Last updated November 2025
Disorderly conduct — also known as “breach of the peace” under Florida Statute §877.03 — is one of the most overused charges in Broward County.
Police often use it as a “catch-all” offense when no other law clearly fits. The good news? With an experienced criminal defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale, these cases are often dismissed long before trial.
🚨 What Counts as Disorderly Conduct
The statute prohibits acts that “corrupt public morals,” “outrage public decency,” or “affect the peace and quiet” of others. But that language is vague, and courts have repeatedly struck down arrests for protected speech or ordinary arguments.
Most Fort Lauderdale arrests come from:
Verbal disputes with police or security;
Public intoxication without violence;
Loud arguments outside bars or events;
Filming officers or protesting in public.
Florida law requires clear proof of disturbance or endangerment, not just rudeness or profanity.
🧠 How Broward Defense Attorneys Get These Charges Dropped
A skilled defense lawyer will first demand video evidence and reports to show what really happened. Many Broward criminal defense attorneys use the following strategies:
First Amendment defense: Speech, recording, or protest activity is constitutionally protected.
Lack of threat or violence: Mere presence or noise isn’t criminal.
Improper arrest procedure: No clear warning, no obstruction, no actual crowd disturbance.
Bodycam contradictions: Officers’ own footage often proves no offense occurred.
Prosecutors routinely drop these cases after reviewing evidence — especially if you have no prior record.
🧾 Related Offenses and Overlaps
Disorderly conduct often appears alongside resisting arrest or domestic violence charges.
Your Fort Lauderdale lawyer will separate these counts, showing that the underlying conduct didn’t justify force, detention, or a criminal record.
If the case is dismissed, you may qualify to seal or expunge your record — a crucial step in protecting your background checks and employment opportunities.
🏛️ Where Cases Are Heard
All disorderly conduct cases in Broward — including those from Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Pembroke Pines — are handled in the Broward County Central Courthouse. Local defense counsel familiar with the county’s misdemeanor divisions know which motions and timing work best to trigger early dismissal.
❓ FAQs
1) What is disorderly conduct in Florida?
It’s a misdemeanor under §877.03 involving conduct that disturbs the peace or public decency — but vague arrests are often unconstitutional.
2) Can yelling or cursing at police be disorderly conduct?
No. Verbal criticism of officers is protected speech unless it includes threats or incites violence.
3) Can a disorderly conduct charge be dropped?
Yes. Most cases are dismissed once bodycam footage shows no violence or public disturbance.
4) What if I was also charged with resisting arrest?
Your lawyer can argue that resisting was a reaction to an unlawful arrest — often leading to both charges being dropped.
5) Can I clear my record after dismissal?
Yes. You can petition to seal or expunge the case through Florida’s Department of Law Enforcement once it’s closed.
📣 Charged with Disorderly Conduct in Fort Lauderdale?
A simple misunderstanding shouldn’t become a criminal record.
📞 Call Michael White, P.A. at (954) 270-0769 or request your free consultation today.