Disorderly Conduct
Charges & OffensesLegal information only — not legal advice. B-Legal is not a law firm and use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult a licensed attorney before acting.
Plain-English Meaning
A violation (not a crime) for conduct that causes public annoyance, alarm, or disorder. It includes fighting, making unreasonable noise, using obscene language in public, blocking traffic, or refusing to disperse. It is one of the most commonly issued charges in New York City.
Legal Context
N.Y. Penal Law § 240.20 defines disorderly conduct as a violation committed with intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof, through various specific acts. Because it is a violation (not a crime), a conviction does not result in a criminal record. Disorderly conduct is frequently offered as a reduced charge in plea bargains for misdemeanors, allowing defendants to resolve cases without a criminal record.
Real-Life Example
After loudly arguing with another person on a subway platform and blocking the turnstile area, Jordan was issued a Desk Appearance Ticket for disorderly conduct. Because it was a violation, not a crime, his conviction resulted in a $120 fine with no criminal record.
Related Statutes
Related Terms
Source
Based on N.Y. Penal Law § 240.20. Original B-Legal plain-language explanation.
N.Y. Penal Law § 240.20
Definitions are simplified for education. Legal meanings vary by jurisdiction, context, and case facts. This definition is original B-Legal content and is not affiliated with or derived from any proprietary legal dictionary.