What is Disorderly Conduct in Michigan?

Disorderly conduct (also referred to as "disturbing the peace") is a misdemeanor offense in Michigan under MCL 750.167. It’s a broad category that encompasses a variety of behaviors that disrupt public peace, safety, or morals. Common examples include:

• Fighting in a public place or openly threatening another person.
• Being intoxicated in public and causing a disruption.
• Using obscene or abusive language in a public setting that incites violence.

This means that if you’re at The Big House in Ann Arbor or tailgating outside Ford Field and get into an altercation—or simply act out loudly under the influence—you could find yourself cuffed and charged with disorderly conduct.

Why Do Football Games Increase the Risk of Arrest?

Michigan football games, whether it's college or pro, attract crowds in the tens of thousands. Alcohol is often a major factor at tailgates, and rivalries can lead to heated exchanges, especially if emotions are already running high over a bad call or a frustrating loss. Police in stadiums and parking lots are trained to spot potential disruptions before they escalate.

Unfortunately, what starts as a verbal altercation can quickly become a physical fight. If security or law enforcement sees pushing, yelling, or other signs of aggression, they often arrest first and ask questions later.

Even if you didn’t throw the first punch, if you're involved in a fight or act in a way that others feel is threatening or disruptive, you can be arrested. Keep in mind, just being in the wrong place at the wrong time—or trying to stand up for a friend—can land you in jail under Michigan’s broad definitions.

Common Charges from Football Game Incidents

If you are arrested at a Michigan football game-related event, several charges could apply depending on your behavior and the severity of the incident. Here are the ones we see most often:

1. Disorderly Conduct (MCL 750.167)

As mentioned, this is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine. If alcohol is involved, mandatory alcohol education or treatment may also be ordered.

2. Assault and Battery (MCL 750.81)

This applies if you are accused of intentionally touching another person in a harmful or offensive manner—even if you didn’t cause injury. It's also a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail and a $500 fine.

3. Aggravated Assault (MCL 750.81a)

This applies when serious or aggravated injury is alleged, such as broken bones or injuries requiring medical care. This version can result in up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

4. Obstructing or Resisting Police (MCL 750.81d)

If the police believe you struggled during arrest or didn’t immediately comply with orders, you could face this increasingly common felony charge. Even pulling your hands away during cuffing can lead to accusations of resisting arrest. Penalties include up to 2 years in prison unless serious injury is involved—then it jumps dramatically.

What Happens After You’re Arrested?

1. Arrest and Booking

If you’re arrested at the stadium, you'll likely be transported to the local jail—often in Ann Arbor, Detroit, East Lansing, or another city depending on the game location. You will be fingerprinted, photographed, and processed.

2. Arraignment

Your first court appearance is your arraignment. Here, the judge will formally read your charges, discuss your rights, and set bond. The judge might order you to stay away from alcohol, avoid returning to the stadium, or limit contact with others involved. If you’ve never been through the system before, this can be overwhelming—especially if you’re just a college student or visiting fan.

3. Pre-Trial and Plea Negotiations

Your attorney may work with the prosecutor to resolve your case without a trial. For first-time offenders, we’ve seen great success getting charges reduced—or dismissed altogether—especially where no one was injured. Pretrial proceedings also allow us to review police reports, stadium surveillance footage, witness statements, and more.

4. Trial and Possible Penalties

If a plea isn’t possible and you maintain your innocence, your case may proceed to trial before a judge or jury. A guilty verdict could result in jail time, probation, community service, fines, mandatory anger management, and more, depending on the charge.

Defenses to Disorderly Conduct and Assault Charges

Just because you were arrested doesn’t mean you are guilty. In fact, we’ve successfully defended dozens of clients in similar situations all over Michigan. Some of the most common defenses include:

• Self-defense: If someone else was threatening or hitting you and you reacted reasonably, Michigan law allows you to defend yourself.
• Lack of intent: If the contact was accidental, or words were misinterpreted—particularly in loud, crowded environments—that can be a valid defense.
• No eyewitness or video evidence: Without clear proof beyond a reasonable doubt, you cannot be convicted. We scrutinize reports for inconsistencies and ensure proper procedures were followed.
• Violation of Rights: If you were unlawfully arrested, denied access to legal counsel, or your rights were violated during the arrest process, we file motions to suppress that evidence.

Impact on Your Criminal Record

A disorderly conduct or assault charge can stick with you for a long time. Even if it’s “just a misdemeanor,” employers, graduate schools, and professional licensing boards may treat it more seriously than you think. Your future job prospects, housing opportunities, and even international travel can be affected.

Thankfully, Michigan law allows for expungement of many misdemeanor charges—but usually not right away. Your best chance is avoiding a conviction altogether, or getting the charge reduced to a non-criminal civil infraction, which is something we’ve accomplished for many clients.

College Students: School Disciplinary Action

If you’re a student at the University of Michigan, Michigan State, or another local school, your problems may not end in court. Most universities have their own student conduct codes. Arrests—even without a conviction—can trigger disciplinary hearings that may lead to suspension, expulsion, or the loss of scholarships and housing.

It’s critical to have an attorney who understands both the legal system and how your school operates. We’ve successfully defended students and negotiated outcomes to preserve their standing and future.

Why You Need an Experienced Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer

Football season fights and game-day arrests might seem like minor issues at the time, but in Michigan's eyes, they are criminal offenses. You need someone who understands the courts, the judges, and the local prosecutors. Someone who can fight to protect your record, your rights, and your future.

If you or a loved one has been arrested at a football game—whether it’s in Ann Arbor, East Lansing, or Detroit—the clock is ticking. Contact us as soon as possible so we can start building your defense.

You can reach criminal defense attorney Aaron J. Boria at (734) 453-7806 for a free consultation. Don’t wait—your future is too important.

Learn more about how we protect your rights as a top Michigan criminal defense attorney.

Conclusion

Michigan football season should be about pride, joy, and community—not spending the night in jail. But if things went sideways during the game and you’re now facing disorderly conduct or assault charges, you aren’t alone. There are ways to fight these charges, protect your record, and move forward without the stigma of a criminal conviction.

Attorney Aaron J. Boria has successfully defended clients charged at Detroit Lions games, college matchups, and tailgates gone wrong all across Michigan. We know what you’re up against, and we know how to win.

Call (734) 453-7806 today for a free consultation and take the first step toward getting your life back on track.