Drunk and disorderly, or disorderly conduct, is codified under MCL 750.167. A disorderly individual is a person who is intoxicated in a public place and/or who is either endangering directly the safety of another person or of property, or is acting in a manner that causes a public disturbance. A disorderly person is also one who is engaged in indecent or obscene conduct in a public place. Either one of these could apply to someone who urinates in public. Anyone who disturbs the public peace and quiet by loud or boisterous conduct or by engaging in any disturbance, fight, brawl or quarrel in any public place could also end up with a disorderly conduct charge.

MSU students in East Lansing may find themselves charged with disorderly conduct. Behavior that can result in a charge of disorderly conduct includes:

• Talking back to a police officer

• Being involved in a fight

• Breaking a glass bottle

• Urinating in public

• Any behavior that involves consuming alcohol and bad behavior

Consuming alcohol results in bright students making bad decisions. East Lansing City Ordinance Sec. 26-52 – disorderly conduct can carry sentencing of up to 90 days in jail and fines of up to $500. Depending on your case, you may face fines or jail – sometimes a combination of both.

If these bad decisions occur during what East Lansing determines is a “riot,” the penalties are substantially increased under MCL 750.168, 752.544. Taking part in, refusing to disperse from, or inciting a riot is a felony; this is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and/or fines up to $10,000. Unlawful assembly and refusing to disperse from an unlawful assembly are punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $5,000 – depending on the case, sometimes both fines and jail time.

If you have been charged with disorderly conduct or a comparable crime, consult with Bahrie Law immediately. A conviction, especially a criminal one, can have very serious repercussions and end up making life more difficult for a long time to come. We will review the charges, review your case and review your records. Based on that, we will fight to dismiss the charges, negotiate a plea bargain or fight the charge all the way to trial. Speaking to an attorney today is going to be the best course to ensure your rights are protected, as well as make certain that the strongest possible defense is presented for your case. Call Bahrie Law at 517-694-1300 and receive a free evaluation of your case. Call us today!