In New York City, Disorderly Conduct is one of the most common charges filed, especially against young adults. Whether you’re out with friends in the city, riding the subway, attending a protest, or just caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, this charge can seriously affect your future.
Our attorney’s at LawByDavid.com, we’ve represented countless individuals facing this exact charge, and we know how to fight back. If you’ve been arrested or issued a summons for Disorderly Conduct, call us today at (718)-200-2866 for a free consultation.
What Is Disorderly Conduct in New York?
Under New York Penal Law § 240.20, you can be charged with Disorderly Conduct if, with intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, or by recklessly creating such a risk—you:
- Fight or engage in violent, tumultuous, or threatening behavior
- Make unreasonable noise in public
- Use abusive or obscene language or gestures in a public space
- Disrupt a lawful assembly or meeting
- Obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic
- Congregate in a public place and refuse to disperse when ordered by police
- Create a hazardous or physically offensive condition with no legitimate purpose
Disorderly Conduct is not a crime, it’s a violation—but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. It can still lead to fines, jail time, and a public record.
When Does This Happen in NYC?
Disorderly Conduct charges in New York City often happen in fast-moving, high-stress situations—where police want to control a crowd or de-escalate a scene. Some of the most common scenarios include:
- During protests or political demonstrations, especially when individuals refuse to disperse or argue with officers
- In the subway system (MTA)—arguing, yelling, playing loud music, or causing disturbances on platforms or trains
- Outside bars, clubs, or large gatherings, especially when fights or loud arguments break out
- In public parks or at parades, where large crowds and police presence are common
- When young adults talk back to the NYPD, refuse orders, or “mouth off” in a tense situation
In many cases, it’s not about violence, it’s about disrupting the flow of public life or challenging police instructions. That’s often all it takes for this charge to be filed.
What Are the Penalties?
Even though it’s “just a violation,” Disorderly Conduct in New York carries real consequences:
- Fines up to $250
- Up to 15 days in jail (yes, this happens)
- Court surcharges of $120–$125 depending on where your case is heard
- A one-year conditional discharge (meaning you must stay out of trouble for a year)
For repeat offenders or cases tied to public events or protests, prosecutors may seek jail time to make an example, especially in Manhattan or Brooklyn Criminal Court.
How We Defend These Cases
At LawByDavid.com, we look at every angle to challenge the case against you.
- Were you actually in a public place? (Private property doesn’t qualify.)
- Did your actions really create public annoyance or risk?
- Did police have the right to order you to disperse—and did they make that order clearly?
- Was this charge filed just to “quiet the scene”? (Very common in NYPD arrests.)
We’ve successfully had many of these cases dismissed outright or reduced to non-criminal outcomes.
Don’t Let a Minor Charge Turn Into a Major Headache
Disorderly Conduct might not be a crime, but it’s still something that can show up on background checks and affect your future. If you’re arrested in New York, don’t leave your case to chance.
📞 Call LawByDavid.com at (718)-200-2866 or Contact Us now for a confidential case review and strong legal defense.