Disorderly Intoxication. Disorderly Conduct. Disorderly Conduct in an Establishment. These are all misdemeanor charges in the State of Florida, but what do they mean?
In my experience, these charges are a catch-all when police officers don't know what to do with you. Sometimes these charges may be accompanied by resisting without violence charges, and/or trespassing charges.
In so many words, the "disorderly" charges have to do with an allegation that the accused was making a scene in a public place.
What exactly does that mean? In a place like South Beach or Las Olas (Fort Lauderdale), isn't everybody "disorderly" to some degree? Especially during special events, like Spring Break?
Disorderly conduct or intoxication requires proof that the accused was acting in a manner that posed a danger to the community. Fighting in public, walking through traffic, things like that are disorderly. Shouting or being loud is not.
It's important to understand your rights and what you are able to do and not do before deciding how to resolve your case.
If you have visited Miami or Fort Lauderdale, especially during Spring Break, and you were charged with a "disorderly" offense, contact my office to discuss your case in greater detail.
Eric Matheny began his career as a Miami-Dade Certified Legal Intern in 2006. In 2007, he became a Miami-Dade County Prosecutor and has been a criminal defense attorney since 2009. Attorney Eric Matheny represents clients charge with all levels of felonies and misdemeanors in Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Palm Beach County.