San Diego Disorderly Conduct Defense Lawyer
Protecting Your Rights and Reputation Against Unfair or Overblown Charges
Disorderly conduct might sound like a minor infraction, but make no mistake—being charged with this offense in California means facing a criminal misdemeanor that can carry fines, jail time, and a damaging mark on your record. Whether you’re accused of public intoxication, loitering, or lewd conduct, these charges can disrupt your life, hurt your reputation, and even jeopardize your employment or immigration status.
At Anthony Z. Vargas, Esq., Attorney at Law, we take disorderly conduct charges seriously. San Diego disorderly conduct defense lawyer Anthony Vargas is a former public defender who fights for people arrested throughout San Diego County. He brings calm and clarity to what may feel like a chaotic or humiliating situation, offering skilled legal guidance and unwavering support every step of the way.
What Is Disorderly Conduct in California?
California Penal Code §647 outlines a range of behaviors that fall under the umbrella of “disorderly conduct.” While each subsection targets a different type of conduct, the common theme is that the behavior is seen as disruptive to public peace or moral order.
Here are the most frequently charged forms of disorderly conduct:
Public Intoxication (§647(f))
This charge applies when someone is found under the influence of alcohol or drugs in a public place and is either unable to care for their safety or interfering with the safety or rights of others. Simply being drunk in public is not enough—there must be a demonstrated threat or disruption.
Lewd Conduct in Public (§647(a))
This offense involves engaging in or soliciting lewd or sexually explicit acts in a public place, or in a place open to public view, such as a restroom, park, or vehicle. These charges often arise from sting operations or reports by bystanders.
Loitering to Solicit Prostitution (§653.22)
California’s former anti-loitering law targeting those suspected of prostitution was repealed in 2022, but prosecutors can still charge individuals under related provisions if there is clear evidence of solicitation.
Invasion of Privacy (§647(j))
This includes using hidden cameras to record or photograph someone in a state of undress or engaging in a private act without their knowledge or consent. Charges may apply even if no images were shared or if the device was never used.
Loitering Around Schools or Public Toilets (§647(h), (i))
These provisions apply to people found loitering without a lawful purpose in or around schools or restrooms, often based on suspicion of intent to commit a lewd or unlawful act.
Each of these charges carries its own set of facts, challenges, and defenses. Anthony takes the time to fully investigate the details of your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s version of events, and work toward the best possible resolution.
How These Charges Happen
Disorderly conduct charges are often the result of misunderstandings, assumptions, or exaggerated claims. In many cases, police arrest someone not for what they were doing, but for how it looked or how someone else felt about it. A heated argument, loud behavior, or even the appearance of being impaired can quickly escalate into criminal charges if police decide to intervene.
These types of arrests are especially common in:
- Nightlife areas and bar districts
- College campuses or student housing
- Protests or large gatherings
- Parks, beaches, and public restrooms
- Transportation hubs or street corners
Unfortunately, the vague nature of disorderly conduct laws means they’re sometimes used to make an arrest when no specific crime was committed. This makes it all the more important to have an experienced defense lawyer review the situation and fight back against unfair charges.
Penalties and Consequences of Disorderly Conduct Convictions
Disorderly conduct is usually charged as a misdemeanor in California. If convicted, you may face:
- Up to six months in county jail
- A fine of up to $1,000
- Probation with conditions like counseling, community service, or alcohol treatment
- Mandatory registration in some cases, such as those involving lewd conduct
But the real damage can go far beyond fines or jail time. A conviction becomes part of your permanent criminal record, visible on background checks that can affect employment, housing, or professional licensing. For non-citizens, certain charges could have immigration consequences.
Anthony understands what’s at stake and works to keep your record clean, reduce the charge, or resolve the matter through diversion programs when available. His goal is always to minimize harm and keep you moving forward.
Your Defense Starts With Silence
If you’re arrested for disorderly conduct, remember this: do not try to explain yourself or talk your way out of it. Anything you say can and will be used against you—even if your intentions were harmless.
Instead, politely invoke your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer. The sooner an attorney like Anthony gets involved, the better your chances of challenging the charges, limiting the consequences, or getting the case dropped entirely.
Defending Against Disorderly Conduct Charges in San Diego
Every case is unique, but one or more of several common defenses may be available to fight disorderly conduct charges:
- Lack of intent – Many forms of disorderly conduct require that you acted willfully or knowingly. If your actions were accidental or misinterpreted, the charges might not hold.
- False allegations – Charges sometimes stem from angry neighbors, exes, or biased observers who distort what really happened.
- Unlawful search or seizure – If police overstepped their authority in stopping or searching you, any evidence they found may be inadmissible.
- Protected speech or conduct – In some cases, behavior that authorities label “disorderly” may be protected by the First Amendment or other constitutional rights.
Anthony carefully examines the facts, challenges weak evidence, and holds law enforcement accountable to proper procedures. He doesn’t just look for a plea deal—he looks for a way out.
Get the Help You Need from a Trusted San Diego Disorderly Conduct Lawyer
Disorderly conduct charges may seem minor, but they can snowball into serious problems if not handled properly. Whether you were in the wrong place at the wrong time, acting out of character, or wrongly accused altogether, you deserve a defense that treats your case—and your future—with the seriousness it deserves.
Anthony Z. Vargas, Esq., Attorney at Law, is here to help. As a former public defender with deep courtroom experience throughout San Diego County, Anthony knows what it takes to get charges dropped, reduced, or dismissed. He brings calm to the chaos and confidence to the courtroom, helping you move forward with peace of mind.
Call today to consult with Anthony and take the first step toward resolving your case and restoring your reputation.