Disturbing the peace occurs when someone’s words or behavior impacts someone’s right to tranquility and peace. Depending on your state, this may also be known as disorderly conduct, and sometimes the terms are used interchangeably. That said, if you’re here you’re probably wondering – is disturbing the peace a crime? Well, the short answer is yes, but it’s more complicated than that.
Thankfully, we’re here to help. Read on to learn everything you need to know about disturbing the peace and how it’s classified as a crime.
What Is Disturbing the Peace?
Disturbing the peace is a crime that takes place when someone engages in behavior that’s unruly to those around them. This can be yelling, shouting foul language, or even acts of violence.
When someone is disturbing the peace they’re usually issued a ticket and a court citation but sometimes they can be arrested and held in jail.
Fines, penalties, and other legal fees may apply when someone is charged with disturbing the peace.
Examples of Disturbing the Peace
Every state and county may have a different way of defining disturbing the peace. That said, common actions that amount to a disturbing the peace charge tend to include:
● Bullying someone
● Shouting at someone in a public setting
● Banging on doors or walls in hotels and other public spaces
● Allowing your dog to bark too much in residential settings
● Intentionally playing loud music in your home or car at night; there’s usually a curfew for this type of thing
● Holding a public assembly that wasn’t approved by the county
● Holding up traffic as a pedestrian
● Using offensive language
It’s important to note that these are only some examples of disturbing the peace charges. Depending on where you live, how they’re defined may change.
Is Disturbing the Peace a Crime?
Yes, disturbing the peace is a crime. Typically, it’s handled as a violation, which means it usually results in a fine, short jail sentence, or community service. Depending on your state, it may not even show up on your criminal record, but if it’s charged as a misdemeanor there’s a good chance that it will.
At the end of the day, it’s a crime due to the fact that a police officer will come and write you a citation or detain you.
Does a Citation Show Up on a Background Check?
Yes, citations show up on background checks, but only if they’re charged as misdemeanors. This is because violations don’t usually show up on background checks unless it’s an FBI background check for something more serious. In other words, if it was only charged as a violation you don’t have too much to worry about. Still, some details may be public, so it’s not a bad idea to see what shows up when you check your records.
How to Find Disturbing the Peace on Someone’s Record
Whether you need to apply for a job and want to check your records first, or you want to see if a potential spouse has a history of disturbing the peace, we have you covered. The best way to do so is to use an online criminal records or public records search tool. With these tools, you don’t have to worry about getting off your couch or checking multiple state and local databases.
The best tool for finding records associated with disturbing the peace is Information.com’s criminal records check tool. What makes this tool special is the fact that it’s connected to millions of public databases across the United States. Furthermore, all the information the tool gathers is compiled into a simple and comprehensive full report that you can read through. To start your search, all you need is someone’s first and last name, city, and state. However, phone number search tools and address search tools are also available.
Find the Disturbing the Peace Records You Need Today
Disturbing the peace might be a crime, but it’s not as simple as that because different states handle its severity differently. For example, in states where it’s only a violation, finding information about it will be hard, whereas states that file it as a misdemeanor make it easier to learn more about it.
Regardless of where you live and the severity of the disturbing the peace charge, one sure thing is Information.com and its ability to help you find anything that’s publicly available.
