Disorderly Conduct in Illinois

Disorderly Conduct in Illinois is a broad crime that includes many situations and behaviors ranging from a misdemeanor to a felony. It includes any act that "alarms," "disturbs," or "provokes a breach of the peace." This is one of the police favorites as it can be used to describe almost any action that they find annoying.

If this is your first offense and you are being charged with misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct in Illinois, it is unlikely that you will serve jail time. Still, you want to avoid a conviction for Disorderly Conduct from being entered on your record and affecting you later in life. You may not get a chance to explain yourself to a potential employer or school that conducts a background check and discovers the charge on your record.

Types of Disorderly Conduct in Illinois (720 ILCS 5/26-1)

Conduct	Maximum Penalty
Alarming or disturbing conduct.	30 days in jail and/or $1500 fine.
Causing a false fire alarm.	1-3 years in jail and/or $25,000 fine.
Causing a false bomb alarm.	2-5 years in jail and/or $3,000-$10,000.
Causing a false report of a crime.	1-3 years in jail and/or $25,000 fine.
Peeping into another's home.	1 year in jail and/or $2500 fine.

Types of Disorderly Conduct Under Chicago Law 8-4-010

Conduct	Maximum Penalty
Provoke a breach of peace.	Conviction + $500 fine.
Public intoxication	Conviction + $500 fine.
Failure to obey "lawful" dispersal order	Conviction + $500 fine.

How to Beat a Chicago or Illinois Disorderly Conduct Charge

Again, because the crime is so subjective, it is sometimes difficult for the prosecution to prove that the defendant did anything more than annoy or talk back to the arresting office. Also, there is a presumption in Illinois law that police cannot be provoked into a breach of the peace. If the alleged victim of your disorderly conduct is a police officer, many times this type of case will be dismissed as improper.

Remember that the earlier your case is prepared for trial, the stronger your position will be, the better the offer by the prosecution, and the less likely you will have to go to trial. Call my office today for a free no obligation consultation at 312.789.8050.

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