Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A Sec. 501-A – Disorderly conduct
Current as of: 2023 | Check for updates
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1. A person is guilty of disorderly conduct if:
A. In a public place, the person intentionally or recklessly causes annoyance to others by intentionally:
(1) Making loud and unreasonable noise, including, but not limited to, loud and unreasonable noise resulting from the use of consumer fireworks;
(2) Activating a device, or exposing a substance, that releases noxious and offensive odors; or
(3) Engaging in fighting, without being licensed or privileged to do so; [PL 2021, c. 510, §3 (AMD).]
B. In a public or private place, the person knowingly accosts, insults, taunts or challenges any person with offensive, derisive or annoying words, or by gestures or other physical conduct, that would in fact have a direct tendency to cause a violent response by an ordinary person in the situation of the person so accosted, insulted, taunted or challenged; [PL 2007, c. 144, §3 (NEW).]
C. In a private place, the person makes loud and unreasonable noise, including, but not limited to, loud and unreasonable noise resulting from the use of consumer fireworks, that can be heard by another person, who may be a law enforcement officer, as unreasonable noise in a public place or in another private place, after having been ordered by a law enforcement officer to cease the noise; or [PL 2021, c. 510, §4 (AMD).]
D. In a private or public place on or near property where a funeral, burial or memorial service is being held, the person knowingly accosts, insults, taunts or challenges any person in mourning and in attendance at the funeral, burial or memorial service with unwanted, obtrusive communications by way of offensive, derisive or annoying words, or by gestures or other physical conduct, that would in fact have a direct tendency to cause a violent response by an ordinary person in mourning and in attendance at a funeral, burial or memorial service. [PL 2007, c. 144, §3 (NEW).]
[PL 2021, c. 510, §§3, 4 (AMD).]
Attorney's Note
Under the Maine Revised Statutes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class E crime | up to 6 months | up to $1,000 |
2. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
A. “Public place” means a place to which the public at large or a substantial group has access, including but not limited to:
(1) Public ways as defined in section 505;
(2) Schools and government-owned custodial facilities; and
(3) The lobbies, hallways, lavatories, toilets and basement portions of apartment houses, hotels, public buildings and transportation terminals. [PL 2007, c. 144, §3 (NEW).]
B. “Private place” means any place that is not a public place. [PL 2007, c. 144, §3 (NEW).]
C. “Consumer fireworks” has the same meaning as in Title 8, section 221?A, subsection 1?A. [PL 2021, c. 510, §5 (NEW).]
[PL 2021, c. 510, §5 (AMD).]
3. Disorderly conduct is a Class E crime.
[PL 2007, c. 144, §3 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2007, c. 144, §3 (NEW). PL 2021, c. 510, §§3-5 (AMD).