How To Handle Disordely Conduct

[gentleandfree]

How should I handle a disorderly conduct charge?
I was charged with disorderly conduct offensive conduct recently after losing about 120 at a fish fry inside a grocery store restaurant/bar. I left the fish fry after store staff said they did not know where my money was. I had withdrawn the money inside the store and had not left the premises when I discovered the money was missing. I was drinking. I came home and saw a neighbor. She said let's go back and get your money. I went back to the store with her. Store staff said they did not know where my money was. I became angry and yelled and stormed out, throwing down my styrofoam to-go container near a garbage can. I have been dealing with mental health issues and alcoholism. I am sorry I yelled and threw down the container. I don't remember what I said when yelling. I came home and called the police to possibly take me to detox and tell them about the missing money. That is when an officer came and presented me with the citation to appear in court coming up in a few weeks. I had a DUI in 2004, a bad check in 1998 and a small theft in 1993.

 

[FlyingRon]

First, you tell us what state you are in.

But in general, it's advisable to seek the counsel of an attorney.

 

[quincy]

I hope that by "dealing with mental health issues and alcoholism" you mean you are in a treatment program for both.

 

[Eekamouse]

How should I handle a disorderly conduct charge?
I was charged with disorderly conduct offensive conduct recently after losing about 120 at a fish fry inside a grocery store restaurant/bar. I left the fish fry after store staff said they did not know where my money was. I had withdrawn the money inside the store and had not left the premises when I discovered the money was missing. I was drinking. I came home and saw a neighbor. She said let's go back and get your money. I went back to the store with her. Store staff said they did not know where my money was. I became angry and yelled and stormed out, throwing down my styrofoam to-go container near a garbage can. I have been dealing with mental health issues and alcoholism. I am sorry I yelled and threw down the container. I don't remember what I said when yelling. I came home and called the police to possibly take me to detox and tell them about the missing money. That is when an officer came and presented me with the citation to appear in court coming up in a few weeks. I had a DUI in 2004, a bad check in 1998 and a small theft in 1993.

Sounds like you're guilty of disorderly conduct. Do you think you aren't?

 

[PayrollHRGuy]

Sounds like you're guilty of disorderly conduct. Do you think you aren't?

And littering.

 

[quincy]

I hope gentleandfree returns with a state name - not that a state name will change the need for an attorney if gentleandfree is looking for the best outcome.

 

[xylene]

A grocery store/restaurant/bar sounds totally lit.

One thing - forgive yourself.

Get a lawyer, get some help and change your behavior.

Think about the value of money. Everybody has lost some money, and 120 is not a tiny amount, but be honest - have you ever had a 120 buck bar tab? Sure, most people who booze it up have.

Think about what your life is worth, try to leave destructive friends and influencers behind.

This isn't the end of your life, you'll be ok.

Good luck in your struggles, it's a very human thing.

 

[gentleandfree]

I am in Minnesota. Yes I am in treatment for alcoholism and mental health...treatment is sometimes hard to come by, but thankfully, I just started with a more intensive program yesterday. I also started seeing a peer support recovery specialist a couple months ago. I feel very badly for overreacting at the fish fry. I know it was the fact that I lost $120, was drinking and had been experiencing PTSD symptoms. I apologized to the store a few days later and also to the police department. I haven't drank since then.

 

[quincy]

I am in Minnesota. Yes I am in treatment for alcoholism and mental health...treatment is sometimes hard to come by, but thankfully, I just started with a more intensive program yesterday. I also started seeing a peer support recovery specialist a couple months ago. I feel very badly for overreacting at the fish fry. I know it was the fact that I lost $120, was drinking and had been experiencing PTSD symptoms. I apologized to the store a few days later and also to the police department. I haven't drank since then.

The fact that you apologized and that you have been actively seeking help for your recognized mental health and alcohol problems both work in your favor.

Here is a link to the law, which is charged as a misdemeanor:
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/609.72
You should consult with a lawyer in your area.

Good luck.

 

[gentleandfree]

This incident happened 13 days ago. I called the courthouse as directed by the officer issuing the citation...they said on my court date, I will first meet with the prosecutor to see if we can resolve the issue. I was told that if I get a lawyer first, that I will not be able to meet with the prosecutor. I regret my behavior and have been searching myself in order to evaluate my problems. I am trying to use this as a wake up call and to help me change for the better. I have an elderly dog and it scares me to think that I could be taken to jail and separated from him.

 

[quincy]

This incident happened 13 days ago. I called the courthouse as directed by the officer issuing the citation...they said on my court date, I will first meet with the prosecutor to see if we can resolve the issue. I was told that if I get a lawyer first, that I will not be able to meet with the prosecutor. I regret my behavior and have been searching myself in order to evaluate my problems. I am trying to use this as a wake up call and to help me change for the better. I have an elderly dog and it scares me to think that I could be taken to jail and separated from him.

You should have an attorney. The attorney will meet with the prosecutor. You should say NOTHING to the police or the prosecutor. Speak ONLY to your attorney.

Good luck.

 

[xylene]

I was told that if I get a lawyer first, that I will not be able to meet with the prosecutor.

Please get a lawyer. Your lawyer will be able to negotiate with the prosecutor. You don't need or really want to negotiate with him persoanlly. And I can 1000% assure the prosecutor does not have you interests at heart (it is an adversarial system) and he is a highly trained lawyer. You are, bluntly, someone with a mental health issue and pretty freshly dried out from a serious blackout bender where you got arrested.

How do think that chess game gonna play out?

 

[quincy]

Yoy should watch this video:

 

[gentleandfree]

Thank you all for your input. Yesterday, when I met with my new mental health case manager, she said that the court wants me to meet with the prosecutor because they want to reduce court time and costs on misdemeanors and avoid jail time for people who would benefit from getting help instead and that the taxpayers would not want to spend money on jailing a person if there is a chance for help. I guess what you guys are saying is get a lawyer and do not talk with the prosecutor or police? I guess I have dug myself a deeper hole because I apologized by sending the store and the police department each a Hallmark card to apologize for my behavior.

 

[quincy]

Thank you all for your input. Yesterday, when I met with my new mental health case manager, she said that the court wants me to meet with the prosecutor because they want to reduce court time and costs on misdemeanors and avoid jail time for people who would benefit from getting help instead and that the taxpayers would not want to spend money on jailing a person if there is a chance for help. I guess what you guys are saying is get a lawyer and do not talk with the prosecutor or police? I guess I have dug myself a deeper hole because I apologized by sending the store and the police department each a Hallmark card to apologize for my behavior.

The Hallmark cards won't necessarily hurt you but PLEASE do not do anything else without your attorney's advice and direction.

And, yes, I recommend you have an attorney. You are charged with a misdemeanor crime. The prosecutor is the one who charged you. He is not your friend.