What is Disorderly Conduct in Michigan?

In Michigan, disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor offense that covers a wide range of unruly or disruptive behaviors. The statute, located under MCL 750.167, outlines several types of conduct that can result in criminal charges.

These include but are not limited to:

• Being intoxicated in public to the point where you're endangering yourself or others.
• Fighting in public places.
• Using obscene language or gestures in public settings.
• Blocking streets or sidewalks and refusing to move when asked by law enforcement.
• Loitering in places where illegal activities are happening.

Because of its broad definition, disorderly conduct is often a default charge when someone’s behavior doesn’t quite hit the mark for assault or public intoxication, but still irritates fellow festival-goers or local law enforcement.

Why Do People Get Charged at Fall Festivals?

Michigan fall festivals, especially the large ones held in cities like Ann Arbor, Plymouth, Frankenmuth, and Kalamazoo, attract thousands of people. Alcohol is often served at these events, and when you mix big crowds with booze and excitement, things can unravel quickly.

Common scenarios that lead to people getting charged with disorderly conduct at festivals include:

• Drunken Arguments: Friends fighting over who’s going to drive home, couples having loud disagreements—officers witnessing these scenes may interpret them as potential safety hazards.
• Public Intoxication: If someone is visibly stumbling around, slurring, or passing out in a public space, they could be taken into custody.
• Refusing to Leave: If you’re asked to leave a tent or venue by security or police and don’t comply, that refusal can quickly turn into a legal problem.
• Loud or Obnoxious Behavior: Singing too loudly, yelling, or using offensive language can all be cited as disorderly, especially late in the evening when families and children are still around.

A big part of what makes disorderly conduct so tricky is that the statute relies heavily on the discretion of the officer. What one officer sees as harmless fun, another might view as a public safety risk.

What Are the Legal Consequences of Disorderly Conduct in Michigan?

Even though disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor, that doesn’t mean it's not serious. The penalties for a conviction can include:

• Up to 90 days in jail
• Fines up to $500
• Probation
• Community service
• A permanent criminal record

Having a misdemeanor on your record can affect your employment opportunities, housing applications, and even your ability to volunteer at your child’s school. In some cases, additional charges—like resisting arrest or minor in possession—can accompany a disorderly conduct charge, adding complexity to the case.

Common Defenses for Disorderly Conduct Charges

If you’re facing a disorderly conduct charge, the first thing to remember is that you are innocent until proven guilty. The burden is on the prosecution to prove you met all elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. There are several defenses that could apply depending on your case:

• Lack of Intent: Many cases fail because prosecutors can’t establish willful intent to cause a disturbance or to engage in disruptive behavior.
• Freedom of Speech: If you were arrested for yelling or making statements that were not threatening or dangerous, your First Amendment rights may provide a strong defense.
• No Actual Disruption: A bang on the table or shouting over loud music may not be enough to meet the legal definition of disorderly conduct, especially at a rowdy festival environment.
• Mistaken Identity: With crowds of people, cops sometimes arrest the wrong person. If there’s video footage or eyewitnesses available, your attorney can use this to support your defense.

It’s crucial to talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after being charged. A good lawyer may be able to get your charges reduced or dismissed entirely, depending on the circumstances.

What to Expect in Court

If you've been ticketed or arrested for disorderly conduct at a Michigan fall festival, your case will typically be heard in the district court that covers the city or township where the incident occurred. For example, if you were charged during Plymouth Fall Festival, your case would likely be heard at the 35th District Court in Plymouth.

Here’s what the court process generally looks like:

• Arraignment: You are formally charged and informed of your rights. This is where you enter your plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest).
• Pretrial Conference: Your attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor, file motions, and review the evidence against you.
• Motions Hearings: If there were procedural errors or violations of your rights during arrest, your attorney might challenge the admissibility of evidence.
• Trial: If no resolution is reached, your case goes to trial before a judge or jury.

Keep in mind that just because you were arrested or cited doesn’t mean the prosecutor has a strong case. That’s why we always recommend speaking with a lawyer who can properly assess your situation and give you an honest outlook on your case.

Disorderly Conduct and College Students

Michigan is home to several large universities—University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Western Michigan, and more. Fall festivals near college campuses often attract students, and unfortunately, that means many disorderly conduct charges happen to young people with limited criminal history.

Besides criminal consequences, college students also face:

• Discipline by school conduct boards
• Loss of scholarships or student housing
• Problems with future employment or graduate school applications

The good news is that courts often offer diversion programs or allow plea deals that can keep a criminal charge off a student’s record—if they’re handled the right way. An experienced attorney can help advocate for a reduced outcome and structure a plan to protect a young person’s future.

Getting Help After a Disorderly Conduct Charge

If you’ve been charged with disorderly conduct while enjoying a fall festival in Michigan, don’t brush it off. The criminal justice system can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to handle it alone. With the right legal guidance, you can often avoid a conviction, negotiate a reduction, or even have the charge dropped altogether.

Call Michigan criminal defense lawyer Aaron J. Boria at (734) 453-7806. We’ve helped countless clients through these cases—whether it was a misunderstanding at a festival, a college student caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, or just someone who had too much to drink and made a mistake.

Our office brings the experience, knowledge of local courts, and aggressive defense strategies that you need to move on with your life. From the first court appearance to the final outcome, we’ll stand by your side every step of the way.

To learn more about your rights and options, visit our criminal defense homepage for helpful resources, past case results, and more information about how we can help.

Conclusion

Disorderly conduct charges during Michigan fall festivals might seem like no big deal—but the reality is a little more complicated. These charges can snowball into fines, jail time, a damaged reputation, and a permanent mark on your criminal record.

Whether it's you, a friend, or your college-aged child that was charged, the key is acting quickly. Understand the law, protect your rights, and get experienced help to guide the way forward. Fall festivals should be a time of joy and celebration—not regret and legal trouble. And with the right approach, you can enjoy the cider and the carnival rides without fear of lasting consequences.

Need help now? Call (734) 453-7806 to speak directly with attorney Aaron J. Boria today.