Charged with Disorderly Conduct in New Jersey? A Conviction Can Follow You for Life

A disorderly conduct charge may seem minor—but it carries real legal consequences. In New Jersey, it’s classified as a disorderly persons offense, which is equivalent to a misdemeanor. If convicted, you could face up to six months in jail, fines, community service, and a permanent criminal record that can appear in background checks for jobs, housing, or immigration.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we defend clients charged with disorderly conduct in Cherry Hill, Camden County, and surrounding areas. Our approach is to minimize the impact of these charges through pretrial motions, diversionary programs, or outright dismissal. Whether this is your first arrest or part of a broader conflict, we’ll help protect your rights and your future.

What Is Disorderly Conduct Under New Jersey Law?

Disorderly conduct is defined under N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2 and includes two main categories:

• Improper behavior: Engaging in violent, tumultuous, or threatening acts in public. This includes fighting, pushing, or creating a hazardous condition through reckless behavior.
• Offensive language: Using unreasonably loud, coarse, or abusive language in a public place with the purpose to offend or provoke others.

Police often use this statute to arrest people during public disturbances, protests, or domestic arguments—even when no one was harmed.

Common Situations That Lead to Disorderly Conduct Charges

We defend clients arrested for:

• Yelling or arguing in public
• Involvement in non-violent fights
• Intoxication or disruptive conduct at bars or parties
• Using profanity near police or in public spaces
• Refusing to leave an area when ordered
• Behavior during protests or public demonstrations
• Emotional disputes in stores, on sidewalks, or in parking lots

Many cases involve misunderstandings, over-policing, or questionable witness statements. We focus on factual defenses and procedural safeguards.

Penalties for Disorderly Conduct in New Jersey

A conviction for disorderly conduct may result in:

• Up to 6 months in county jail
• Fines up to $1,000
• Community service
• Probation or conditional discharge
• A criminal record visible to employers, landlords, and licensing boards
• Immigration consequences for non-citizens

We fight to avoid conviction through pretrial intervention (PTI), conditional dismissal, or downgrade to a municipal ordinance.

Defense Strategies for Disorderly Conduct Charges

Our criminal defense team may challenge:

• Lack of criminal intent or purposeful behavior
• Unreliable witness testimony
• Violation of First Amendment free speech protections
• Police overreaction or unlawful arrest
• No proof of public disturbance
• Mental health or intoxication considerations

We explore every opportunity to have your case dismissed or resolved without a permanent mark on your record.

Where We Handle Disorderly Conduct Cases in South Jersey

We represent clients in:

• Cherry Hill Municipal Court
• Pennsauken, Camden City, and Voorhees Municipal Courts
• Camden County Superior Court (if part of larger charges)
• Burlington and Gloucester County municipal courts
• Expungement court for clearing prior convictions

We appear regularly in these courts and understand how to resolve disorderly persons offenses efficiently and discreetly.

Disorderly Conduct FAQs for New Jersey Defendants

Q: Is disorderly conduct a criminal offense in New Jersey?
A: Yes. It is a disorderly persons offense, which is similar to a misdemeanor and can result in a criminal record.

Q: Can I go to jail for disorderly conduct?
A: Jail is possible, but many first-time offenders avoid it with legal representation and pretrial programs.

Q: What if I was just yelling or arguing?
A: Verbal conduct alone may not be enough unless it clearly intended to provoke or disturb the public. We can raise First Amendment defenses.

Q: Will this show up on a background check?
A: Yes, if convicted. However, you may be eligible for conditional dismissal or expungement after a waiting period.

Q: Can I get this charge downgraded or dismissed?
A: Often, yes. With the right strategy, we can negotiate a municipal ordinance violation or have the charge dropped entirely.

Contact Our Cherry Hill Disorderly Conduct Defense Lawyers Today

If you’ve been charged with disorderly conduct in New Jersey, don’t risk a permanent criminal record over a misunderstanding. At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we help clients throughout Cherry Hill and South Jersey resolve these charges quickly and quietly—before they cause lasting damage. Whether it’s your first arrest or part of a larger incident, we’ll help you move forward with a clean record.

To schedule a consultation, call (856) 209-3111 or email [email protected]. Your defense starts here.