Brookfield Disorderly Conduct Defense Attorneys

Lawyers in Waukesha County for Those Charged with Causing a Disturbance

Have you been charged with disorderly conduct in southeastern Wisconsin? Are you trying to figure out exactly what happened and how you could possibly be facing criminal charges? At the Waukesha law firm of Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP, we realize that being charged with a crime can be scary and confusing, especially when the offense is as vague as disorderly conduct. In fact, because it is effectively a "catch-all" crime, disorderly conduct is among the most common criminal charges in the entire state.

The experienced criminal defense attorneys at our firm have more than 40 years of combined experience, and we understand what you are going through when you are facing disorderly conduct charges. We will work hard to ensure that your rights, your best interests, and your future are protected, no matter what you are accused of doing.

Understanding Disorderly Conduct Charges in Wisconsin

The offense of disorderly conduct is defined broadly in Wisconsin law, and police officers are given wide discretion to make arrests based on their perceptions of a given situation. When perceptions and assumptions are incorrect, however, you could be charged with a crime you did not commit.

According to Wisconsin State Statute 947.01, a person commits the crime of disorderly conduct when he or she "engages in violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud, or otherwise disorderly conduct" that causes or provokes a disturbance. The wording of the law leaves a great deal open to subjective interpretation by the responding officer and others on the scene. If the officer believes that disorderly conduct is occurring, he or she has the authority to issue a citation or make an arrest in any public or private location, including your home. Disorderly conduct is a Class B misdemeanor, and a conviction is punishable by jail time of up to 90 days and fines of up to $1,000.

It is important to note that the law regarding disorderly conduct does not require you to have intent to cause a disturbance. This means you could face charges despite having no bad intentions whatsoever. The offense can also be enhanced if it is deemed to be a domestic matter, which could increase the court costs for a conviction or affect your rights to possess a firearm. Disorderly conduct can also be charged for behavior that takes place over the telephone, internet, or social media.

Milwaukee County Counsel Protecting Your Future

Attorneys Peter Wolff and Ronald Sonderhouse are skilled defense lawyers with a long history of success in a variety of criminal matters, including cases involving disorderly conduct charges. We understand that the vague wording of the law can create challenges for those who have been charged, but it can also make securing a conviction difficult for district attorneys.

The lawyers at Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP will conduct a comprehensive review of the circumstances that led to your charges and all of the evidence being brought against you. We will also examine the reports and behavior of law enforcement officers looking for any inconsistencies or improprieties that could be used to build your defense. Depending on the situation, we will work with prosecutors to help you avoid a conviction through deferred prosecution or other diversion programs. However, our attorneys are experienced trial lawyers who are ready and willing to take your case into the courtroom when necessary.

Call 262-232-6699 Today

If you or someone you love has been charged with disorderly conduct, contact our office to get the help you need. Call 262-232-6699 for a free consultation with a member of our team today. Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP serves clients in Waukesha, Muskego, New Berlin, Brookfield, Pewaukee, Oconomowoc, Menomonee Falls, Delafield, Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Waukesha County, and the surrounding areas.