Ohio Disorderly Conduct Offenses and Penalties

At The Law Offices of Brian J. Smith, ltd., we understand that facing criminal charges can be stressful and overwhelming. Our criminal defense team helps clients navigate the legal system and protect their rights. One of the common charges we handle is disorderly conduct.

Understanding Disorderly Conduct Charges in Ohio

Disorderly conduct, as defined in Revised Code 2917.11, is a broad term that encompasses various behaviors considered disruptive or inappropriate in public settings. In Ohio, disorderly conduct can include actions such as:

Levels of Disorderly Conduct and Penalties

In Ohio, disorderly conduct is generally a minor misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $150 and no jail time. It can be elevated to a fourth-degree misdemeanor when an aggravating circumstance is present, such as:

Ohio Disorderly Conduct Levels and Penalties (R.C. 2917.11)
Offense Level Maximum Fine Maximum Jail When It Applies
Minor misdemeanor $150 None The standard level for disorderly conduct, with no aggravating circumstance.
Fourth-degree misdemeanor $250 30 days Applies when an aggravating circumstance is present, such as persisting after a warning, a school or school safety zone, or the presence of an officer or emergency responder on duty.

Fines are set by R.C. 2929.28 and jail limits by R.C. 2929.24. This chart is general information and is not legal advice.

Because the fourth-degree level carries the possibility of jail and a lasting record, whether an aggravating factor genuinely applies, and whether the underlying conduct meets the statute at all, is often central to the defense.

Frequently Asked Questions: Ohio Disorderly Conduct

Is disorderly conduct a misdemeanor or a felony in Ohio?

Disorderly conduct under R.C. 2917.11 is a misdemeanor, never a felony. In most cases it is a minor misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $150 and no jail time. It becomes a fourth-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $250, only when an aggravating circumstance applies.

What makes disorderly conduct a fourth-degree misdemeanor instead of a minor misdemeanor?

The charge rises to a fourth-degree misdemeanor if the offender persists after a reasonable warning to stop, if the offense occurs near a school or in a school safety zone, or if it is committed in the presence of a police officer, firefighter, EMT, or other first responder performing duties at the scene of an emergency, or an emergency-facility worker on duty.

Can a disorderly conduct charge be kept off my record?

Often, yes. A minor misdemeanor does not create a criminal record for most reporting purposes, and a fourth-degree misdemeanor can sometimes be reduced or resolved through a diversion program or negotiation, after which the record may be eligible for sealing. The right approach depends on the facts of your case.

This information is general and is not legal advice. Penalties depend on the specific facts of each case and on current Ohio law. Contact the Law Offices of Brian J. Smith, ltd. for advice about your situation.

How We Defend Disorderly Conduct Charges

If you or a loved one is facing disorderly conduct charges, having experienced counsel involved early can make a real difference. At The Law Offices of Brian J. Smith, ltd., we investigate the details of each case, build a defense strategy suited to the facts, and work toward the best available outcome.

Charged With a Crime? Talk to a Defense Lawyer First.

The prosecution is already building its case. Before you decide anything, get an experienced criminal defense lawyer who will review the evidence, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible result.

★★★★★ Read what our clients say

Free, confidential consultations.

StarStarStarStarStar

"Professional, upfront, knowledgeable, made the whole appeals process way less stressful, made me feel comfortable at the hearing, and won my appeal! Highly recommend using!"
Josh

StarStarStarStarStar

"He got my license back in a month. then got my case dropped within the same month. He is an awesome lawyer. He did his best work on my case. And he put a lot of effort into my case. If you want a lawyer that you can trust and that will put in time and effort definitely pick Brian J. Smith. If I ever run into trouble in the future, I will be back requesting him."
Desiree

StarStarStarStarStar

"I highly recommend the Law Offices of Brian J. Smith, ltd.. The entire team was professional, supportive, and truly amazing throughout my case. They guided me step-by-step through the process and successfully won my appeal. If you're looking for a firm that is both compassionate and effective, I’d definitely recommend them. I couldn't have done it without their help!"
Tabitha

StarStarStarStarStar

"Excellent service, not only did I win my case but the level of customer service was phenomenal!! Anytime i had a question it was answered so that i could understand it.
I was also extremely prepared and ready before we went to court.
It was such a nice process. I would recommend this company to anyone i know!!"  
Jennifer

StarStarStarStarStar

"Great attorney's, very knowledgeable; they took care of everything which made it a smooth process, kept me updated, and answered all my questions. Would recommend"
Luke

StarStarStarStarStar

"I highly recommend Brian. He was very informative and handled/negotiated my case far better than I thought possible. Worth every penny, I would have paid him more, seeing what he did for me. He is a very good attorney, he is very detailed, and makes sure the police go by the book, if not he finds it, exploits it and handles it accordingly. Best attorney I've used. Thank you Mr Smith. Highly recommend him."
Dale

StarStarStarStarStar

"I cannot recommend Brian enough. His intuitive approach to what I thought was a doomsday scenario, proved to be the right call. I will say that is the experience that money cannot buy. I cannot express my gratitude enough."
Patrick

