Disorderly Conduct Charge in Wisconsin
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Madison, WI
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Madison, WI Disorderly Conduct Attorneys
Understanding Disorderly Conduct Charges in Wisconsin: Penalties & Defense Strategies
A disorderly conduct charge in Wisconsin may seem minor, but it can have serious consequences. While some cases result in forfeiture citations, others are charged as Class B misdemeanors, carrying jail time, fines, and lasting impacts on employment and personal life.
At DK Anderson, S.C., we understand that disorderly conduct cases are often subjective, with accusations stemming from misunderstandings, heated arguments, or exaggerated claims. Whether your charge involves a public disturbance, a domestic dispute, or an allegation involving a weapon, we will fight to protect your rights and work toward getting the charges reduced or dismissed.
What is Considered Disorderly Conduct in Wisconsin?
Under Wisconsin Statute § 947.01, disorderly conduct is defined as:
- Engaging in violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, or unreasonably loud behavior
- Acting in a way that tends to cause or provoke a disturbance
- Committing these acts in either a public or private setting
🔹 What does “tend to cause or provoke a disturbance” mean?
It depends on the specific circumstances at the time. If the conduct is private or personal, the prosecution must prove that it had a real potential to spill over and disrupt the community.
🔹 What types of behavior do NOT qualify as disorderly conduct?
Behavior that merely annoys or offends someone, but does not create a real disturbance, does not meet the legal definition of disorderly conduct. A good defense attorney can argue that your actions did not rise to the level of a criminal offense.
Disorderly Conduct Defense Attorneys Here to Fight for You
When Does Disorderly Conduct Become a More Serious Charge?
1. Disorderly Conduct with a Dangerous Weapon
If a dangerous weapon was involved, penalties increase:
✔ Jail time increases from 6 months to 9 months
✔ Fines increase significantly
What qualifies as a dangerous weapon?
A firearm, knife, or object used to cause harm can be considered a dangerous weapon. However, simply carrying a legally owned firearm is NOT enough to warrant a disorderly conduct charge—there must be additional evidence of criminal intent.
2. Disorderly Conduct with a Domestic Violence Enhancer
When disorderly conduct involves a spouse, ex-partner, family member, or roommate, it may be classified as domestic violence.
A domestic violence-related disorderly conduct conviction can result in:
✔ Firearm restrictions (federal law prohibits firearm ownership after a DV conviction)
✔ Restraining orders or no-contact orders
✔ Long-term impacts on employment and housing
If you are facing a domestic violence-enhanced disorderly conduct charge, it is critical to have an experienced defense attorney who can challenge biased accusations and unreliable evidence.
How DK Anderson, S.C. Defends Against Disorderly Conduct Charges
At DK Anderson, S.C., we have successfully defended countless clients accused of disorderly conduct. We fight aggressively to get charges dismissed, reduced, or resolved without lasting penalties.
Common Defense Strategies:
✔ Lack of Intent – If you did not intend to cause a disturbance, we can argue that your behavior was misinterpreted.
✔ Self-Defense – If you were defending yourself against a physical threat, we can challenge the validity of the charges.
✔ False Accusations – If someone is using disorderly conduct allegations out of revenge or during a heated dispute, we will expose inconsistencies in their story.
✔ Violation of Free Speech – Yelling or arguing alone is not a crime. If your conduct was protected under the First Amendment, we will fight for a dismissal.
Our goal is to prevent a disorderly conduct conviction from negatively impacting your life.
Take Action Now – Protect Your Record & Your Future
A disorderly conduct conviction can limit job opportunities, affect housing applications, and even restrict firearm ownership. The best way to protect yourself is to act fast and secure an experienced defense attorney.
📞 Call (608) 204-5807 today to discuss your defense options.
It depends. If your speech was protected under the First Amendment, you cannot be convicted. However, if your yelling or profanity was directed at someone in a threatening manner or caused a public disturbance, prosecutors may attempt to bring charges.
If you are wrongfully accused, do not try to argue with the police or the accuser. Remain silent and contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. We can challenge the credibility of the accusations and present evidence proving your innocence.
A misdemeanor disorderly conduct conviction can result in:
✔ Up to 90 days in jail
✔ Fines up to $1,000
✔ A permanent criminal record
For cases with domestic violence or weapons charges, the penalties are even more severe.
Yes. A disorderly conduct conviction will appear on criminal background checks, which can affect employment, housing applications, and professional licensing.
Yes! Many disorderly conduct cases lack strong evidence and can be challenged in court. An experienced defense attorney can argue for dismissal, negotiate a reduction, or seek alternative resolutions that avoid a criminal conviction.
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Drunk Driving
Whether you are charged with a first offense, or a fifth offense, our Wisconsin OWI attorneys can help.
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A conviction for any one of Wisconsin's violent crimes will have significant consequences.
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Domestic Violence
A conviction for a domestic violence charge in Wisconsin has additional consequences.
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Wisconsin property crimes include theft, forgery, and criminal damage to property.
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Not much will change your life like a conviction for one of Wisconsin's sex offense charges.
Traffic Citations
Although less serious than a criminal charge, a traffic citation can effect your driver's license.