Austin Disorderly Conduct Defense Lawyer

Facing disorderly conduct charges can be both overwhelming and confusing. Unfortunately, the consequences for a successful conviction can be intimidating and potentially life-altering. This charge is more than just a simple inconvenience; it’s a criminal offense that will affect your life if you do not secure the necessary help. Whether your charge arises from an incident in Rollingwood or St. Edwards, an Austin disorderly conduct defense lawyer is here to help.

Protect Your Rights With Rountree Law Firm

For more than a decade, attorney Andrew Rountree has worked as a prosecutor in the greater Austin area. He now turns his time and attention to helping those accused of crimes. Given his experience, Andrew knows how both sides of the courtroom operate and can use this knowledge to your advantage. Disorderly conduct charges might seem simple enough, but it is never wise to try and represent yourself in a criminal case.

Depending on the specifics of your disorderly conduct, there are several different courts where your case might proceed. If you are seeking representation for a child under the age of 17 who has been charged with disorderly conduct, their case will might be heard at the Gardner Betts Juvenile Justice Center on South Congress Avenue. If you are older than 17, your case will likely be heard in the Austin Municipal Court, and Andrew Rountree is here to help.

What Counts as Disorderly Conduct in Austin?

In a single year, the United States sees around 225,800 arrests for disorderly conduct. While this only accounts for a fraction of the 14 million criminal offenses that are committed every year, the crime is serious and needs to be treated as such. Not only can you face legal penalties such as jail time, fines, and community service, but you could also face a 30% unemployment rate across the nation.

There Are Numerous Examples of What Disorderly Conduct Is

Under Texas state law, disorderly conduct is defined as any kind of behavior that disrupts the public peace and order, alarms other members of the public, or incites violence of any kind. This crime is usually considered a misdemeanor, but under certain circumstances, it can be elevated to a felony charge. The most common examples of disorderly conduct behavior include:

• Public intoxication. This charge can include the act of being visibly drunk or under the influence of illegal drugs or controlled substances in a public place.
• Excessive noise. This includes the creation of unnecessary or unreasonable noise when it is disturbing other members of the public, such as shouting or loud music.
• Offensive language. This includes the use of vulgar, abusive, or threatening language in a public place.
• The display of a firearm. If an individual brandishes a gun or other weapon in a way that is intended to cause alarm amongst members of the public, this is considered an act of disorderly conduct.
• Fighting or brawling. If you were to engage in a physical altercation in public, even if both sides consented to the behavior, it can still be seen as an act of disorderly conduct, and criminal charges can still arise.

While yes, these are nearly all charged at the misdemeanor level, there are certain behaviors, or aggravating factors, that can escalate charges to the felony level. These aggravating factors can include:

• Causing serious bodily harm or injury
• Inciting a riot or violent group behavior
• Using or displaying any kind of deadly weapon

When aggravating factors are present, the penalties you face will only increase in severity, and having an attorney on your side is essential.

What You Need to Do Following an Arrest for Disorderly Conduct

Common Defense Strategies for Disorderly Conduct Charges

There are several defense strategies that may be put to good use in your disorderly conduct case. The most common of these defense strategies include the following:

• Self-defense. If your charge is rooted in some form of physical altercation, then we may be able to claim that you were simply acting in self-defense or in the defense of others present in order to protect yourself or others from immediate harm or threat.
• Mistaken identity. In certain cases, we may be able to argue that you were misidentified as the individual who allegedly committed the disorderly conduct. This may be supported through evidence such as surveillance footage or an alibi for the date and location of the alleged crime.
• Lack of intent. In order to achieve a successful conviction, the prosecution will need to prove that your behavior was intentional or knowing. We may be able to argue that your alleged actions were accidental or were not meant to disturb others.
• Violation of rights. If any of your constitutional rights were violated during your arrest, we may be able to use this in your defense.

A skilled and knowledgeable attorney can review your case and evidence therein and determine what defense strategy works correctly. We may also be able to discredit any witnesses of the prosecution, argue against any of their alleged evidence, and present alternative explanations for your actions.

Experienced Legal Help You Can Trust

Contact us

When you work with Rountree Law Firm, know that we are here to stand by your side through every stage of the legal process. Allow us to review all evidence, interview witnesses, and conduct our own investigations in order to uncover the truth. These steps work to ensure we can build for you a strong defense that can challenge your disorderly conduct charges and work toward the most favorable outcome possible.

Hire a Disorderly Conduct Defense Lawyer Today

Being convicted of a disorderly conduct charge can result in both fines and jail time, but also in a permanent criminal record. If you have been accused in Austin, you need to hire a disorderly conduct lawyer as soon as possible. At Rountree Law Firm, we are here to dedicate our time and attention to your case, or that of your child, and want to offer you the confidence you need going into any legal situation. Call 512-262-8080 today to schedule your initial consultation.