Top Fort Washington, PA Disturbing the Peace Lawyers Near You
Your Criminal Defense needs are important. Click here or call today for help.
Free Consultation
Virtual Appointments
Facing Criminal Charges? Build a rock solid defense with the McGarrigle Law Firm
Free Consultation
Virtual Appointments
Defending Your Rights, Fighting for Justice: Your Trusted Criminal Law Advocate
Se Habla Español
Free Consultation
Virtual Appointments
NAMED TOP 100 PHILADELPHIA ATTORNEYS! One of the most skilled and tenacious criminal defense lawyers!
Free Consultation
For Experienced Legal Help Call Me Today!
Do Not Plead Guilty. Our Top Rated Law Firm Has 50+ Years Experience
Se Habla Español
600 W Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Other Nearby Offices
Ciccarelli Law Offices has experience helping clients with their Disturbing the Peace needs in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania.
Se Habla Español
Free Consultation
Virtual Appointments
328 West Broad Street, Old Borough Hall, 2nd Floor, Quakertown, PA 18951
Other Nearby Offices
Applebaum & Associates has experience helping clients with their Disturbing the Peace needs in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania.
Se Habla Español
Free Consultation
934 E. High Street, Suite 2, Pottstown, PA 19464
Other Nearby Offices
Bellwoar Kelly, LLP has experience helping clients with their Disturbing the Peace needs in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania.
Se Habla Español
Free Consultation
215 North Olive Street, Suite 201, Media, PA 19063
Get assistance for your Disturbing the Peace issue in the Fort Washington, Pennsylvania area. Nistico & Roberts can help.
1219 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Get assistance for your Disturbing the Peace issue in the Fort Washington, Pennsylvania area. van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim can help.
Se Habla Español
Free Consultation
Virtual Appointments
3245 Ridge Pike, Norristown, PA 19403
Conway Schadler, LLC, a reputable Disturbing the Peace firm representing clients in the Fort Washington, Pennsylvania area.
Free Consultation
1600 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Clients needing legal solutions for Disturbing the Peace can connect with Brennan Law Offices, a local Pennsylvania practice.
Free Consultation
One Logan Square, Suite 2000, Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996
10 North Main Street, 2nd Floor, Doylestown, PA 18901
Two Commerce Square, 2001 Market Street, Suite 3100, Philadelphia, PA 19103
2003 S Easton Rd, Suite 304, Doylestown, PA 18901
2800 Kelly Rd, Suite 200, Warrington, PA 18976
Station Square Three Suite 105, Paoli, PA 19301
21 West Third Street, Media, PA 19063
334 W Front St, Media, PA 19063
1 E Airy St, Norristown, PA 19401
1735 Market St, Suite 3300, Philadelphia, PA 19103
516 DeKalb Street, Norristown, PA 19401
100 S Broad St, Suite 1910, Philadelphia, PA 19110
100 South Broad Street, Suite 1910, Philadelphia, PA 19110
1760 Market Street, Suite 600, Philadelphia, PA 19103
1700 Market Street, Suite 1418, Philadelphia, PA 19103-3907
230 S. Broad Street, Suite 900, Philadelphia, PA 19102
1500 Walnut St, Suite 1510, Philadelphia, PA 19102
737 Second Street Pike, Southampton, PA 18966
Fort Washington Disturbing the Peace Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Disturbing The Peace attorneys in Fort Washington and checks their standing with Pennsylvania 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 Fort Washington?
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.