Disorderly conduct is a very common charge written in shore communities on Long Beach Island, mainly because of the large swell in population, particularly during the summer months, and numerous tourist attractions that draw large crowds. Throughout Ocean County and all of New Jersey, disorderly conduct is defined as an act causing a disturbance, inconvenience, annoyance or alarm to the public. Many acts may fall under the umbrella of disorderly conduct.
An act may constitute disorderly conduct in Long Beach Island if one engages in improper behavior, such as fighting or threatening, or acting in violent or tumultuous behavior. Another example of improper behavior includes creating a hazardous or physically dangerous condition by an act which serves no legitimate purpose of the actor. For instance, the act of getting into a fight at a bar on Long Beach Island could warrant a charge of disorderly conduct because you are acting in a violent manner that could create a hazard for fellow bar patrons and citizens on the street.
Disorderly conduct may also include offensive language, such as engaging in unreasonably loud or offensive or abusive language in a public place. “Public” refers to a place which a substantial group has access, such as a neighborhood, highway, school, transport facilities, or place of business or amusement (bars, restaurants, amusement parks, shopping areas, etc.). For example, shouting offensive language on the beach or outside of a restaurant may land you with a disorderly conduct charge.
If you have been charged with disorderly conduct in any of the Long Beach Island municipalities (Barnegat Light, Long Beach Township, Harvey Cedars, Surf City, Ship Bottom, or Beach Haven), call the experienced criminal lawyers of Villani & DeLuca at 732-782-9833 for a free initial consultation.