Disorderly conduct may sound like a “minor” charge, but in Greeley and Weld County, it can carry serious consequences—especially if misunderstood or mishandled. At O’Malley Law Office, we’ve helped countless clients fight back against these often vague and overcharged offenses. Whether you’re facing a citation for causing a public disturbance or are being accused of something more serious like brandishing a weapon, it’s essential to understand your rights and legal options.
Weld County Disorderly Conduct Lawyer: What Is Disorderly Conduct in Colorado?
Under Colorado Revised Statutes §18-9-106, Disorderly Conduct is broadly defined to include a variety of disruptive behaviors that allegedly interfere with public order or safety. These include:
- Making unreasonable noise in a public place.
- Using offensive language or gestures intended to provoke a violent response.
- Fighting or engaging in physical altercations in public.
- Displaying or discharging a firearm (or simulating a deadly weapon) in a way that causes alarm.
The problem? These charges are often subjective, relying heavily on interpretation by law enforcement and sometimes influenced by incomplete information or overreaction.
Disorderly Conduct Defense Lawyer in Greeley: How is Disorderly Conduct Charged?
Depending on the circumstances, disorderly conduct in Colorado can be charged as:
|
Offense |
Level |
Potential Penalties |
| Offensive language, noise | Petty Offense | Up to 10 days in Morgan County Jail |
| Fighting in public | Petty Offense | Up to 10 days in Weld County Jail |
| Brandishing a weapon | Class 2 Misdemeanor | Up to 120 days in Logan County Jail |
| Discharging a weapon | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 364 days in Weld County Jail |
Important: Even a petty offense can result in a permanent criminal record, impacting employment, housing, and immigration status.
Common Examples of Disorderly Conduct in Erie and Evans
We’ve represented clients across Colorado including Erie and Evans for cases involving:
- Bar fights or verbal arguments mistaken as threats.
- Neighbors calling police due to loud music or disputes.
- Road rage or heated exchanges that escalated quickly.
- Protests or public demonstrations mischaracterized as “disruptive.”
- People legally carrying weapons who were wrongfully accused of causing panic.
In many of these cases, our clients were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time—and are now facing unnecessary criminal charges.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Disorderly Conduct, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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