Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed March 13, 2018
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Under New Jersey law, disorderly conduct is considered a "breach of the peace" and can arise out of many different situations and circumstances. In more general terms, you could be arrested and charged with this offense by engaging in "improper behavior" or "using offensive language." For instance, you could be arrested for screaming obscenities or making lewd gestures at a cashier. In this case, the inappropriateness of such behavior would overshadow one's freedom of speech or expression.
You can be arrested for improper behavior if you purposefully cause a public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk of any of the following:
For example, getting into a bar room brawl can be considered "improper behavior," among other possible crimes.
What is offensive language? It's words used to offend people within hearing distance in a reckless disregard for them. Typically, offensive language is loud, coarse, or abusive. Let's say you are at a Phillies game and start heckling New YorK Mets fans. It's possible you could be in violation of the law.
The following table highlights the main points of New Jersey's disorderly conduct laws.
| Code Sections | The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice 2C § 33-2 |
| What is Prohibited | You may be charged with disorderly conduct using improper behavior if you act to cause inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm by:
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| Penalties | Up to six (6) months in jail and fines. Possible restitution to the victim. |
| What is a public place? | "Public" means affecting or likely to affect persons in a place to which the public or a substantial group has access; among the places included are highways, transport facilities, schools, prisons, apartment houses, places of business or amusement, or any neighborhood including concert halls or a sports stadiums. |
| Statute of Limitations | One (1) year from the date of the offense. |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
If you have been charged with disorderly conduct, the prosecution's case will likely be based on a combination of police testimony and the testimony of witnesses. But it's also important for them to prove that your actions crossed the line from free expression to disorderly conduct. The best way to defend your interests is to speak with an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.
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