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Maryland Disorderly Conduct Laws

In the state of Maryland, there are various ways one can act that violate the law against disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace. A Maryland disorderly conduct lawyer can help prevent the negative effect of a criminal conviction on your life.

Disorderly Conduct Section 10-201

A person is guilty of disorderly conduct if the person (1) intentionally and (2) for no lawful reason (3) impedes or interferes with the (4) free passage of another person (5) in a public place or on a public conveyance (e.g., bus, metro car, etc.). Section 10-201(c)(1). A person is also guilty of this crime if the person (1) intentionally (2) acts in a disorderly manner that (3) disrupts the public peace. Section 10-201(c)(2).

A person is also guilty of this crime if the person (1) intentionally (2) disobeys a reasonable order given by a law enforcement officer (3) with the purpose of the order being to prevent a disruption of the public peace. Section 10-201(c)(3).

A person is also guilty of this crime if the person (1) enters the premises or land of another person (or a beach adjacent to such property) and (2) intentionally (3) makes unreasonably loud noises or acts in a disorderly manner that (4) disturbs the peace of people on the land, premises, or beach. Section 10-201(c)(4).

A person is also guilty of this crime if the person (1) intentionally (2) makes such unreasonably loud noises (3) to disturb the peace of people (4) on their land, in a public place, or in a public conveyance. Section 10-201(c)(5). Public places include, according to Section 10-201(a)(3):

  • Places of business (e.g., restaurants, shops, shopping centers, bars, stores, etc.)
  • Public buildings
  • Public parking lots
  • Public streets, right-of-ways, and sidewalks
  • Public parks
  • Common areas of apartment buildings or hotels (e.g., corridors, elevators, lobbies, stairwells, etc.)
  • Hotels and motels
  • Places of public worship
  • Elementary, middle, high schools, and institutions of higher education
  • Amusement parks, gold courses, race tracks, swimming pools, sports arenas, theaters, or other places functioning as public resorts or used for public amusements
  • Parking areas, sidewalks, and other parts of a public place

If an individual is guilty of disorderly conduct or disturbing the peace, then the perpetrator faces conviction of a misdemeanor and up to 60 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500. Section 10-201(d).

How a Maryland Disorderly Conduct Lawyer Can Help

Although disorderly conduct is a relatively minor offense, it still carries fines and potential jail time. Just as important, a conviction will result in a permanent criminal record that can haunt you for a long time, jeopardizing your employability, ability to secure loans, security clearance, and even education opportunities. Call a Maryland disorderly conduct lawyer today for a free consultation.

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