Disorderly Conduct
17-A M.R.S. § 501-A — unreasonable noise, fighting words, or a fight in public, a Class E crime
- In a public place, intentionally or recklessly annoying others by loud and unreasonable noise, noxious odors, or fighting without license.
- Anywhere, knowingly accosting, insulting or taunting a person with words or gestures that would in fact tend to cause a violent response from an ordinary person.
- In a private place, loud and unreasonable noise heard by others, after an officer has ordered it stopped.
- Near a funeral, burial or memorial service, accosting or taunting mourners the same way.
Who handles this in Maine: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Maine directory.
Disorderly conduct is a Class E crime. Disorderly conduct together with 5 or more others, meaning to commit or help a crime of injury or property damage, or with a weapon used or intended, is riot, a Class D crime.
Sources for this section (2)
- 17-A M.R.S. § 501-A — Disorderly conduct
- 17-A M.R.S. § 503 — Riot
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maine attorney.