Disorderly Conduct in Washington
DISORDERLY CONDUCT
Disorderly Conduct in Washington State is a misdemeanor defined by RCW chapter 9A.84.030. Disorderly conduct is often charged when someone is creating a public disturbance, or as an alternative lesser charge for other more serious charges like Assault.
What is Disorderly Conduct?
There are many ways a person might end up charged with disorderly conduct. It often happens when someone is accused of being disruptive, aggressive, or offensive. Here is a list according to the law of what situations can lead to a charge of disorderly conduct:
Using abusive language and creating a risk of assault
Intentionally disrupting a lawful assembly or meeting
Intentionally obstructing vehicular or pedestrian traffic without lawful authority
Intentionally engaging in fighting, tumultuous conduct or making unreasonable noise, within five hundred feet of: a funeral, funeral home or a burial
Domestic Violence Charges
Disorderly Conduct can be charged as a domestic violence charge. This is because there is sometimes a relationship between the person being charged and the alleged victim. Domestic violence does not define what the offense is, it only is a designator of a relationship between the parties which can be a dating, roommate, or familial relationship. For a detailed overview of what makes a charge a domestic violence charge, and what the consequences are, please read our article on them, here.
What are the potential consequences of a charge for Disorderly Conduct?
Disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor. However, if it is proven as domestic violence, then it is a gross misdemeanor which comes from heavier punishments (domestic violence is an offense where the alleged victim is a romantic partner, roommate, or family member; read more about them here).
These potential consequences include:
Jail Time
For a misdemeanor the possible jail time is 0-90 days
For a domestic violence gross misdemeanor the possible jail time is 0-364 days
some alternatives to jail are community service, or electronic home monitoring
Probation
For a misdemeanor the probationary period is 2 years
For a gross misdemeanor the probationary period is 5 years
Fines and Restitution
For a misdemeanor the possible fines range from $0-$1000
Restitution is reimbursement to the victim and may vary, it is considered when the victim requests it
Classes
You may be subject to classes, for example domestic violence classes, anger management or drug and alcohol classes
No Contact Order
Courts commonly issue no contact orders, and can do so even over the victim’s objections
Loss of Firearm Rights
If charged as domestic violence, you can lose your right to possess a firearm for life
Read more about consequences of domestic violence charges here.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT A CHARGE FOR DISORDERLY CONDUCT?
What should I do if I am accused of Disorderly Conduct?
If you are being accused of a crime or are subject to a law enforcement investigation, please read more about your options here. Even if charges have not been filed yet, there are things an attorney can do to help. Most importantly, in some cases we can work to stop those charges from being filed. If you are in this situation you can schedule a free consultation here.
What should I do if I am charged with Disorderly Conduct?
If you have been charged and given a court date, you absolutely will need an attorney’s help to fight those charges. Read more about what to do if you have been arrested here, or charged with a crime here.
What if the alleged victim wants to drop the charges against me?
Sometimes this charge stems from interactions with a friend, partner or family. It is also sometimes charged as a lesser charge to an Assault in the Fourth Degree. We have addressed this issue in detail in our article, here. However, the short answer is that the alleged victim cannot make the charges go away. Only the district attorney has control over whether or not charges will be filed, and you will need an attorney’s help to fight them on that. That being said, we can work with the district attorney to stop them from filing charges against you, and tell you how the victim’s participation, or lack thereof, in the case against you can impact your case.
Can I get my case dismissed?
The answer to this question will completely depend on the facts of your case. In any case a dismissal of the charges is the best case scenario, and there are multiple ways of getting one - outright, by completing a diversion program, or by winning a trial. We can walk you through your options and likely outcomes so that you understand what is possible for your case.
