Disturbing the Peace – Laws and Penalties in Michigan

KLAW Blog · March 16, 2023

What are the laws and penalties of disturbing the peace in Michigan?

Have you ever been in a situation where someone’s behavior was so disruptive that it made you feel uncomfortable or unsafe? Maybe it was someone yelling loudly in public, creating a disturbance at a party, or engaging in violent behavior. These types of behaviors are considered to be disturbing the peace and can result in serious legal consequences. In Michigan, there are laws in place to protect individuals from these types of disruptions. This article will discuss the types of behaviors that violate disturbing the peace laws and the penalties associated with them.

Law enforcement on the scene will make the determination of whether you are “disturbing the peace” a typical catch all charge or lowered charge negotiated down from a higher criminal allegation.

Types of Behaviors that Violate Disturbing the Peace Laws

According to Michigan law, disturbing the peace is defined as any act that disturbs or disrupts the public peace. This can include a wide range of behaviors such as:

Loud Noises

Loud noises are one of the most common forms of disturbing the peace. This can include anything from shouting or screaming loudly in public to playing loud music late at night. It’s important to note that while some noise may be unavoidable, excessive noise can be deemed as disruptive and may lead to legal action.

Noise Ordinances

Many cities and towns have specific noise ordinances in place to regulate loud noises within residential areas. These ordinances typically prohibit loud noises after a certain time period (usually 10 pm) and may also limit how much noise is allowed during specific hours.

Fighting or Physical Altercations

Any type of physical altercation or fighting can be considered disturbing the peace under Michigan law. This includes both verbal altercations that escalate into physical violence as well as fights that were premeditated.

Potential Consequences

The penalties for fighting or physical altercations vary depending on various factors like whether any injuries occurred, whether weapons were used, and if minors were involved. The penalties range from misdemeanors with potential fines up to $500 and/or up to 90 days imprisonment for simple assault charges to felonies carrying up to life imprisonment for more severe offenses like aggravated assault with intent to commit murder.

Disrupting Public Meetings

Public meetings such as city council meetings or community gatherings are intended for individuals to express their opinions respectfully without being interrupted by others’ unwelcome behavior.

Potential Consequences

If an individual disrupts a public meeting by using inappropriate language, making excessive noise, interrupting speakers repeatedly, etc., they may face charges for disturbing public meetings which carries possible jail time and fines up to $5000.

Disorderly Conduct

Disorderly conduct refers to any type of behavior deemed disorderly by law enforcement officials such as drunkenness causing a disturbance in public places or obscene language while walking down a street.

Potential Consequences

Individuals convicted under disorderly conduct charges may face up-to 90 days imprisonment or potential fines up-to $500 depending on severity.

Penalties Associated with Violating Disturbing the Peace Laws

The penalties associated with violating disturbing the peace laws vary widely depending on several factors such as prior criminal record and severity of crime committed; age ranges also play an important role when sentencing juveniles/young adults who violate these laws.

In Michigan:

For first-time offenders who engage in minor disturbances likely pay fines ranging from $50-$200.
Repeat violators will face harsher sentences including jail terms up-to 93 days imprisonment.
If minors are involved then there is an increased possibility for juvenile detention centers.

Conclusion

Disturbing the peace laws exist across states across America because they’re designed solely keeping citizens’ safety interests intact while not letting anyone else cause discomfort due to unruly behavior regardless of circumstances behind said unacceptable actions. Noise-related violations are by far some common disruptions; however, fighting & altercations at events involving large crowds also pose problems frequently. Likewise, breaking municipal rules during official functions could spark debates; disrupting social settings through disorderly conduct makes matters worse altogether.

Therefore, it’s essential everyone abides by state-mandated regulations about disturbing-the-peace policies failing which one could face legal consequences outlined above. Hopefully, this article has shed light on what constitutes disturbing-the-peace scenarios & the necessary steps required for avoiding them altogether!

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Michigan Laws

State Michigan Legislature – Michigan Compiled Laws

Check the state MCL website here for any updates and of course consult an Attorney.

THE MICHIGAN PENAL CODE (EXCERPT)
Act 328 of 1931

750.167 Disorderly person; subsequent violations by person convicted of refusing or neglecting to support family; breastfeeding or expressing breast milk exempt.

Sec. 167.

(1) A person is a disorderly person if the person is any of the following:

(a) A person of sufficient ability who refuses or neglects to support his or her family.

(b) A common prostitute.

(c) A window peeper.

(d) A person who engages in an illegal occupation or business.

(e) A person who is intoxicated in a public place and who is either endangering directly the safety of another person or of property or is acting in a manner that causes a public disturbance.

(f) A person who is engaged in indecent or obscene conduct in a public place.

(g) A vagrant.

(h) A person found begging in a public place.

(i) A person found loitering in a house of ill fame or prostitution or place where prostitution or lewdness is practiced, encouraged, or allowed.

(j) A person who knowingly loiters in or about a place where an illegal occupation or business is being conducted.

(k) A person who loiters in or about a police station, police headquarters building, county jail, hospital, court building, or other public building or place for the purpose of soliciting employment of legal services or the services of sureties upon criminal recognizances.

(l) A person who is found jostling or roughly crowding people unnecessarily in a public place.

(2) If a person who has been convicted of refusing or neglecting to support his or her family under this section is charged with subsequent violations within a period of 2 years, that person shall be prosecuted as a second offender or third and subsequent offender as provided in section 168, if the family of that person is then receiving public relief or support.

(3) A mother’s breastfeeding of a child or expressing breast milk does not constitute indecent or obscene conduct under subsection (1) regardless of whether or not her areola or nipple is visible during or incidental to the breastfeeding or expressing of breast milk.

750.168 Disorderly person; penalty.

Sec. 168.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a person convicted of being a disorderly person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 90 days or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both.

(2) A person convicted of being a disorderly person under section 167d is guilty of a felony punishable as follows:

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), by imprisonment for not more than 2 years or a fine of not more than $5,000.00, or both.

(b) If the person was previously convicted of violating section 167d, by imprisonment for not more than 4 years or a fine of not more than $10,000.00, or both.

328-1931-XXIX – CHAPTER XXIX DISTURBING MEETINGS (750.169…750.170)