Legislature Amends Disorderly Conduct Statute: Students Can’t Be Charged

Previously, a student in an elementary or secondary school could be charged with the criminal offense of Disorderly Conduct for actions occurring at school, on a bus, or at school functions (for example: if an argument started that caused a disturbance). However, in their last session, the General Assembly voted to amend the statute to state that a “student at any elementary or secondary school is not guilty of disorderly conduct in a public place if the disorderly conduct occurred on school property, on a school bus, or at any activity conducted or sponsored by any school.” This update goes into effect on July 1, 2020. If you or a loved one have been charged with a disorderly conduct as a juvenile or adult, a Whitestone Young attorney is waiting to help you navigate the system. (SB 3)