Disorderly Conduct Attorney in Atlanta, GA

If you have been charged with disorderly conduct in Atlanta, you should immediately contact an experienced attorney that is well-versed in the Atlanta disorderly conduct laws. Often, law enforcement officials are overzealous in their application of this law, and you may be unfairly charged with a crime that you didn’t necessarily commit.

This law is often misinterpreted, and it can leave you with undeserved fines, a criminal record and potential jail time.

Types of Disorderly Conduct Charges In Atlanta

According to Georgia Code § 16-11-39, You can be charged with disorderly conduct in Atlanta for a variety of reasons. First, if you act in a violent or threatening way towards another person— causing them to fear for their life, limbs or their general health— this will be considered disorderly conduct. Also, if you act in a violent way where you are threatening someone else’s property, this could also get into legal trouble.

Finally, if you use “fighting words” directed at someone else without provocation, you may face a disorderly conduct sentence. It is also illegal to use fighting words on the telephone when talking to someone under the age of 14.

Sentences For Atlanta Disorderly Conduct Charges

Any disorderly conduct charge received in Atlanta will be considered a misdemeanor crime. Someone who receives this sentence could be required to spend up to one year in jail.

Also, they could receive a fine of up to $1,000, be required to attend an alcohol awareness class, receive a probation sentence and/or be required to do a certain amount of community service.

What Exactly Are “Fighting Words”?

While it wouldn’t be appropriate to have an exact list of words that are considered to be “fighting words,” we can provide you with a Supreme Court definition of what they deem to be words that, when used, can cause you to receive a disorderly conduct charge.

They consider any word that has no social value, is never essential in any exposition of ideas and by its very utterance inflicts injury or incites an immediate breach of peace to be a fighting word. It is important to note that they don’t list specific words, which leaves some room for ambiguity in many disorderly conduct cases.

Contact Our Team of Experienced Atlanta Disorderly Conduct Attorneys Today

At Andersen, Tate & Carr, we will work hard to make sure you are treated fairly during your legal proceedings. If you are facing disorderly conduct charges in Atlanta, Pat McDonough and Trinity Hundredmark can help.

We offer free case evaluations, and we fight tirelessly to protect our clients’ rights. In some cases, this means arguing that the charges are unjustified and working to have them dismissed. Contact us today to receive the proper representation you deserve.