Minnesota Disorderly Conduct (Explained)

The State of Minnesota defines Disorderly Conduct as the crime of engaging in a brawl or fight, disturbing an assembly or meeting, or engaging in offensive, obscene, abusive, boisterous or noisy conduct, or in offensive, obscene or abusive language that arouses alarm, anger or resentment in others.  


All too often, law enforcement and prosecutors use this as a “catch-all” offense.  If you have been charged with disorderly conduct, you next best step is to contact a Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney who can help explain your rights and options.  

How Will I Know When I'm Being Disorderly?

Law enforcement can arrest an individual for Disorderly Conduct if that person is disruptive in some way, even if there is no threat of assault or imminent harm to others.  Prosecutors are often overzealous in viewing  certain actions as criminal ones, such as throwing a snowball at a neighbor’s child, yelling at a person in a bar, or making an ”obscene”  gesture in a public place.

Some specific examples of disorderly conduct include:

Public drunkenness
Inciting a riot
Disturbing the peace
Loitering in certain areas
Fighting or other  physical altercations
Obstructing traffic
Use of extremely obscene or abusive language
Loud or unreasonable noise

Penalties for Disorderly Conduct Charges

Those charged with disorderly conduct may be subject to jail time, probation, fines, community service, and restitution.  You may also end up with a criminal conviction on your record.  Whether any of these are imposed depends largely on the nature of your offense and the skill of your Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney.

What Should You Do?

If you or someone you love has been cited for Disorderly Conduct, contact The Rolloff Law Office for a FREE consultation!  Call (612) 234-1165.  You have options - get FREE answers before you commit to anything.