Actions commonly known as “disturbing the peace” often fall within state disorderly conduct statutes, just as they do in the state of Illinois. While the Illinois disorderly conduct statute defines a number of very specific actions that constitute disorderly conduct, the general definition of disorderly conduct requires that a person knowingly act in such an unreasonable manner as to alarm or disturb another and to provoke a breach of the peace. Other actions that qualify as disorderly conduct including making false 911, fire, or police reports, acting as a “peeping tom” on another’s property, and harassing another in an attempt to collect a debt.
Criminal Penalties for a Disturbing the Peace Conviction
The classification of the disturbing the peace charge depends on the type of conduct that led to the conviction, as specified in the disorderly conduct statute. Depending on the conduct, then, a disturbing the peace charge could range from a Class A, B, or C misdemeanor, to a Class 3 or Class 4 felony. In the case of a Class 4 felony conviction, you will be assessed a fine between $3,000 and $10,000, in addition to other available penalties. Subsequent disturbing the peace convictions can also elevate a charge from a misdemeanor to a felony in some cases.
Additionally, a court must order a person convicted under the Illinois disorderly conduct statute to perform 30 – 120 hours of community service, if available and approved in the county of conviction, unless the person is receiving a jail sentence as a result of his or her conviction.
Contact an Attorney for Advice
If you are charged with disturbing the peace and/or disorderly conduct in the state of Illinois, you should be sure to contact a criminal defense attorney for assistance in handling the potentially severe penalties that might accompany such a conviction.
