Have you been arrested for disorderly conduct or another crime against public order? There are dozens of laws that punish illegal behavior when interacting with the public or public services. Generally, these are called “crimes against public order and safety” or “crimes against public administration.”
These criminal offenses can vary significantly depending on the type of conduct involved. More importantly, these crimes carry hefty criminal penalties including jail time, fines, and/or probation. To represent you in fighting these charges, the team at Fennell, Briasco & Associates™ is available for a FREE legal consultation.
Public Drunkenness; Public Intoxication (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-41)
The criminal offense of public intoxication refers to the act of manifesting boisterous, indecent, loud, vulgar, profane, or unbecoming conduct in a public place while intoxicated. Public intoxication laws are designed to keep our communities safe, but in some cases, police officers go too far in charging regular, law-abiding citizens with this misdemeanor crime. From crowded bars to rowdy sporting events, there are hundreds of arrests for public intoxication in Georgia every year. This relatively minor crime can follow you for years, even showing up on future background checks. To protect your reputation, the team at Fennell, Briasco & Associates™ can represent you in fighting these charges.
Disorderly Conduct (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-39)
The crime of disorderly conduct is a relatively broad classification for crimes involving (i) violent or tumultuous acts that endanger another person’s safety or property or (ii) the intentional provocation or incitement of a breach of the peace or the use of “fighting words” in public. The crime of disorderly conduct grants police officers a wide degree of discretion in making an arrest. For example, failure to obey a police officer can immediately result in a charge of disorderly conduct. Moreover, using profanity around children under the age of 14 can result in an arrest for disorderly conduct. These crimes are no laughing matter. As misdemeanor criminal offenses, you can face up to 1 year in prison if convicted for disorderly conduct. Call us today at (770) 956-4030 to learn more about your legal options.
Unlawful Conduct During 9-1-1 Call (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-39.2)
Did you know that you can face criminal charges for interfering with emergency telephone services? In the event that someone calls 911 with the intent to disturb, harass, annoy, or intimidate a 911 operator, they can face misdemeanor charges that carry up to a $500 fine and/or up to 12 months in jail. Contact the team at Fennell, Briasco & Associates™ for a FREE legal consultation.
Loitering (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-36)
The crime of loitering refers to the presence of a person in an unusual manner or at an unusual time that creates a reasonable concern for the safety of persons or property in the area. The crime of loitering can seem fairly broad, and police officers can use a number of factors to determine if someone is acting in an unusual manner.
For instance, hanging outside of a store and looking at passing vehicles can result in an arrest for loitering. However, sometimes individuals are arrested for loitering based on seemingly normal behavior, like waiting for a taxi to pick them up.
You have certain rights that protect you from a loitering charge. Specifically, prior to arrest, police officers must afford you the opportunity to identify yourself and explain your presence in order to dispel any concerns of illegal activity. To learn more about your rights in defending against loitering charges, contact the team at Fennell, Briasco & Associates™ today.
Obstructing a Law Enforcement Officer (O.C.G.A. § 16-10-24)
Charges of obstructing a law enforcement officer (often called “obstruction of justice”) can result from any number of acts that involve resisting, opposing, or obstructing a police officer in carrying out their official duties. In most cases, a first offense for obstruction will result in a misdemeanor charge. However, future arrests for obstruction can result in felony charges and a prison sentence exceeding one year.
Examples of obstruction of justice in Georgia may include: eluding a police officer by foot or by vehicle; hiding from a police officer; physically resisting arrest; resisting a police officer from carrying out a search warrant; failing to obey a police officer’s orders; tampering with evidence; and lying to a police officer. Criminal obstruction charges are often accompanied by other criminal charges at the same time.
If you have been arrested and charged with obstruction of justice in Georgia, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to assert your rights. Contact our team today for more information.
Giving a False Name, Address, or Birth Date to Police (O.C.G.A. § 16-10-25)
If prompted, Georgia residents must provide their correct name, address and birthdate to police officers. The act of providing false or fake information to the police can result in misdemeanor charges, punishable by up to $1,000 in fines and up to 1 year in jail. For many clients, interacting with police is an intensely stressful moment in which they might not be thinking straight. Though it might seem like a good idea to provide the name of a friend or family member in place of your own, you will likely suffer more serious consequences than if you complied with the officer’s initial request. For more information about false identification crimes in Georgia, contact the team at Fennell, Briasco & Associates™ for a FREE legal consultation.
Georgia Misdemeanor Lawyer
When it comes to crimes against public order and public administration, a single bad decision can result in serious criminal penalties. To protect you against the harsh consequences of a misdemeanor charge, a skilled criminal defense attorney is your best bet towards securing a lighter sentence or dropped charges.
At Fennell, Briasco & Associates™ our mission is to deliver cost-effective, client-focused results that help you get your life back to normal. If you’ve been arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, public intoxication, or other similar crimes in Georgia, contact us today to discuss your legal options. We proudly serve clients across Metro Atlanta, including
Bartow County
Cartersville
Emerson
Euharlee
White
Cherokee County
Woodstock
Canton
Holly Springs
Cobb County
Marietta
Acworth
Kennesaw
Smyrna
Dekalb County
Avondale Est
Decatur
Dunwoody
Stone Mountain
Forsyth County
Cumming
Fulton County
Atlanta
Alpharetta
Johns Creek
Roswell
Milton
Paulding County
Acworth
Dallas
Hiram
Braswell
Pickens County
Jasper
Marble Hill
Tate
Talking Rock
