Disorderly Conduct

Penalties for disorderly conduct or disturbing the peace in massachusetts.

Disorderly conduct. Unlike the offense of breach of the peace which originated under common law disorderly conduct is strictly a statutory crime. If the noise becomes disruptive you may end up with a disorderly conduct charge. For example shouting in your home at 3 a m. Second and subsequent convictions are punishable by up to six months in jail a fine of up to 200 or both.

Disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace are punishable by a fine of no more than 150. May be loud enough to wake the next door neighbors. In massachusetts under m g l. A charge of disorderly conduct under massachusetts law or offensive and disorderly acts is punishable by a fine of up to 6 months in jail and a fine of 200 under massachusetts general law chapter 272 section 53a.

A disorderly conduct arrest is usually a discretionary decision by a police officer. The prosecution must establish beyond a reasonable doubt that your action created a dangerous situation and served no. 272 53 a person can be convicted of disorderly conduct if the commonwealth succeeds in proving three things beyond a reasonable doubt. First the commonwealth must prove that the defendant involved himself or herself in at least one of the following actions.

A broad term describing conduct that disturbs the peace or endangers the morals health or safety of a community. He or she either engaged in fighting or threatening or engaged in violent or tumultuous behavior. Even if the conduct occurs in the individual s private home a disorderly conduct charge may still apply if others are disturbed.