Disorderly conduct is one of the most overused and misunderstood charges in Florida.

Under Florida Statute § 877.03, police often rely on this charge when emotions are high, crowds are involved, or officers feel challenged—but not every loud or embarrassing moment is a crime.

If you or a loved one has gotten arrested for disorderly conduct in Palm Beach, Broward, Dade or Martin County, Florida, an experienced defense attorney can help.

Below, we break down what disorderly conduct actually means, penalties, defense strategies and why hiring a competant lawyer can make all the difference.

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Table of Contents

What is Disorderly Conduct?

The statute broadly prohibits conduct that:

  • Corrupts public morals

  • Outrages public decency

  • Affects the peace and quiet of others

In practice, arrests often stem from:

  • Arguments in public

  • Bar or party incidents

  • College campus encounters

  • Verbal disputes with police

  • Sporting or event-related incidents

Speech alone cannot support a conviction unless it rises to the level of “fighting words.”

man about to get charged with disorderly conduct in Palm beach

Penalties for Disorderly Conduct in Palm Beach, Broward, Dade or Martin County

Disorderly conduct is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by:

  • Up to 60 days in jail

  • Up to $500 in fines

  • Probation

  • Community service

Even without jail time, a conviction can:

  • Appear on background checks

  • Affect employment

  • Create issues with professional licensing

Common Defenses to Disorderly Conduct in Florida

These cases are frequently dismissed when challenged properly by a criminal attorney with experience defending against disorderly conduct charges in Palm Beach, Broward, Dade or Martin County. Common defenses may include:

  • Protected speech under the First Amendment

  • No threat to public safety

  • Officer overreach

  • Lack of intent

  • Escalation caused by law enforcement

Florida courts have repeatedly limited how far this statute can be stretched.

Why These Charges Require a Strategic Defense

Disorderly conduct in Palm Beach, Broward, Dade or Martin County, Florida, often appears alongside:

Handling the case strategically can prevent stacked charges and protect your record.

Your Next Steps? Contact Our Palm Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you were arrested for disorderly conduct in Palm Beach, Broward, Dade or Martin County, do not plead guilty just to “get it over with.”

Contact us online or call our office today for a confidential consultation with our experienced and proven criminal defense attorney, Matthew Konecky.