Disorderly Conduct

In Maryland, disorderly conduct laws are found in Maryland Annotated Code Title 10, Crimes against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities, Subtitle 2, Disturbing the Peace, Disorderly Conduct, and Related Crimes, commonly referred to as 10-201.

Prohibited behavior includes the following:

  • obstructing the free passage of another individual and others in a public place or on a public conveyance [§10-201(c)(1)];
  • acting in a disorderly manner to disturb the public peace [§10-201(c)(2)];
  • failing to obey a reasonable and lawful order of a law enforcement officer, made to prevent a disturbance to the public peace [§10-201(c)(3)];
  • entering the premises of another individual and disturbing the peace of persons on the premises [§10-201(c)(4)];
  • making excessive noise that disturbs the peace of another individual [§10-201(c)(5)];
  • in Worcester County a person may not build or allow to burn a bonfire on a beach or other property between the hours of 1:00 am and 5:00 am [§10-201(c)(6)]

Disorderly conduct laws are misdemeanor crimes that carry a maximum fine of $500.00 and or maximum penalty of 60 days in jail.