Texas Penal Code Section 42.01 delineates a variety of activities that may constitute disorderly conduct including using offensive or profane language, abusing or threatening a person in public, and discharging a firearm in public. However, in addition to those specific activities, a disorderly conduct charge can also be the result of many other public actions and behaviors that are disruptive or bothersome to other people.
Although many people think a disorderly conduct charge is basically the same as getting a ticket for a driving violation, that is not the case in Texas. To the contrary, facing disorderly conduct charges may result in a criminal record. If charged with this offense, contact an aggressive defense lawyer today. A Tarrant County disorderly conduct lawyer can work on your behalf to see that you have the best defense for your case.
Short and Long-Term Consequences in Tarrant County
A disorderly conduct charge may have both short and long-term implications. How serious those implications depend on whether the case is prosecuted as a Class C misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor.
Most charges of disorderly conduct are Class C misdemeanors which may be punishable by a fine of up to $500. If, however, the cited action or behavior involves a firearm, it may be prosecuted as a Class B misdemeanor which may result in a jail sentence of up to 180 days and a fine of up to $2,000.
Regardless of whether the case was prosecuted as a Class C or a Class B misdemeanor, the long-term implications of a criminal record may be complicated and substantial. These may include the inability to get a loan, to engage in certain professions, and to rent certain properties. Speak with a Tarrant County disorderly conduct lawyer today for more information.
Options for People with Disorderly Conduct Offenses
In cases where someone is convicted of disorderly conduct, it is sometimes possible to mitigate the implications of that outcome. That may be done by obtaining an Expunction or Non-Disclosure Order from the same court that oversaw the original case.
Although a Non-Disclosure Order does not require the destruction of all the files and records concerning a conviction, it may provide some level of mitigation for anyone who has a criminal record. As specified in Title 4 of the Government Code, such an order only permits law enforcement agencies to release such information to other law enforcement agencies or to certain specified governmental agencies.
As specified in Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, the issuance of an Expunction Order may result in the expunction of all the files and records concerning the case. That may allow the person to proceed as though no charges were ever brought against them. For assistance in building a criminal defense, call a Tarrant County disorderly conduct lawyer today.
Talk to a Tarrant County Disorderly Conduct Attorney Today
Disorderly conduct charges may not seem serious, but they can carry long-lasting effects. That is why it may be important to be proactive in fighting for the best possible outcome when facing these charges.
If are facing disorderly conduct charges or if you were previously convicted of disorderly conduct, you should consult with a Tarrant County disorderly conduct lawyer. They can advise you of all your legal options and help you select the best course-of-action for your particular case.
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