Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct Charges: What You Need to Know

There are many different types of crimes with which you can be charged ranging from infractions to misdemeanors to felonies. Disorderly conduct is one of the most commonly assessed crimes in New Jersey. This is a crime that involves some level of disruptive or offensive public activity. Alcohol is often involved in carrying out many crimes classified as disorderly conduct.

Disorderly conduct enables officers to arrest those individuals engaged in public behavior that is so offensive or disruptive that it interferes with another person’s enjoyment or use of public spaces. This is often because the offender is accused of using drugs or alcohol.

Disorderly conduct, however, does not always require that alcohol or drugs are present or involved. Any type of disruptive conduct, such as disturbing the peace, fighting, loitering or being too noisy could all be classified as disorderly conduct. Public intoxication is another commonly assessed crime. It is a crime to be intoxicated in public and law officers do maintain discretion to detain people who are intoxicated to a detrimental level. This may be used to bring the person into a local jail cell and allow them to sleep it off.

The primary purpose of public intoxication laws is to enhance the safety of a person who is intoxicated.

Usually, these are almost always charged with a misdemeanor and can be punished with alcohol education programs, fines, community service, probation and jail sentencing usually less than one year. However, you should always consult directly with your experienced criminal defense attorney to figure out what applies in your case.

You need a fighter on your side if accused of a crime- talk to the Law Offices of John W. Tumelty today to protect your rights at 609-345-3300 or via our online contact form.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.