Public Intoxication/Disorderly Conduct Offenses in Tennessee

Talk to a Tennessee Lawyer Now: (615) 829-8259

Being charged with public intoxication or disorderly conduct in Tennessee can feel embarrassing and overwhelming, but these are still criminal offenses that can leave you with a permanent record, affect background checks, and create problems for jobs, housing, and professional opportunities. A misdemeanor conviction does not “fall off” your record with time, so having an experienced Nashville criminal defense lawyer review your case before you go to court is critical.​

Why these charges matter in 2026

At Shipman & Crim, the criminal defense attorneys treat every case—felony or misdemeanor—with the understanding that your reputation and future are at stake. A moment of bad judgment on Lower Broadway, at a concert, or outside a bar can follow you for years if it turns into a conviction for public intoxication or disorderly conduct. Before you simply plead guilty or pay a fine, talk with a Nashville criminal defense attorney about what really happened and what options you may have to avoid a permanent mark on your record.​

What is public intoxication in Tennessee?

Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 39‑17‑310, a person commits public intoxication if they appear in a public place under the influence of a controlled substance, controlled substance analogue, or other intoxicating substance to the degree that:​

• The person may be endangered.

• Other people or property are endangered.

• The person unreasonably annoys people in the vicinity.

Public intoxication is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $50, plus court costs and potential alcohol or drug counseling. Even though the maximum fine seems low, the real cost often comes from the criminal record and its impact on your future.​

What is disorderly conduct in Tennessee?

Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 39‑17‑305, disorderly conduct generally involves behavior in a public place, done with intent to cause public annoyance or alarm, such as:​

• Fighting or engaging in violent or threatening behavior.

• Refusing a lawful order to disperse near a fire, hazard, or other emergency.

• Creating a hazardous or physically offensive condition that serves no legitimate purpose.

• Making unreasonable noise that prevents others from carrying on lawful activities.

Disorderly conduct is also a Class C misdemeanor, which can carry up to 30 days in jail, fines, and court costs, along with a criminal record that can show up on background checks.​

How a Nashville lawyer can help with public intoxication or disorderly conduct

Working with a Nashville public intoxication lawyer or Nashville disorderly conduct lawyer can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case. Depending on the facts, your attorney may:

• Challenge whether your behavior actually met the legal definition of endangerment, unreasonable annoyance, or disorderly conduct, especially in crowded nightlife or event settings.​

• Raise constitutional issues about the stop, detention, or arrest, or show that you should have been taken into protective custody or offered treatment instead of being charged with a crime.​

• Work to negotiate dismissals, reductions to less serious offenses, or outcomes that may allow you to keep your record clean or pursue expungement later, particularly for first-time offenders.​

Talk to a Nashville public intoxication and disorderly conduct attorney

If you have been charged with public intoxication or disorderly conduct in Tennessee, especially in Nashville or a surrounding Middle Tennessee county, do not resolve your case without talking to a lawyer who regularly handles these charges. A Nashville criminal defense attorney at Shipman & Crim can review the police report, video, and your side of the story, explain what you are realistically facing, and discuss defenses and options tailored to your situation.​

Contact the firm today at (615) 829‑8259 for a free consultation about your public intoxication or disorderly conduct case.