StarStarStarStarStar

"Helped us find the best possible outcome (dismissal of a charge) in a very stressful and important time when my husband was charged with an offense. He was also able to handle everything remotely with only one trip to the area, since this occurred when we were on vacation. He helped make a very horrible time, just a bit more manageable. Very professional, yet relatable and down to earth. Would use his services again, but let's hope we never need to, lol."
Krystie

StarStarStarStarStar

"I was extremely happy working Brian & John on my case.  They were very thorough & easy to talk with.  I would highly recommend them to anyone!"
Debra

StarStarStarStarStar

"Great law firm.  My attorney help me immensely. My job fired me unjustly and they help me get my unemployment back. They help file everything and keep you updated on what going on. Very friendly and helpful. Wish these guys the best in the future!"
Chris

StarStarStarStarStar

"Brian and his colleague John were incredibly helpful and supportive. Not only did they make me feel secure, I felt represented and heard. I won my case with their help and hard work! I highly recommend them for anyone who is having to fight their employer for unemployment. I can not thank them enough!"  
Amanda

StarStarStarStarStar

"Brian Smith is the best! He handled my claim in a most timely manner an professional manner. Could not have done this by myself. Bravo!!!"
Doris

StarStarStarStarStar

"I would absolutely recommend Law Offices of Brian J. Smith, ltd. Brian and John worked with my (juvenile) son and I on a very challenging case. The case even went to the Supreme Court. . . We wouldn’t have WON without their experience and dedication. They were very professional, considerate and understanding especially when things became overwhelming for us. We couldn’t be more thankful for their services."
Sonia

We Have You Covered

The attorneys at The Law Offices of Brian J. Smith, ltd. provide criminal defense representation in courts along the North Coast of Ohio, including all courts in the following counties: Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Ottawa, Portage, Sandusky, and Summit.

Northeast Ohio Criminal Defense Service Area Map Clickable Northeast Ohio criminal defense service-area map. Click a county, municipal court area, or local service area to open the related criminal defense page. Rocky River Criminal Defense Attorneys Lakewood Criminal Defense Attorneys Cleveland Criminal Defense Attorneys East Cleveland Criminal Defense Attorneys Cleveland Heights Criminal Defense Attorneys Euclid Criminal Defense Attorneys Shaker Heights Criminal Defense Attorneys South Euclid Criminal Defense Attorneys Lyndhurst Criminal Defense Attorneys Berea Criminal Defense Attorneys Parma Criminal Defense Attorneys Garfield Heights Criminal Defense Attorneys Bedford Criminal Defense Attorneys Ottawa County / Port Clinton Criminal Defense Attorneys Sandusky County / Fremont, Clyde, Woodville Criminal Defense Attorneys Erie County Criminal Defense Attorneys Huron County / Norwalk Criminal Defense Attorneys Lorain County Criminal Defense Attorneys Cuyahoga County / Cleveland Criminal Defense Attorneys Lake County / Painesville Criminal Defense Attorneys Geauga County / Chardon Criminal Defense Attorneys Portage County / Kent / Ravenna Criminal Defense Attorneys Summit County Criminal Defense Attorneys Ashtabula County Criminal Defense Attorneys Port Clinton Criminal Defense Attorneys Sandusky Criminal Defense Attorneys Huron Criminal Defense Attorneys Vermilion Criminal Defense Attorneys Fremont / Clyde / Woodville / Sandusky County Criminal Defense Attorneys Norwalk Criminal Defense Attorneys Lorain Criminal Defense Attorneys Avon Lake Criminal Defense Attorneys Elyria Criminal Defense Attorneys Oberlin Criminal Defense Attorneys Rocky River Criminal Defense Attorneys Lakewood Criminal Defense Attorneys Cleveland Criminal Defense Attorneys East Cleveland Criminal Defense Attorneys Cleveland Heights Criminal Defense Attorneys Euclid Criminal Defense Attorneys Shaker Heights Criminal Defense Attorneys South Euclid Criminal Defense Attorneys Lyndhurst Criminal Defense Attorneys Berea Criminal Defense Attorneys Parma Criminal Defense Attorneys Garfield Heights Criminal Defense Attorneys Bedford Criminal Defense Attorneys Willoughby Criminal Defense Attorneys Mentor Criminal Defense Attorneys Painesville Criminal Defense Attorneys Chardon / Geauga County Criminal Defense Attorneys Portage County / Kent / Ravenna Criminal Defense Attorneys Stow / Summit County Criminal Defense Attorneys Ashtabula County Criminal Defense Attorneys
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Awards, ratings, and memberships of the Law Offices of Brian J. Smith, ltd., including Avvo, Super Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, the Ohio State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the National and Ohio Associations of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and several county and specialty bar associations.
Please keep in mind that the success of any legal matter depends on the unique circumstances of each case and we cannot guarantee particular results for future clients based on successes we have achieved in past legal matters.