Top College Park, MD Disturbing the Peace Lawyers Near You
Maryland Premier Criminal Defense Firm, Handling both Federal and State Cases for 40+ years, including Internet Sex Crimes.
Free Consultation
When You’re Facing Criminal Charges, Don’t Leave Anything to Chance. Get the Best Representation You Can. Call Us Today!
Se Habla Español
Free Consultation
Charged with a crime? Hire a top performing, former prosecutor that will fight for you in court. Free Consultation. Call 24/7.
Free Consultation
Virtual Appointments
3475 Leonardtown Road, Suite 200, Waldorf, MD 20601-3678
Getting legal representation for your Disturbing the Peace issue is easier than you think. Let Law Office of Farmer & Klopfer in College Park, Maryland help you today.
Free Consultation
9701 Apollo Dr, Suite 301, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
1100 Wayne Ave, Suite 825, Silver Spring, MD 20910
2730 University Blvd. West, Suite 604, Silver Spring, MD 20902
7850 Walker Drive, Suite 160, Greenbelt, MD 20770
7315 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 205 East, Bethesda, MD 20814
1030 West Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21703
7845 Belle Pointe Drive, Greenbelt, MD 20770
5425 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 600, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
9701 Apollo Dr, Suite 100, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
600 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 308, Rockville, MD 20852
20 Courthouse Square, Suite 212, Rockville, MD 20850
143 W Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701
15 W. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 205, Rockville, MD 20850
226 N Adams St, Rockville, MD 20850
5900 Princess Garden Parkway, Suite 450, Lanham, MD 20706
51 Monroe Place, Suite 707, Rockville, MD 20850
8720 Georgia Avenue, Suite 1002, Silver Spring, MD 20910
100 N Court St, Frederick, MD 21701-4855
PO Box 86526, Montgomery Village, MD 20886
110 Thomas Johnson Dr, Suite 160, Frederick, MD 21702
5400 Kenilworth Ave, Riverdale, MD 20737-3104
6411 Ivy Lane, Suite 116, Greenbelt, MD 20770-1405
1036 St. Nicholas Drive, Suite 201, Waldorf, MD 20603
129 West Patrick Street, Suite 9, Frederick, MD 21701
College Park Disturbing the Peace Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Disturbing The Peace attorneys in College Park and checks their standing with Maryland bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
What Is Considered Disturbing the Peace?
Disturbing the peace occurs when a person or group causes excessive continued noise that disturbs or endangers the peace and safety of others. The noise can be caused by almost anything. It is most often a minor criminal offense and can result in a criminal record.
Disturbing the peace is a misdemeanor offense, largely prosecuted at the local or the state level, in which an offender breached or disturbs the public peace.
This disturbance can come by way of fighting or brawling in public, obstinately interfering with business operations, screaming or shouting relentlessly in a public area, becoming overly raucous or rambunctious to the point of disturbance or any other variety of factors. Given that disturbance of the peace is a broad charge with many different names and behaviors associated with it (breach of the peace, for example), it is difficult to strictly categorize.
Disorderly Conduct vs. Disturbing the Peace
While both acts are generally committed in public, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace are generally similar, both being considered misdemeanors as a result of unlawful and unwanted public behaviors.
While disturbing the peace is a broad charge, disorderly conduct is even broader. Squatting unlawfully in a tenement or apartment, prostitution or solicitation of prostitution (in certain jurisdictions) and begging or panhandling can be considered disorderly conduct. While disturbing the peace charges hinge more commonly around the idea of actually causing a public excitement or scene as a result of the offender’s actions, disorderly conduct does not always have this element.
What Is the Punishment for a Disturbing the Peace Charge?
Given that disturbing the peace is a misdemeanor rather than a felony in almost all instances, the typical penalty for those found guilty could be a jail term of 30 days to six months, and fines ranging from $200 to $1,000 or damages caused as a result of the offense. A probationary period, community service, addictions counseling or other considerations may be added to the sentence at the discretion of the court.
Some states classify disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace as similar enough to fall under the same umbrella of a second-degree misdemeanor. Those found guilty of these sorts of offenses could face up to six months behind bars in addition to a potential $500 fine.
By contrast, some states consider disturbing the peace to fall under the broader category of disorderly conduct as well. Disorderly conduct is considered a violation, rather than a criminal act (misdemeanor or no), and the maximum penalty is 15 days in jail as well as a small fine.
Can I Go to Jail for Disturbing the Peace?
In most jurisdictions, you can be sentenced to a jail term of between 14 days to six months in response to a conviction for disturbance of the peace or disorderly conduct.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Disturbing the Peace Charges in College Park?
If you are facing charges related to any disturbance of the peace or disorderly conduct offenses, it is highly recommended that you retain legal counsel at your earliest opportunity.
A skilled criminal defense attorney familiar with such charges can consult with you to determine the best path forward, perhaps negotiating with prosecutors to avoid trial entirely.
Despite the fact that some jurisdictions do not consider disturbance of the peace or disorderly conduct to be criminal matters — therefore excluding the possibility of a criminal record if you are found guilty — many jurisdictions do. Even in states where the matter is considered a violation rather than a misdemeanor, you could still be facing a short period in jail as well as punitive fines if you are found guilty. An experienced attorney can make sure that all options are presented to you with professionalism and care, improving your odds of making an informed and well-founded decision as to how best to proceed with your case.
If you are charged with this offense, do not hesitate to contact a disturbing the peace lawyer. This applicable law varies between jurisdictions and prosecutors and judges may be tough or lenient. The lawyer will know how authorities handle these cases in your area, evaluate the circumstances and develop your defense.