A lot is going on in today’s world, and much of it keeps Alabama residents on their toes. Everyone seems to be on high alert, which could lead some people to end up facing charges for disorderly conduct or resisting arrest. Even if the charges are considered misdemeanors, those accused may want to take them seriously to avoid repercussions that could last well beyond the end of the criminal proceedings.
When tensions are high, a simple disagreement can quickly devolve into the obstruction of traffic, a public fight, obscene or abusive language, or noise loud enough to be considered unreasonable. Any of these activities could fall under Alabama’s disorderly conduct law. A conviction could result in jail time, hefty fines and a criminal record that could stay with you forever.
Another charge that sometimes ends up accompanying disorderly conduct is resisting arrest. You do not necessarily have to run from the police to face this charge. If you attempt to hide from police or react violently to an attempt to place you under arrest, you could be accused of resisting arrest. It is not too hard to imagine that either of these charges could result from other possible criminal offenses. These may include public intoxication or assault, which is why it is vital to address all of the circumstances surrounding an arrest to determine the best course of action.
Depending on the situation, the arrest may be unlawful or other factors could exist that make the charges defensible. The only way to know for sure is to thoroughly review and investigate the events and ensure that police did not violate your rights at any point. If you face charges of disorderly conduct or resisting arrest, you may want to exercise your right to an attorney as soon as possible.