Did you know that a person’s “behavior” can get them into a lot of trouble, especially if they act up in a public place? It’s true, under Section 42.01 of the Texas Penal Code, Disorderly Conduct, certain behavior is criminalized under state law if it disrupts the peace or others consider it offensive. Under this section, people can be arrested if they’re disruptive in public. So, what constitutes disorderly conduct under Texas law? A person commits the offense if he or she “intentionally” and “knowingly” uses abusive, profane, or vulgar language in public. However, using profanity is not the only way to breach the peace in Texas. The following actions would be considered disorderly conduct:
- Making an offensive gesture in public.
- Threating someone in an offensive manner in public.
- Physically abusing someone in public.
- Making unreasonable noise in public.
- Fighting with someone in public.
- Displaying a deadly weapon in public to cause alarm.
- Discharging a firearm on a public road.
- Exposing one’s genitals or anus in public.
- Looking through a hotel or motel room through a window or other opening that is not the person’s room.
- While in public, looking into another person’s restroom stall, a shower, or a dressing room.
An offense under Sec. 42.01 is generally charged as a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500, unless it involves displaying or discharging a firearm as mentioned above, in which case it would be a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $2,000 fine, or up to 180 days in jail, or both a fine and imprisonment.
Facing Disorderly Conduct Charges in Plano or Dallas?
Are you accused of disorderly conduct? If so, you do not want to risk a criminal conviction because it can affect your employment opportunities for years to come. Contact The Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC today to schedule an initial consultation!