Disorderly Conduct and Public Intoxication
Ala. Code § 13A-11-7 — fighting, unreasonable noise or blocking traffic, and carrying a holstered pistol is not enough
- Fighting, or violent, tumultuous or threatening behavior.
- Unreasonable noise.
- Abusive or obscene language or an obscene gesture in a public place.
- Disturbing a lawful assembly or meeting without lawful authority.
- Obstructing vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
- Gathering with others in a public place and refusing a lawful police order to disperse.
Who handles this in Alabama: Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Alabama directory.
Each of these is disorderly conduct when done intending public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly risking it. It is a Class C misdemeanor.
A holstered pistol. Merely carrying a pistol, holstered or otherwise secured, in a public place without brandishing it is not disorderly conduct by itself. Brandishing means waving, displaying or holding it in a way that is or would look threatening to a reasonable person.
Public intoxication is appearing in a public place under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the point of endangering oneself, others or property, or annoying people nearby with boisterous and offensive conduct. It is a violation.
Sources for this section (2)
- Ala. Code § 13A-11-7 — Disorderly Conduct
- Ala. Code § 13A-11-10 — Public Intoxication
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Alabama attorney.