Public Order Offenses

Public order offenses in Massachusetts can include felony or misdemeanor crimes depending upon the length of sentence that can be imposed. Public order crimes are handled seriously by law enforcement authorities for the good of the public order and they encompass a wide range of criminal charges and possible punishments. A person convicted of a public order offense may be subjected to significant fines, long-term probation, or lengthy jail sentences. Several public order crimes in Massachusetts have been grouped together and can be found in one statute, M.G.L. Ch. 273, s. 53. This section of our laws prohibits illegal conduct such as being a Common Nightwalker, engaging in Disorderly Conduct, Disturbing the Peace of the public, Indecent Exposure of oneself, engaging in Lewd, Wanton and Lascivious Behavior, or proposing or engaging in Sexual Conduct for a Fee.

Other public order offenses in Massachusetts fall under crimes against against chastity, morality, decency and good order or crimes against the public peace or public justice and include the following:

Public order offense crimes are often very winnable cases. For example, with disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace charges there are many occasions when the police will simply arrest an individual because they do not like what that person said or did. Consequently, they attempt substantiate the arrest by drafting a police report tailored to fit the charge. However, when the police concoct a story in a police report to an manufacture a bogus arrest and press charges their lies can be exposed by an effective cross-examination at trial by an experienced criminal defense lawyer who knows how to tie lying police officers up in knots and create reasonable doubt in a judge or jury. Indeed, a wise man once said that it is easy to tell the truth but much more difficult to remember a story full of lies.

The bottom line is that if you have been charged with any public order offense you need a Boston, Massachusetts public order offense lawyer with years of jury trial experience to successfully defend your public order offense case. The Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy has that experience and is fully prepared to defend any client charged with a public order crime. Contact Attorney Murphy now for a free legal consultation criminal case by calling (617) 367-0450 or by completing the online contact form which will be directly emailed to him.

Client Reviews
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"Highly Recommended. Attorney Patrick J. Murphy absolutely helped me out in my time of need. When I met him in his Boston office he put me right at ease and explained the criminal process to me in a way I could easily understand and in a manner that gave me complete confidence. I was facing a criminal wanton destruction of property charge in Barnstable District Court. On the day of the case, he was at the courthouse waiting for me and my wife. Mr. Murphy handled the hearing in a very thorough and professional manner putting us through our testimony and making a powerful argument to the decision maker. My case was thrown out and I could not be happier with the service from Attorney Murphy. I highly recommend him to you as a skilled legal advocate!" Rob, Avvo User
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"Excellent Criminal Defense Lawyer. From the first consultation I knew Patrick Murphy was the right choice for my criminal defense. He was knowledgeable of the laws and knew how to build up a strong defense for my case. Every phone call and email I made was promptly answered. When it came time for my hearing, Patrick was prepared and able to get the criminal complaint against me dropped without ever becoming charge! Would highly recommend this attorney to anyone seeking a top quality defense attorney to handle their case!" John, Avvo User
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"OUI Not Guilty Verdict. Patrick Murphy provided excellent service as council on my case. He worked diligently over a long legal process that spanned over 3 years. He was able to take my case to a Jury Trial and get me a Not Guilty verdict through he expert knowledge of the law and expertise in cross examination of the prosecutions witnesses. He was very professional and available at anytime night or day to answer questions." Chris, Avvo User
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"Highly Skilled and Professional Lawyer. Attorney Pat Murphy did a great job guiding me through an A&B charge, and most importantly getting the case dismissed in a very timely manner. He is very professional, returns call promptly, and did a great explaining his strategy and the legal process to me. I was confident throughout the whole process that I was in good hands and would receive the best possible outcome in my case. Would highly recommended Attorney Murphy." Avvo User
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"I Felt That I was in Good Hands... and I Was! Mr. Patrick J. Murphy was very quick to respond to my needs. He was always there to answer any questions I had in a timely fashion, and he made me feel very comfortable in an extremely uncomfortable situation. Having Mr. Murphy by my side in the courtroom felt like I was at an advantage. He speaks with confidence. He doesn't stutter or pause while put on the spot. He treated me with respect. He listens. He always greeted me with a warm welcome and never wasted any time." Avvo User