A frustrated Pokemon Go player curses angrily in a public park because her cell phone just died.
The cops show up and place both people under arrest. Would you be surprised to know that they’re both being charged with the same crime?
Public disorderly conduct, also known as disorderly conduct, is an umbrella term for a charge that covers a wide variety of human behaviors, including public intoxication.
What is disorderly conduct?
Merriam Webster defines the term “disorderly” as “causing a problem . . . by making a lot of noise, behaving violently, etc.”
SC law lays down a few guidelines about what’s considered to be disorderly conduct, but different people interpret those guidelines different ways. One person’s notion of …show more content…
According to statute 16-17-530 of SC law, you’re guilty of disorderly conduct if:
you appear to be “grossly intoxicated” in a public place. you behave in a “boisterous” manner, whether intoxicated or not, in a public place. you use vulgar language in a public place or within earshot of a church or school. you shoot a firearm within 50 yards of a public roadway while under the influence—or while pretending to be under the influence. An exception is made for those who fire a gun on their own premises.
Because lawmakers worded the statute so broadly, it’s important to understand how the specific terms are defined. In particular, the terms “public space” and “gross intoxication” can be confusing.
What is a public place?
Churches, schools, parks, roads and stores are public places. This list doesn't cover every possibility, however. If you’re facing a disorderly conduct charge, the space where your incident occurred may or may not be considered public.
Notably, the police can nab you for disorderly conduct in a place that’s considered public even if no one else is