Are you facing disorderly conduct charges in Colorado Springs? Peakstone Law Group, formerly known as Patterson Weaver, wants to help you fight the charges and protect your future.
Our Colorado Springs criminal defense attorneys are ready to explain your charges, develop a comprehensive defense strategy, and negotiate with prosecutors to pursue the best possible outcome in your case. We have over 40 years of combined legal experience and a proven record of success in high-stakes cases, so you can trust us to guide you through this difficult moment.
Call now or complete our contact form to set up a free consultation with our Colorado Springs disorderly conduct defense attorney.
Why You Need Help from Our Disorderly Conduct Defense Lawyer
Disorderly conduct charges cover a wide range of behaviors, from making unreasonable noise in public to fights with other people, for example. The laws can be complex, and without proper guidance, you might be up against a confusing legal system alone.
An experienced criminal defense attorney from Peakstone Law Group is your best ally in this situation. Our criminal defense lawyers understand the nuances of Colorado’s disorderly conduct laws and can help you build a strong defense. Common legal issues in these cases include determining whether the behavior was intentional or reckless and if it truly disrupted public peace. A skilled lawyer from our law firm can challenge the evidence against you, question the credibility of witnesses, and protect your rights throughout the process.
At Peakstone Law Group, we stand out because of our commitment to personalized service and our deep understanding of Colorado’s legal landscape. Our team takes the time to understand your unique situation and craft a defense strategy tailored to your needs. We prioritize clear communication and keep you informed at every step.
Here’s what one of our former clients said about their experience with us:
“Patterson Weaver is a no nonsense attorney. He is up front and to the point. I was accused of a felony crime that I did not commit. … Not only is he a fantastic attorney, he and his staff have always taken the time out of their busy schedules to talk to me and ease my anxiety. … I would not have survived this difficult time without his compassion, intelligence, and understanding.”
What Is Considered Disorderly Conduct in Colorado Springs?
Colorado’s disorderly conduct statute covers both general behaviors and specific, enumerated acts. Broadly, the law prohibits “coarse and obviously offensive” words, gestures, or displays in public places meant to incite an “immediate breach of the peace.” Particular acts that Colorado’s disorderly conduct law prohibits include the following:
- Making unreasonable noises in public places or near private homes where you don’t have permission to be
- Fighting someone in a public place, aside from sanctioned athletic competitions
- Discharging a firearm in public, aside from lawful target practice, hunting, or ritually shooting blank cartridges at a military funeral
- Alarming someone by displaying an actual or simulated firearm or an item that a reasonable person would believe is a firearm or representing, verbally or otherwise, that you have a firearm in a public place in a manner meant to instill alarm
Don’t make the mistake of fighting these complex charges on your own. An attorney for disturbing the peace charges can give you a more detailed explanation of the law and how it applies to your situation.
Common Situations Leading to Disorderly Conduct Charges
A disorderly conduct charge can arise from many situations, such as:
- Playing loud music near a neighbor’s home without their consent
- Starting a fight in a public area
- Firing a gun in public when you’re not hunting or practicing at a shooting range
- Engaging in behavior at a funeral that disrupts the event or alarms attendees
- Holding a loud, disruptive gathering in a residential neighborhood late at night
- Acting aggressively or threatening others during a public protest or event
- Using a loudspeaker or megaphone in a way that violates local noise ordinances
- Creating a public disturbance by simulating a dangerous situation
Potential Penalties for Disorderly Conduct in Colorado
Depending on the specific violation, disorderly conduct penalties in Colorado include:
- Petty offense – Actions like using offensive language or making unreasonable noise in public are considered petty offenses. Convictions can lead to fines of up to $300, up to 10 days of jail time, or both.
- Class 2 misdemeanor – If the disorderly conduct aims to disrupt a funeral or cause severe emotional distress to attendees, it escalates to a class 2 misdemeanor. Displaying a real or simulated firearm in public in a way meant to alarm someone is also a class 2 misdemeanor. This classification carries penalties of up to 120 days in jail, fines up to $750, or both.
- Class 1 misdemeanor – Discharging a firearm in public without proper authorization is a class 1 misdemeanor. Convictions can result in up to 364 days in jail, fines up to $1,000, or both.
Defense Strategies Against Disorderly Conduct Charges in Colorado
Depending on the circumstances of your case, a lawyer could pursue defense strategies like the following to seek a dismissal, acquittal, or less severe punishment:
- Arguing that your actions did not meet the legal definition of disorderly conduct under Colorado law
- Showing that you did not act intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly as required for a conviction
- Presenting evidence that your behavior did not disrupt public peace or cause an unreasonable disturbance
- Asserting that your conduct was protected under free speech or other constitutional rights
- Demonstrating that the noise or actions occurred in a private setting, not a public space.
- Challenging the credibility or accuracy of witness statements or other evidence
The Long-Term Impact of Disorderly Conduct Charges
A disorderly conduct conviction can have lasting effects on your life even after you have paid your debt to society. First, it may create a permanent criminal record, limiting your job opportunities and housing options. Employers and landlords often conduct criminal background checks, and a conviction can raise concerns about your reliability or character. Additionally, certain convictions could affect your professional licenses or security clearances. The stigma of a criminal record might also strain personal relationships and community standing.
How Our Disorderly Conduct Lawyer Can Help
Our experienced defense attorneys can provide the legal help you need to avoid the consequences of a disorderly conduct conviction. Peakstone Law Group can explain your charges and the potential penalties, review the case against you for weak points, negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf, and fight for your freedom in court.
Contact us today for a free and confidential initial consultation with a disorderly conduct lawyer in Colorado Springs, and let us help you solve your legal problems.