Packers Barnett to be charged with disorderly conduct

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

Allegations stem from June bar fight in Appleton

By Joe Knaapen
Gannett Wisconsin Newspapers


Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Barnett will be charged with two misdemeanors in connection with a June altercation at an Appleton tavern, according to Door County District Attorney Ray Pelrine.


Pelrine, serving as a special prosecutor in the case, confirmed early today that the formal complaint will be filed in Outagamie County Circuit Court.

The exact date of the filing, Pelrine said, depends on the simple logistics of clearing his local calendar sufficiently to allow him to travel to Appleton and complete the details with the Appleton Police Department and Outagamie County court clerks.

Barnett will be charged with two misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct, Pelrine said. If convicted, Barnett could be sentenced to serve up to 90 days in county jail and pay up to a $1,000 fine on each count.

Barnett, 26, is being accused of the criminal acts in connection with two separate incidents of pushing or shoving the night of June 16-17 at the Wet Night Club in Appleton, Pelrine said. The separate incidents occurred about an hour apart and involved a woman.

After the incident, Barnett was jailed and released after posting bond.

Pelrine agreed in July to handle the matter as a special prosecutor at the request of Outagamie County District Attorney Carrie Schneider, who wanted to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest because her husband works at a company where Barnett has had business dealings.

-- Knaapen writes for the Door County Advocate

[packinpatland]

What will Goodell do with this?

[MJZiggy]

Roll his eyes like the rest of us?

[Harlan Huckleby]

I think Barnett is screwed. He is gonna get suspended on top of any jail time, the commissioner is not going to say "it was no big deal." He has to be consistent.

[The Leaper]

Barnett wasn't caught with any videotaping equipment, was he?

[Freak Out]

I think Barnett is screwed. He is gonna get suspended on top of any jail time, the commissioner is not going to say "it was no big deal." He has to be consistent.

He was charged not convicted plus there was no gun play like the Pacboy debacle so I think Goodell will have to sit tight and see what plays out with this. If I remember weren't there witnesses that said it was overblown?

[BlueBrewer]

Im no lawyer but im pretty sure you don't get jail time for disorderly conduct. It is likely less serious than the Briggs leaving the scene. Goodell will tell him this is your one warning.

[Harlan Huckleby]

I think Barnett will have to be found innocent to avoid a suspension.

Even tho the incident was overblown.

[BlueBrewer]

I think Barnett will have to be found innocent to avoid a suspension.

Even tho the incident was overblown.

No way will he be suspended, its like getting a speading ticket. He was not charged with assault and battery.


Disorderly conduct is one of the most common offenses in the United States, and is often the result of unreasonable police officers giving someone a hard time until they lose their cool. Disorderly conduct generally includes most kinds of unruly or disturbing behaviors, which acts to provoke a disturbance.

Disorderly conduct laws exist in every state, and are often used as a “catch-all” charge for minor offenses. It is important to note that disorderly conduct is a prosecutable offense, which can lead to fines, jail time, and other punishments upon conviction. The best way to protect yourself after being charged with disorderly conduct is to seek the early advice of a criminal defense attorney. Please contact us to speak with a legal professional who can look out for your best interests.

Examples of disorderly conduct

Disorderly conduct offenses vary widely by state. Here are some of the most common acts that are considered disorderly conduct offenses:

Public drunkenness
Inciting a riot
disturbance of the peace
loitering in certain areas
fighting / physical altercations
obstructing traffic
use of extremely obscene or abusive language
loud or unreasonable noise
and more.
Given the wide range of behaviors that could constitute disorderly conduct, a person may be arrested for this crime without proper cause. Virtually any socially offensive or disruptive conduct may be prosecuted as disorderly conduct. If you have been charged with disorderly conduct, it may be possible to get out of trouble with the help of a qualified attorney. Please contact us to find an attorney near you.

Consequences of disorderly conduct

While disorderly conduct may seem like an insignificant charge at first, individuals with a disorderly conduct conviction on their record may have a difficult time pursuing educational, career, and other opportunities in the future. In addition, a disorderly conduct conviction may influence the outcome of any subsequent bout with the law.

Disorderly conduct charges might be dropped after an arrest or may be prosecuted as misdemeanors. In some more serious cases, disorderly conduct can be prosecuted as a felony, which may result in significant jail time. A disorderly conduct conviction can bring significant punishment, including fines, community service, compulsory counseling, and jail time. A judge sentencing someone for disorderly conduct will often consider that person’s criminal history.

A first-time offender's disorderly conduct sentence is typically very light. This sentence may be even be suspended if certain conditions are met. Repeat offenders or those with more serious criminal backgrounds may experience harsher repercussions.

[Rastak]

I'm with Blue....no suspension.

[MadtownPacker]

See this is what I like about having "friend". All it would take is a "friend" convincing the witnesses that it really wasn't a big deal and they would be best served letting it go. Total crap and he better not get suspended!

[Harlan Huckleby]

[b]Disorderly conduct is one of the most common offenses in the United States, and is often the result of unreasonable police officers giving someone a hard time until they lose their cool.

Larry Craig just resigned his Senate seat over a disorderly conduct conviction.

[Harlan Huckleby]

what happened to Gilbert Brown when he was busted for pushing his girlfriend?

[swede]

I thought the police report said that the woman was upset at being ignored or blown off by Barnett and threw a drink in his face, which led to some "get out of my space" scuffling.

Cops are capable of brave and heroic action bu they're pretty much universally dinks when it comes to how they handle this stuff. This charge is meant to save the faces of beat cops who probably should have arrested the woman instead.

And this is not Barnett's first offense.He perpetrated some hideously blatant jaywalking in Green Bay a while back and was written a ticket for that brazen act against society. (See "dink" above)

[retailguy]

what happened to Gilbert Brown when he was busted for pushing his girlfriend?

Burger King named a hamburger after him...