Disorderly Conduct
Penal Law § 240.20 — conduct meant to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, a violation
A person commits disorderly conduct by any of these, intending to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk of it:
- Fighting, or violent, tumultuous or threatening behavior.
- Making unreasonable noise.
- In a public place, using abusive or obscene language, or making an obscene gesture.
- 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.
- Creating a hazardous or physically offensive condition by an act that serves no legitimate purpose.
A violation, not a crime. Disorderly conduct is a violation. In the Penal Law a crime is a misdemeanor or a felony, and a violation is neither. A violation carries at most fifteen days in jail and a fine of up to $250.
Sources for this section (4)
- Penal Law § 240.20 — Disorderly conduct
- Penal Law § 10.00 — Definitions of terms of general use in this chapter
- Penal Law § 70.15 — Sentences of imprisonment for misdemeanors and violation
- Penal Law § 80.05 — Fines for misdemeanors and violation
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed New York attorney.