If you are LOUD and are yelling in a public place and do not heed an officers request to lower the volume, you could be charged with DISORDERLY CONDUCT.
The Disorderly Conduct statute in Maryland sets out five different ways you can be charged with Disorderly conduct.
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).
As this may seem like a minor offense, you may incur jail time and if convicted it will result in a permanent criminal record. This can impact you getting loans, jobs, educational opportunities and more!
If you have been charged with disorderly conduct, call me today!
Frank Benvenuto, P.A.
443-783-2451 - 27/7 Emergency Line
410-641-2999 - Office