Disorderly Conduct Lawyer in Wisconsin
Charged with Disorderly Conduct under Wis. Stat. § 947.01? Call Chirafisi Anderson, S.C. today for a free confidential consultation.
What the Law Says About Disorderly Conduct
Under Wis. Stat. § 947.01, Disorderly Conduct occurs when in a public or private place, you engage in either violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud or otherwise disorderly conduct under circumstances in which the conduct tends to cause or provoke a disturbance. Disorderly Conduct is a Class B misdemeanor.
Although often viewed as “minor,” a Disorderly Conduct charge can carry serious and lasting consequences, particularly when a domestic abuse modifier is alleged or when the charge is filed alongside companion offenses such as Battery, Criminal Damage to Property, or Bail Jumping. Even a single conviction can affect employment opportunities, professional licensing, and future charging decisions in Wisconsin courts.
Chirafisi Anderson, S.C. represents individuals charged with Disorderly Conduct throughout Southern and Central Wisconsin, including Dane, Rock, Iowa, Green, Columbia, Dodge, Jefferson, and Sauk Counties. Our attorneys routinely defend these cases from initial appearance through trial, focusing on early legal challenges, overcharging issues, and resolution strategies designed to protect our clients’ records and their futures.
What the State Must Prove to Convict on Disorderly Conduct in Wisconsin
To convict a person of Disorderly Conduct under Wis. Stat. § 947.01, the State must prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt, as set forth in Wisconsin Jury Instruction – Criminal 1900.
Specifically, the State must establish that:
- The defendant engaged in conduct that was violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud, or otherwise disorderly; and
- The conduct occurred under circumstances tending to cause or provoke a disturbance.
The jury instruction makes clear that “otherwise disorderly” is not unlimited and must be evaluated in context, including the time, place, and surrounding circumstances. These elements apply whether the alleged conduct occurred in a public setting or in a private location, including a person’s home.
Penalties and Sentencing for Disorderly Conduct in Wisconsin
Disorderly Conduct is classified as a Class B misdemeanor under Wisconsin law. If convicted, a court may impose the following penalties:
- Up to 90-days jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines
Sentencing outcomes vary widely depending on the facts of the case, the presence of prior convictions, and whether the charge is filed alongside companion offenses such as Battery or Bail Jumping. In many cases, courts may consider probation, fines, or alternative dispositions—but jail remains a lawful sentencing option.
Disorderly Conduct with a Domestic Abuse Modifier
When Disorderly Conduct is charged with a domestic abuse modifier, additional consequences may apply, including:
- $100 domestic abuse surcharge
- No-contact orders or restraining orders
- Mandatory treatment or counseling as part of probation
A domestic abuse designation can also have collateral consequences beyond the criminal case, including implications for future charging decisions and court-ordered restrictions during the pendency of the case.
Even when no jail time is imposed, a Disorderly Conduct conviction—particularly one involving a domestic abuse modifier—can have long-term consequences affecting employment, housing, professional licensing, and future interactions with the criminal justice system.
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Common Disorderly Conduct Scenarios in Wisconsin
Disorderly Conduct charges in Wisconsin arise in a wide range of situations and are frequently filed based on the surrounding circumstances rather than any single act. Common scenarios include:
- Domestic arguments or disputes involving a spouse, partner, or family member
- Verbal altercations with neighbors, bystanders, or law enforcement
- Bar or sporting-event incidents including arguments or physical confrontations
- Noise complaints or protests, disturbances, or repeated calls for service
- “Catch-all” charges when police believe conduct was inappropriate but no more specific offense clearly applies
Disorderly Conduct is frequently charged alongside other offenses, including Battery, Criminal Damage to Property, and Bail Jumping, particularly in domestic-related cases or situations involving prior court orders.
Defenses and Legal Strategies in Disorderly Conduct Cases
Disorderly Conduct cases are highly fact-specific and often turn on context, intent, and the surrounding circumstances. Because Wis. Stat. § 947.01 is written broadly, effective defense strategies frequently focus on whether the alleged conduct actually met the legal threshold required for a criminal conviction.
Common defense strategies include:
Why Hiring a Disorderly Conduct Defense Lawyer Matters
Facing a Disorderly Conduct charge may seem minor at first, but these cases often carry hidden legal and practical consequences, especially when domestic abuse modifiers or companion charges are involved. What begins as a verbal argument or isolated incident can quickly escalate into a criminal case with long-term implications. Because Wisconsin’s disorderly conduct statute is broad, early legal analysis is critical to identifying overcharging, constitutional issues, and weaknesses in the State’s proof. Effective representation can often make the difference between a conviction and a dismissal or favorable resolution.
At Chirafisi Anderson, S.C., our attorneys bring focused criminal defense experience to every Disorderly Conduct case, including:
Disorderly Conduct Case Results
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If you’ve been cited or arrested for Disorderly Conduct, do not plead guilty or attempt to resolve the case without legal advice. Even a misdemeanor can carry serious and lasting consequences.
Call Chirafisi Anderson, S.C. today for a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.