Top Ann Arbor, MI Disturbing the Peace Lawyers Near You
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101 E Grand River Ave, Fowlerville, MI 48836
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Assisting people in Michigan with their Disturbing the Peace needs. Learn More.
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2000 Town Center, Suite 2350, Southfield, MI 48075
For those working through a Disturbing the Peace issue in the Ann Arbor, Michigan area, Lewis & Dickstein, P.L.L.C. can be your partner in law.
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3150 Livernois, Suite 115, Troy, MI 48083
When you need legal representation for your Disturbing the Peace, connect with Law Office of John Freeman, PLLC in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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444 S. Washington Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067
30445 Northwestern Highway, Suite 225, Farmington Hills, MI 48334
44 1st St, Mount Clemens, MI 48043
39111 West Six Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48152
26339 Woodward Ave, Huntington Woods, MI 48070
1775 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, MI 48084
17197 N. Laurel Park Drive, Suite 201, Livonia, MI 48152
1441 West Long Lake Road, Suite 310, Troy, MI 48098
201 S Main St, 5th Floor, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
350 South Main Street, Suite 300, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
613 Abbott St, Suite 150, Detroit, MI 48226
276 S Union St, Plymouth, MI 48170
32398 Woodward Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48073
4000 Town Center, Suite 1350, Southfield, MI 48075
8424 Twelve Mile Rd, Suite 200, Warren, MI 48093
17515 W 9 Mile Rd, Suite 250, Southfield, MI 48075
42400 Grand River Ave, Ste 109, Novi, MI 48375
3150 Livernois Rd, Suite 126, Troy, MI 48083
1000 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Ste 103, Birmingham, MI 48009
301 West Fourth Street, Suite 430, Royal Oak, MI 48067
6050 Greenfield Road, Suite 201, Dearborn, MI 48126
42705 Grand River Ave, Suite 201, Novi, MI 48375
Ann Arbor Disturbing the Peace Information
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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 Ann Arbor?
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.