If you’ve been arrested or charged with disorderly conduct in Pensacola, you need an experienced disorderly conduct lawyer who understands Florida criminal law and knows how to defend your rights. At The Morris Firm, our criminal defense attorneys have handled thousands of cases, including disorderly conduct and breach of peace charges. We know the local court system, work with prosecutors regularly, and have a proven track record of getting charges dismissed or reduced. When your freedom and future are on the line, you need aggressive legal representation from someone who will fight for you every step of the way.
What Is Disorderly Conduct in Florida?
Disorderly conduct is defined under Florida Statute 877.03 and covers several types of behavior that disturb the peace or create public disturbance. The law prohibits conduct that includes fighting, brawling, violent conduct, or engaging in loud and offensive conduct that serves no legitimate purpose. Under Florida law, the key element prosecutors must prove is that your conduct was intentional and that it either caused a public disturbance or had a tendency to cause one.
Disorderly conduct is typically charged as a second-degree misdemeanor in Florida. If convicted, you face up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. However, the consequences extend far beyond the courtroom. A disorderly conduct conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect your employment, housing, education, and reputation in your community.
It’s important to understand that disorderly conduct and breach of peace are related but distinct charges. Breach of peace is a broader offense that can include threats or conduct that threatens violence. Disorderly conduct focuses specifically on fighting, brawling, loud conduct, or other disruptive behavior. Understanding which charge applies to your situation is crucial for building an effective defense strategy. For detailed information on misdemeanor charges in Florida, consult the sentencing guidelines.
Why Choose The Morris Firm for Your Disorderly Conduct Defense
At The Morris Firm, we bring real experience and genuine commitment to every case we handle. Our lead attorney, Brandon Morris, has spent over a decade defending clients against criminal charges in Pensacola and throughout Florida. He has handled more than 4,000 cases and has extensive trial experience litigating high-profile criminal matters. Brandon is a native Pensacolian who is deeply committed to supporting his community and its citizens. As a member of the Florida Bar, Brandon maintains the highest standards of legal practice.
When you hire The Morris Firm, you get an attorney who is available 24/7 to answer your questions and address your concerns. We take time to get to know our clients and understand the specific circumstances of your case. We provide straightforward assessments of your situation and communicate clearly about the steps needed to build your best defense. We have strong relationships with members of law enforcement and the criminal justice system, which gives us valuable insight into how to navigate your case effectively. Our testimonials reflect the satisfaction of clients we’ve represented.
We offer affordable representation with flexible payment plans, so cost doesn’t prevent you from getting quality legal defense. Our goal is to protect your rights, prove your innocence, or demonstrate that the prosecution doesn’t have a strong enough case against you for a conviction. Check our case results to see how we’ve successfully defended clients. View Brandon Morris’s attorney profile for more information about his experience and qualifications.
Common Disorderly Conduct Scenarios We Defend
Disorderly conduct charges arise in many different situations. We defend clients charged with fighting or brawling in public, whether the altercation started as a minor dispute that escalated or involved mutual combat. We represent people accused of loud and offensive conduct, including situations at bars, restaurants, concerts, or other public events where someone’s behavior allegedly disturbed others.
Many disorderly conduct cases involve public intoxication combined with disruptive behavior. A person may have been drinking and then engaged in conduct that police determined was disorderly. We also defend clients in situations where the line between lawful expression and disorderly conduct is unclear. Sometimes what one person views as disorderly conduct is actually protected speech or conduct that doesn’t meet the legal definition of the offense. Related charges like assault often arise in similar circumstances.
Each situation is unique, and the facts matter significantly in building your defense. We investigate thoroughly to understand exactly what happened and how to challenge the prosecution’s version of events. Our Pensacola criminal defense team has the experience to handle complex fact patterns. We also handle felony charges when disorderly conduct escalates.
Potential Consequences of a Disorderly Conduct Conviction
A disorderly conduct conviction carries consequences that extend far beyond the immediate penalties of jail time and fines. A criminal record follows you for life and can impact your employment opportunities. Many employers conduct background checks and may be reluctant to hire someone with a criminal conviction. Professional licenses in fields like healthcare, education, and law can be affected by a criminal record.
