What is Disorderly Conduct in Illinois?

 Posted on April 20, 2018 in Disorderly conduct

Facing charges of disorderly conduct can be a truly frightening experience. To be sure, you may not understand the charges, nor how to effectively deal with the criminal justice system. If you find yourself in this situation, it is in your best interests to contact an attorney immediately. A legal professional can advocate aggressively on your behalf to help protect your rights throughout each step of the process.

What is Disorderly Conduct?

Under Illinois law, there are12 instances in which you can be charged with disorderly conduct. These actions are:

1. Acting in way that disturbs another and provoke a breach of peace;
2. Reporting, or inciting another to report a fire when the individual knows that there is no fire;
3. Reporting a bomb or other explosive device when the individual knows that there is no threat of a bomb or explosive device and Reporting a bomb threat to a school when there is no threat;
4. Reporting a crime to an officer knowing there is none;
5. Falsely reporting a public safety issue;
6. Calling 911 when there is no need to call;
7. Making a false report of child abuse or neglect to the Department of Children and Family Services;
8. Falsely reporting to the Department of Public Health under the Nursing Care Act, Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Act, the ID/DD Community Care Act, or MC/MD Act. This is essentially falsely reporting elder abuse;
9. Falsely reporting the need for an ambulance or fire department service;
10. Reporting a false report under Article II of Public Act 83-1432;
11. Entering the property of another for a lewd or unlawful purpose through a window or opening. This also covers “peeping” into another’s window; and
12. Harassing, annoying, or intimidating an alleged debtor while impersonating a collections officer.

Punishments

The severity of the punishment for disorderly conduct depends on which category of disorderly conduct is performed. Disorderly conduct charges can be both a felony and misdemeanor.

• Misdemeanor – Generally, a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge can carry a 30-day, six-month, or one-year jail sentence.
  • Class A: Reporting a false threat to public safety and entering another’s property for unlawful conduct are considered Class A Misdemeanors. These are the most serious types of misdemeanors. There is a possibility of a one-year jail sentence and a fine up to $2,500.
  • Class B: Falsely reporting the crime of elder abuse is considered a Class B misdemeanor. There is the potential of six months in jail.
• Felony – A felony carries a much more serious penalty.
  • Class 4: Making a false report of a fire, a false report of a threat to a school, or making a false emergency services call is considered a Class 4 felony. This carries the potential of a one to three-year prison sentence.
  • Class 3: Reporting a fake bomb threat is a Class 3 felony that carries the possibility of two to five years in prison. In addition, there is a potential for a fine up to $10,000.

Let Us Help You Today

If you have been charged with disorderly conduct, our office can help you. Passionate Rolling Meadows defense attorney Christopher M. Cosley has the knowledge and skill to represent you and achieve the best possible outcome. Call847-253-3100 today.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=072000050K26-1

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=1999&ChapterID=55