The attorneys at the Law Offices of Davis & LaScola defend clients charged with disorderly conduct (and reckless conduct) in Chicago and throughout surrounding counties.

Disorderly conduct is behavior that alarms or disturbs another or others, and thereby provokes a breach of the peace. Disputes between neighbors and alcohol-related behavior are often at the root of these charges. Often this charge can be effectively challenged by a defense lawyer because all the elements of the offense can be difficult for a prosecutor to prove. Police often use this charge as a “catch-all” to criminalize conduct that is seemingly unlawful but does not quite rise to the level of a criminal offense. Nonetheless, this charge is a misdemeanor offense in Illinois that can carry county jail time at its maximum and should still be taken seriously. Often, an experienced criminal attorney will be able to secure a “deferred prosecution” for their client, which entails the completion of a certain amount of community service and a return to court to show proof of completion, and dismissal. Other types of disorderly conduct such as filing a false police report can lead to felony charges and are viewed in a much different light than the less serious forms of this charge.

Reckless conduct is less common and involves the reckless performance of a lawful or unlawful act that actually causes harm or endangers the safety of an individual or individuals. This offense is a Class A Misdemeanor, and possible dispositions include court supervision, conditional discharge, probation, or county jail time.

If you have been charged with disorderly or reckless conduct, contact our defense attorneys to discuss your case. Our firm practices throughout Illinois, including Cook, Lake, DuPage and Will counties.