What is Disorderly Conduct in Michigan?

Disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor in Michigan and includes a wide range of behaviors that law enforcement can interpret as public disturbance. It’s a catch-all charge that police often use in situations where someone is being loud, confrontational, belligerent, or engaging in disruptive or offensive behavior in a public setting. The law is intentionally broad, which is why it’s so important to understand what you can and can't do at an event like the Henry Ford Health 200.

Under MCL 750.167, a person is considered a disorderly person if they:

• Are intoxicated in a public place and are endangering themselves or others
• Engage in brawling or fighting
• Use obscene or abusive language in public which incites a breach of peace
• Loiter in public areas in a way that causes safety concerns
• Refuse to disperse when directed by police

Any of these actions can result in criminal charges, and if convicted, you could face up to 93 days in jail, plus fines and court costs. Don't let one bad decision ruin your weekend—or worse, your record.

Why Race Day is a High-Risk Environment for Disorderly Conduct

Large crowds, alcohol consumption, intense fan rivalries, and the general excitement around race events create an environment where tempers can flare and judgment can lapse. The Michigan International Speedway can hold over 70,000 people, and when that many people gather in one place—many of them drinking—the chances of things going sideways increase significantly.

Police are on high alert during large-scale events, and crowd control is a top priority. Officers are watching for early signs of confrontation or risky behavior, and they’re trained to act fast before isolated incidents escalate into larger problems. This means that even borderline behavior could lead to you being questioned, removed, or arrested.

Common Behaviors That Lead to Charges

Here are a few examples of conduct that could easily send you from the grandstands to the holding cell:

• Public Intoxication: It’s legal to drink at the Speedway, but if you're stumbling, slurring, or getting into heated debates, things can turn ugly fast. You don't have to be falling-down drunk to be considered a public safety risk.
• Arguments That Escalate: Disagreements with strangers at a sporting event are common—but if it turns into shoving, yelling, or name-calling, you could be seen as inciting a disturbance.
• Refusing to Comply: If a security officer asks you to tone it down or move along, take it seriously. Refusing to follow directions can lead to obstruction, another potential charge in addition to disorderly conduct.
• Urinating in Public: Long restroom lines are no excuse. Public urination is not only gross—it’s also a classic way to end up with a criminal charge.
• Exposing Others to Offensive Conduct: Flashing, streaking, or any indecent exposure can lead to serious consequences. What might feel like a funny prank could become a life-changing mistake.

Know Your Limits: Alcohol and Race Day

Beer and racing have gone hand in hand for decades. But with alcohol comes an increased chance of poor decision-making. The truth is, most disorderly conduct charges at sporting events involve alcohol in some way.

If you plan to drink, keep these key tips in mind:

• Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soda
• Eat before and during drinking to slow absorption
• Set a drinking cutoff BEFORE the end of the race
• Appoint a sober friend to keep tabs on you

Being drunk isn’t illegal—but being drunk and becoming a nuisance is. Keep your wits about you and know when it's time to slow down or stop entirely.

Legal Consequences of Disorderly Conduct

If you're arrested for disorderly conduct at the Michigan Speedway, here’s what you could be facing:

• Misdemeanor Charge: Disorderly conduct is a 93-day misdemeanor, meaning you could face almost 3 months behind bars.
• Fines and Costs: You may be required to pay fines, court costs, and possibly restitution if any damage was caused.
• Probation: Conditions often include community service, substance abuse treatment, or anger management.
• Permanent Record: Being convicted can affect job opportunities, volunteer applications, and housing qualifications.

What's worse, a conviction on your record—especially one involving alcohol or aggression—could have lasting consequences beyond what you face in court.

Defending a Disorderly Conduct Charge in Michigan

If you’ve already been arrested, all hope is not lost. There are multiple defenses your attorney can explore:

• Lack of Intent: If you didn’t intend to cause a disturbance or didn’t understand your actions were disruptive, this may be a relevant defense.
• Self-Defense: If your behavior was the result of defending yourself physically or verbally from an aggressor, you may have a valid justification.
• Free Speech: Not every loud opinion amounts to criminal conduct—especially protected speech under the First Amendment.
• Overreaction by Police: Police sometimes go too far when trying to keep order at large events. If your actions didn’t actually disturb the peace, the charge might not stick.

The right legal representation can mean the difference between a reduced charge, a dismissal, or time behind bars. If you've been charged, call experienced criminal defense attorney Aaron J. Boria at (734) 453-7806. We’ve handled hundreds of cases across Michigan, and we know how to get results—fast and discreetly.

Preventive Tips for Staying Safe and Charge-Free at the Speedway

Here’s a race day checklist to keep you safe, sound, and far from a jail cell:

• Drink responsibly and know your limits
• Stick with trusted friends who can help rein you in
• Keep arguments friendly and refrain from escalating
• Follow all venue rules and security instructions
• Use restrooms and behave appropriately in public areas
• Don’t confront police or security under any circumstances

Planning ahead is the easiest way to avoid issues. Let the Henry Ford Health 200 be a memory for the right reasons—not a court date on your calendar.

What to Do If You Are Arrested

If the worst happens and you are arrested during the race, remember these crucial steps:

• Do Not Resist: Stay calm. Resisting even a wrongful arrest can lead to additional charges.
• Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent: You’re under no obligation to explain your side of the story to police right away. Let your attorney do the talking.
• Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer Immediately: Don’t try to handle it alone. Get professional help from a skilled attorney familiar with how these cases play out in Michigan courts.

Call (734) 453-7806 to speak with criminal defense attorney Aaron J. Boria. We offer free consultations and have extensive experience defending those charged at large venues like Michigan Speedway.

If you're looking for an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney, we're here to help.

Conclusion

Attending the Henry Ford Health 200 is meant to be fun, thrilling, and unforgettable—in all the right ways. But any brush with the law can turn that excitement into a nightmare that follows you long after the engines stop roaring. By understanding how Michigan law views disorderly conduct, knowing the signs that can lead to arrest, and making smart decisions on race day, you can stay in the stands and out of the courtroom.

And if you've already found yourself facing legal trouble? Don’t panic. Attorney Aaron J. Boria has years of experience successfully defending clients against disorderly conduct and other misdemeanor charges in Michigan. Call (734) 453-7806 and let us get you back on track.

Don’t let an error in judgment cost you your record, your job, or your freedom. Protect yourself—with knowledge, preparation, and trusted legal counsel.