Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers | May 2, 2025 | Criminal Defense
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a unique place where people can see wild animals up close in a safe and natural environment. The park has clear safety rules in place to protect both visitors and the animals. These rules help make sure everyone can have a good experience without risking harm.
If someone ignores these safety rules, they might face legal trouble, including charges like disorderly conduct. If you’ve been arrested for disorderly conduct at the Safari Park and are now a defendant, it’s important to understand the charges you’re facing and how to defend yourself.
Disorderly Conduct Charges in California
In California, disorderly conduct isn’t just one single offense. It’s a group of different behaviors covered under California Penal Code Section 647. These laws address a variety of activities that the state considers disruptive or harmful to public peace and safety.
For example, lewd conduct in public is one form of disorderly conduct. This means doing something openly inappropriate or sexual where others can see it. Prostitution and solicitation, which involve offering or agreeing to engage in sexual acts for money, are also part of this law.
Other offenses include panhandling, which is asking strangers for money in certain ways that might be illegal. Public intoxication is also included, meaning being visibly drunk or high in public to the point that you may cause a problem.
There are rules around loitering as well. Loitering with the intent to commit a crime refers to hanging around an area with an intent to break the law.
What Could Lead to an Arrest at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park?
Disorderly conduct charges cover a lot of behaviors that disrupt the park or put others at risk.
Here are some examples of actions that could lead to misdemeanor disorderly conduct charges at the park:
Disobeying Park Rules or Staff Orders
Failing to follow the instructions of park staff, like ignoring barriers or crossing into restricted areas, can get you into trouble. Park employees are there to keep everyone safe. Not listening to them can be seen as disruptive behavior and could lead to the police being called, which could result in disorderly conduct charges in some cases.
Being Visibly Intoxicated and Disruptive
Being visibly drunk or under the influence of drugs while at the park can lead to arrest. Public intoxication sometimes causes unsafe situations, especially around wild animals or families with kids.
Loitering or Creating a Scene
Loitering or creating a scene at the park can also result in police intervention. For example, if you are causing a disturbance by loudly arguing or yelling, park staff or other visitors may call the police.
Legal Defenses to Disorderly Conduct Charges at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
If you’ve been charged with disorderly conduct at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, there are several defenses that might apply to your case.
Common ones your criminal defense attorney could raise include:
- Freedom of Expression: Depending on the circumstances, your actions might be protected under the First Amendment. For example, peaceful protests or expressions of opinion that are mistaken for disorderly conduct might actually be lawful.
- Lack of Intent: Disorderly conduct often requires that you intended to cause a disturbance or break the law. If you didn’t mean to cause trouble or didn’t realize your actions were against the rules, this could be a defense.
- False Accusation: Sometimes, witnesses or park officials might misunderstand what happened. If the charge is based on inaccurate information or mistaken identity, there could be grounds to challenge the charges.
Defending against disorderly conduct charges can be tricky since the laws cover a wide range of actions.
Contact a San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer at Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers Today For Help
Facing a disorderly conduct charge after a day at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park can be stressful and overwhelming. However, being accused doesn’t mean you’re guilty, and you still have legal rights worth protecting. A skilled San Diego criminal defense attorney can evaluate the facts of your case, build a strong defense, and work toward the best possible outcome.
For more information, please contact the San Diego criminal defense attorneys at Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers for a free consultation, give us a call at (619) 357-4977, or visit our convenient location:
Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers San Diego
225 Broadway Suite 1740
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 357-4977