---
title: "Disorderly Conduct Defense"
url: "https://legal.ge/en/service/crim-criminal-law-en/disorderly-conduct-defense-en"
field: "Criminal Law"
description: "Legal defense for petty hooliganism (Art. 166) in Georgia. Avoid administrative arrest with expert lawyers on Legal.ge."
reviewed: "2026-07-09"
updated: "2026-10-14"
publisher: "legal.ge"
---

# Disorderly Conduct Defense

> Source: legal.ge, https://legal.ge/en/service/crim-criminal-law-en/disorderly-conduct-defense-en

**Disorderly Conduct Defense (Article 166): Lawyer Services**

Disorderly conduct, classified as petty hooliganism, is one of the most common administrative offenses in Georgia. Article 166 of the Code of Administrative Offenses provides for liability for swearing in public places, harassing citizens, and other acts that violate public order and peace. Often, a simple argument or emotional conversation with the police can become grounds for arrest under this article. Although this is not a criminal offense, it carries serious sanctions: a fine of 500 to 1000 GEL or administrative imprisonment for up to 15 days. Timely involvement of a lawyer is crucial to avoid imprisonment and mitigate the penalty.

Legal.ge offers lawyers with extensive experience in administrative proceedings. Our experts will defend your interests in court and try to prove your innocence or minimize the sanction.

### What Does Disorderly Conduct Defense Service Cover?

The lawyer''s service covers all aspects of the court process:

-   **Checking Arrest Protocol:** Verifying the accuracy and legality of the protocol drawn up by the police. Often, factual circumstances are incorrectly reflected.
-   **Evidence Gathering:** Requesting recordings from police body cameras, which is often decisive for establishing the truth. Also, finding neutral witnesses.
-   **Reclassification:** Fighting to ensure the act is not qualified as hooliganism if it was merely a verbal argument without insults.
-   **Mitigation of Sentence:** Presenting arguments to the judge (family status, past character) to apply a fine or verbal warning instead of imprisonment.
-   **Appeal:** Appealing the decision of the first instance court to the Court of Appeals.

### Common Scenarios

Arrests under Article 166 often occur in the following situations:

-   **Street Conflict:** Loud arguing or fighting in a public place.
-   **Intoxication:** Inappropriate behavior under the influence of alcohol.
-   **Protests:** Confrontations with police during demonstrations.
-   **Arguing with Police:** Resisting or verbally insulting patrol police (often used in conjunction with Article 173).

### Georgian Legal Framework

**Article 166 of the Administrative Offenses Code of Georgia** defines petty hooliganism. The judge determines the penalty based on the circumstances of the case and the personality of the offender. If the offense is repeated or committed under aggravating circumstances, the judge applies a stricter measure (imprisonment). Administrative imprisonment means being in a detention center, which seriously restricts a person''s freedom.

### Steps in the Process with a Specialist

Working with a lawyer includes:

1.  **Rapid Response:** Engaging a lawyer immediately upon arrest.
2.  **Reviewing Materials:** Studying police reports and video footage.
3.  **Strategy:** Denying the charge or requesting mitigation.
4.  **Court:** Defense during the hearing (which is often held within 24 hours of arrest).

### Why Legal.ge?

Time is limited during administrative detention. Legal.ge connects you with lawyers who will promptly intervene in the case and prevent police overreach. Protect your freedom with the help of professionals.

### What fine is provided for petty hooliganism?

For a first commission — from five hundred to three thousand lari, or administrative arrest for up to twenty days. For a repeated commission — from three thousand to five thousand lari, or arrest from five to sixty days.

### Where must the conduct be committed?

In a public space — this is a necessary element of the norm. Similar conduct committed in a private interaction is not classified under this article.

### Is the arms right subject to restriction?

Yes — for the commission of this offence a person is deprived of the right to carry a weapon for a term of up to three years.

### What threatens a foreigner?

Expulsion from Georgia and a ban on entry into Georgia for a term of up to three years may be applied.