Marin County Disorderly Conduct Attorney

What Is Disorderly Conduct in California?

In California, disorderly conduct is usually charged as a misdemeanor under Penal Code 647. It covers a wide range of behaviors that police consider disruptive, offensive, or unsafe in public places.

Many people think disorderly conduct only means being drunk in public. In reality, the law covers much more. These charges can still lead to jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record.

If you were arrested for disorderly conduct in Marin County, a defense attorney can help you understand the charge and your options.

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Common Disorderly Conduct Charges in California

Disorderly conduct includes several different offenses, all listed under Penal Code 647. Some of the most common charges include:

  • Public intoxication
  • Solicitation or prostitution
  • Lewd conduct in public
  • Panhandling or aggressive begging
  • Loitering on private property
  • Peeping or invasion of privacy

Long-Term Consequences of a Disorderly Conduct Conviction

Even though these charges may seem minor, a conviction can have lasting effects, including:

  • A permanent criminal record
  • Problems with employment or housing
  • Immigration consequences for non-citizens
  • Mandatory registration for certain offenses

In some cases, expungement may be possible after completing probation.

Public Intoxication (Penal Code 647(f))

Public intoxication, often called “drunk in public,” involves being under the influence of alcohol or drugs in a public place.

You may be charged if police believe you:

  • Could not care for your own safety or the safety of others
  • Blocking or interfering with streets or sidewalks

Possible defenses include:

  • You were not in a public place
  • Your intoxication was involuntary
  • You were not obstructing a public pathway

 

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Lewd Conduct in Public (Penal Code 647(a))

Lewd conduct involves engaging in or asking someone to engage in sexual behavior in public or in a place visible to the public.

A lewd act usually means touching private parts for sexual gratification or to offend someone else.

Common defenses include:

  • You were in a private place where you expected privacy
  • There was no sexual intent
  • Police entrapped you

Prostitution or Solicitation (Penal Code 647(b))

This charge involves offering, agreeing to, or engaging in sexual acts in exchange for money or something of value.

Police often make these arrests during sting operations.

Common defenses include:

  • No money or compensation was discussed
  • There was no intent to engage in prostitution
  • You were pressured or entrapped by police

Illegal Panhandeling, Loitering, Squatting

Panhandling or Soliciting Money (Penal Code 647(c))

Panhandling becomes disorderly conduct when it is aggressive or disruptive in public spaces.

Defenses may include:

  • You were exercising free speech
  • Your conduct was not aggressive
  • You were not in a public location

Loitering in a Public Restroom (Penal Code 647(d))

This offense involves lingering in a public restroom with the intent to engage in lewd or unlawful behavior.

Possible defenses include:

  • You were not loitering
  • There was no lewd intent
  • The restroom was not open to the public

Illegal Squatting or Lodging (Penal Code 647(e))

This charge applies when someone stays or sleeps in a building, vehicle, or structure without permission.

Common defenses include:

  • You had permission to be there
  • There was no intent to lodge
  • You did not know the property was private

Loitering or Peeping (Penal Code 647(h) and 647(i))

These charges involve lingering on private property without a lawful purpose or peeking into windows or doors.

Defenses may include:

  • You had a legitimate reason to be there
  • There was no intent to commit a crime
  • You did not peer into any building

Invasion of Privacy (Penal Code 647(j))

Invasion of privacy includes secretly viewing, recording, or photographing someone in a private place, such as a bathroom or bedroom.

Possible defenses include:

  • No intent to invade privacy
  • No reasonable expectation of privacy
  • Consent was given
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Frequently Asked Questions When Charged with a Misdemeanor

Hire a Marin County Disorderly Conduct Defense Attorney

If you were arrested for disorderly conduct in Marin County, it is important to act quickly. Even minor charges can affect your future.

Kevin Heaney defends clients against misdemeanor charges and works to protect their rights at every stage of the case.

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Testimonials

Here’s what clients had to say about Kevin Heaney’s work
Kevin did an amazing job. He turned a nightmare into a really manageable situation. Without going into detail, I was facing some complications due to my record that would have made for a lengthy and grand problem. He was able to get it mitigated and really came away amazing, compared to where we started. Worth every penny and more. I feel that the work he did was more than commensurate for what he charged me. I will use him in the future and I would recommend him to family and friends.
G.K.
Amazing honest and efficient lawyer! Kevin knows the ins and outs of the criminal system. He is the definitely the guy to have on your side. I won’t go into the details of the case, but my brother got involve in a domestic violent situation and we needed a good Marin lawyer that wouldn’t charge an arm and a leg to take his case. I was referred to Kevin by a friend of mine. I noticed on the initial phone consultation that he really wanted to help. We were able to work out a very reasonable price for the handling of the case, so we hired him. Kevin worked hard since day one, and he got my bro a very good deal with the DA. Our family is thankful to have hired him.
M.T.
I contacted Kevin when I needed legal representation in a case which I felt required a high level of client service and representation. He was always right there for me when I needed him, whether it was showing up early for hearings, to the individualized attention I received at the courthouse, and having private meetings in his office anytime, as often as needed without any rescheduling. Kevin approached my case with care and made me feel comfortable as he took the time to thoroughly review my case history, explain my options to me, and was readily available and responsive when I had questions or just needed to talk to him. He treated my case with genuine care and attention it deserved and my case results certainly reflected his strong personal and professional attributes. I wouldn’t hesitate to contact Kevin again if the need arises.
M.K.
I received the best possible outcome by giving my case to Kevin Heaney. He fought for me the entire way until he got my case dismissed! I have never come across a lawyer that cares so much about his clients or what happens to them. His rates are very affordable and he is open to negotiate the numbers. It is clear that he wants to help. Kevin knows his stuff and he is on top of it. He is also very personable, kept me in the loop of things throughout the process and always returned my calls and emails. I am grateful and lucky to have found Kevin. He is a true professional and knows how to get it done.
N.H.
I wanted to thank you for the excellent job you did on getting Luis Correa’s case dismissed. You were very efficient and with minimal stress to Mr Correa. He had full confidence in you and you made it very easy for him to put this case in your hands. The fact that he only had to meet with you a few times and only able to provide you with minimal information he had on his case was a blessing that you were able to get the case dismissed! You know your stuff! Thank you once again and Mr Correa is very pleased with the outcome and can get on with his life without this case over him.
M.S.

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