Housing and rental applications often require disclosure of criminal history. Landlords may refuse to rent to someone with a disorderly conduct conviction. Educational opportunities can be limited, as some schools and programs deny admission to applicants with criminal records. You may also face challenges obtaining certain types of professional certifications or licenses. Our case results demonstrate how we’ve helped clients avoid these collateral consequences.
Beyond the practical consequences, a criminal conviction carries social stigma. You may experience embarrassment within your family and community. These collateral consequences make it essential to fight disorderly conduct charges aggressively rather than simply accepting a conviction. A Pensacola criminal defense lawyer can help minimize these impacts. Understanding your rights is the first step toward protecting your future.
How The Morris Firm Defends Disorderly Conduct Charges
Our defense strategy begins with a thorough investigation of your case. We review police reports, examine evidence, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We challenge police reports and witness statements that may be inaccurate or incomplete. We explore whether proper procedures were followed during your arrest and whether law enforcement had probable cause to charge you. Understanding criminal procedure is essential to mounting an effective defense.
We investigate pre-trial diversion opportunities, which allow certain people accused of crimes to have their charges dropped if they complete a diversion program. This can be an excellent option for first-time offenders or people with no prior criminal history. We negotiate with prosecutors to explore whether reduced charges or alternative resolutions are possible. Understanding your rights throughout this process is essential, and we’re committed to protecting your rights at every stage.
If your case proceeds to trial, we prepare thoroughly and present a strong defense. We protect your rights throughout the entire process, from your first appearance through sentencing if necessary. Our goal is always to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation, whether that means getting charges dismissed, negotiating a favorable plea agreement, or winning at trial. Learn more about misdemeanor defense strategies. We also handle domestic violence charges that may be related to disorderly conduct allegations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Disorderly Conduct
What's the difference between disorderly conduct and breach of peace?
Disorderly conduct and breach of peace are related offenses, but have important differences. Disorderly conduct under Florida Statute 877.03 specifically covers fighting, brawling, violent conduct, or loud and offensive conduct. Breach of peace is a broader offense that can include threats or conduct that threatens violence. The specific charge depends on the facts of your situation and how law enforcement characterized your conduct. For more information on Florida criminal statutes, consult the official legislative resources.
Can disorderly conduct charges be dismissed?
Yes, disorderly conduct charges can be dismissed with proper legal defense. Charges may be dismissed if the evidence is weak, if police violated proper procedures during your arrest, or if there was no probable cause to charge you. We have successfully obtained dismissals in many cases by identifying problems with the prosecution’s evidence or the way the arrest was conducted. Our Pensacola criminal defense experience includes numerous successful dismissals. Pre-trial diversion is another path to dismissal.
Will I go to jail for disorderly conduct?
Jail time is possible but not guaranteed for a disorderly conduct conviction. The outcome depends on the specific circumstances of your case, your prior criminal history, and how the judge or jury views the evidence. A strong defense strategy can reduce or eliminate the possibility of jail time. Pre-trial diversion programs offer another way to avoid jail and a criminal conviction. Understanding sentencing guidelines helps you prepare for potential outcomes.
How much does a disorderly conduct defense cost?
We offer affordable retainer fees and flexible payment plans so that cost doesn’t prevent you from getting quality legal representation. We provide a free initial consultation to discuss your case and explain our fees. We believe everyone deserves access to experienced legal defense. Contact our Pensacola law firm today for a free consultation. Our testimonials show how clients appreciate our transparent pricing.
Should I accept a plea bargain?
Whether to accept a plea bargain depends on the specific facts of your case and the strength of the prosecution’s evidence. We evaluate all available options and explain the pros and cons of each. We fight for the best possible outcome, whether that means negotiating a favorable plea agreement or taking your case to trial. Our criminal defense attorneys will guide you through this critical decision. Learn about alternative resolutions available to you.
Contact The Morris Firm for Your Free Consultation
If you’ve been charged with disorderly conduct or breach of peace in Pensacola, don’t wait to get legal help with a disorderly conduct lawyer in Pensacola, Florida. Call (850) 503-2626 to schedule your free consultation with The Morris Firm. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and discuss your case. We speak Spanish and are committed to providing personalized legal representation to clients throughout Pensacola, Escambia County, and Santa Rosa County.
Visit us at 816 E La Rua Street, 2nd Floor, Pensacola, FL 32501, or contact us online to get started on your defense today.
