Fighting in Public is a Crime – California Penal Code Section 415

California Penal Code Section 415 makes it illegal for a person to fight in public with another individual. Section 415 specifically criminalizes the following acts:

(1) Any person who unlawfully fights in a public place or challenges another person in a public place to fight.
(2) Any person who maliciously and willfully disturbs another person by loud and unreasonable noise.
(3) Any person who uses offensive words in a public place which are inherently likely to provoke an immediate violent reaction.

This crime can be committed even if the defendant never actually fought someone. A mere challenge to a fight is enough to be considered a crime. Having an attorney to defend your rights is essential. A conviction for a fighting in public charge is punishable by imprisonment of up to 90 days in county jail, or a fine of up to four hundred dollars, or by both the fine and imprisonment.

Fights in public carry very serious consequences. If you or a loved one is facing a fighting in public charge, it is important that you speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have over 30 years of experience in handling all types of criminal matters. Our attorneys are highly knowledgeable and will give you the quality representation that you deserve. Call us today at (888) 280-6839 or visit us on our website at www.wklaw.com. We will be there when you call.