Disorderly conduct is one of the broadest, most catch-all charges in the Texas Penal Code — covering everything from fighting words to public exposure to firing a gun in public — and it’s often what officers reach for when they want to make an arrest but don’t have anything more specific. A Houston disorderly conduct lawyer can help you see exactly which provision you’re accused of violating.
What Falls Under This Charge
- Offensive language or fighting words: Language in a public place likely to incite an immediate breach of the peace.
- Abusive or threatening gestures: Making an offensive gesture or display in a public place.
- Excessive noise, public exposure, and similar conduct: A wide range of catch-all public-order provisions.
- Firearm-related conduct: Discharging or displaying a firearm in a public place in a manner calculated to alarm.
How Texas Punishes It
- Class C misdemeanor: A fine-only offense for most subsections — no jail time.
- Class B misdemeanor: Applies to the firearm-related subsections, carrying up to 180 days in jail.
Why It’s Still Worth Fighting
Even a fine-only charge creates a criminal record, and these charges are frequently added on top of other, more serious allegations during an arrest. Whether the conduct actually occurred in a “public place,” and whether it met the specific statutory language, is often disputable.
Charged With Disorderly Conduct? Contact Blass Law Now
Contact Blass Law for a confidential case evaluation or call (713)-664-4000 — even a minor charge deserves a real defense.