Disorderly Conduct in Maryland

Let Our Baltimore Criminal Defense Lawyers Protect Your Rights & Future

From being too loud and rowdy at a Baltimore Ravens or Orioles game to refusing to obey an order from law enforcement, there are various ways a person can be charged with disorderly conduct in Maryland. Unfortunately, this type of crime can result in expensive fines, jail time, and even a permanent criminal record that can affect your personal life and professional reputation.

If you have been arrested for disorderly conduct, our Baltimore disorderly conduct attorneys at Scheuerman Law, LLC can help you clear your name or help you avoid serious penalties. We can review the evidence involved in your case and look for any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case to help you obtain a case dismissal or a lighter sentence.

Maryland Disorderly Conduct Laws

According to state law, the following types of behaviors constitute disorderly conduct:

• Intentionally disturbing the peace
• Making unreasonably loud noises in a public place to disturb the peace
• Knowingly failing to follow a reasonable order from a police officer
• Willfully obstruct a person’s free passage into a public place
• Entering a property to disturb the peace or make unreasonably loud noises

A “public place” is considered any location besides a house or commercial building, such as shops, restaurants, bars, parks, schools, sidewalks, and other venues available to the public. Unless a person’s conduct disturbs others, they cannot be charged with disturbing the peace.

A conviction for disorderly conduct is punishable by a maximum 60-day jail term and/or a fine of up to $500. Public intoxication can result in a jail sentence of up to 90 days and/or a fine no more than $100. Interfering with a sporting event can carry a jail term of up to three months and/or a fine not exceeding $250.