assault may be difficult to locate or unwilling to come forward - prosecutors are often willing to reduce the charges. The same thing applies to the unlawful entry law and most sex crimes. In addition to lower punishment, disorderly conduct carries none of the adverse side effects, like sex offender registration, which are involved in the major crimes.

For a free consultation regarding a disorderly conduct charge, contact Stringini & Garvey, P.C. at 630-834-9595. We serve clients in DuPage, DeKalb, Kendall, McHenry, Cook, Kane, Lake, and Will Counties. Se habla Español.