Disorderly Conduct Lawyer in Chicago

Disorderly conduct may sound like a minor offense, but the consequences can be anything but small. A conviction can lead to jail time, heavy fines, a permanent criminal record, and long-lasting complications with employment, housing, and personal opportunities. If you’ve been arrested for disorderly conduct in Chicago, it’s important that you speak with a knowledgeable defense attorney as early as possible.

At Kovacevic Law, you work with an attorney who genuinely cares about your life, listens to your side of the story, and fights aggressively to protect you. You also receive a free consultation so you can understand your options before making any decisions.

What Is Disorderly Conduct in Chicago?

Under 720 ILCS 5/26-1, “disorderly conduct” is a broad offense that covers many types of disruptive, offensive, or harmful behavior not addressed by other criminal statutes. You can be charged with disorderly conduct in Chicago for actions including:

• Disturbing the peace
• Threatening violence at a school
• Invading someone’s privacy
• Making false reports
• Harassing or intimidating someone as a debt collector

Because this law is so broad, many people are charged based on misunderstandings, exaggerated allegations, or conduct that may be protected by free-speech rights. A strong defense can make a significant difference.

Disturbing the Peace

“Disturbing the peace” is one of the most common forms of disorderly conduct. These charges typically involve behavior that disrupts public order or offends community standards. Examples include:

• Fighting or brawling in public
• Loud verbal altercations
• Shouting abusive or threatening language
• Bullying or provoking violence
• Unlawful gatherings
• Public intoxication
• Playing excessively loud music at night
• Allowing a dog to bark continuously

These situations often occur during moments of stress, intoxication, or miscommunication — and they can be defended.

False Reports

Filing or communicating a false report to emergency services is taken extremely seriously because it diverts first responders and endangers the public.

You may face disorderly conduct charges if accused of falsely reporting:

• Bomb threats
• Fire alarms
• Suspected criminal activity
• Child or elder abuse
• Public safety hazards
  Emergency or 911 calls without a valid reason

False reports can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies depending on the type of report and resulting harm.

School-Related Threats

Illinois imposes strict penalties for false reports involving schools. You can be charged with disorderly conduct for falsely claiming:

• A bomb threat
• A weapon on campus
• Planned violence against students or staff

These accusations can occur during pranks, arguments, or misunderstandings but the legal consequences are severe.

Invasion of Privacy

Peering into someone’s home through a window or opening without consent — commonly referred to as being a “Peeping Tom” — can result in disorderly conduct charges when done for an unlawful or lewd purpose.

Debt Collector Harassment

In Chicago, debt collectors may face disorderly conduct charges for:

• Calling a debtor
• Acting as a collection agent
• Attempting to collect a debt
• Using harassment, intimidation, or repeated unwanted contact

This offense may result in business penalties against the agency.

Penalties for Disorderly Conduct in Illinois

Penalties vary depending on the type of behavior involved:

Disturbing the Peace – Class C Misdemeanor

• Up to 30 days in jail
• Up to 2 years probation
• Fines up to $1,500

False Report Penalties

• False safety report: Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail)
• False abuse/neglect report: Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months in jail)
• False crime report: Class 4 felony (up to 3 years in prison + $25,000 fine)
• False bomb threat: Class 3 felony (up to 5 years + $10,000 fine)
• Unlawful 911 calls: Class 4 felony

School Threats – Class 4 Felony

• Up to 3 years in state prison
• Fines up to $25,000

Invasion of Privacy – Class A Misdemeanor

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Up to 2 years probation
• Fines up to $1,500

Debt Collector Harassment

• Business offense with corporate fines

Even a misdemeanor disorderly conduct conviction can follow you for years, which is why working with an experienced defense attorney is so important.