Disorderly conduct crimes are charged as misdemeanors. Penalties for a disorderly conduct conviction, such as accusations of being drunk in public, can lead to a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both.
A disorderly conduct conviction can stay on your record for many years or permanently in some cases if you do not take action.
Does disorderly conduct come up on a background check? Yes. Disorderly conduct is usually charged as a misdemeanor, though it may be elevated to a felony, such as if a person falsely shouts “fire” in a crowded place. Misdemeanors and felonies both come up on criminal background checks.
In some states, disorderly conduct charges may simply expire and automatically be removed from a person's record. However, other states will require a person to petition for expungement.
Having certain misdemeanor convictions on your record can make it extremely difficult to get hired, even for seemingly minor offenses. Employers often conduct background checks these days, and something as small as a misdemeanor for disorderly conduct could be enough to remove you from consideration.
While the penalties you face may not include jail time, a disorderly conduct conviction will mean having a criminal record. It's typically not a felony, but having to explain the circumstances of charges of disorderly conduct to a potential employer or anyone who asks can make your life harder.
Your patience is appreciated.As a general rule, my recommendation to people is to plead not guilty at your first court appearance/arraignment. It is the prosecution that has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, not the defendant that has to prove they are innocent.
Disorderly conduct records are a blot on your criminal record that can follow you for years to come, potentially affecting various aspects of your future prospects.