Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

Charged with Disorderly Conduct after being attacked.

I have been having a home improvement contract dispute with a local contractor who is selling his house. I have filed a civil claim against him. In the mean time, while waiting for our hearing, I have parked my car with a sign stating that I have a contract dispute with him about 100 yards from his house. He continuously duct tapes trash over the windshield of my car.

While I was uncovering the car, he showed up and tried to provoke me. Eventually, he threw a punch, I ducked it and fell to the ground. He proceeded to throw more punches, but I protected myself well enough that he did not cause any visible injuries.

The police came and said that since there was no witness that saw it start, only witnesses that saw him pounding on me, that we would both be charged and would get a citation in the mail.

I will be charged with disorderly conduct. I am not sure what he is being charged with.

Whats the deal? Can he really pound on my while I have no recourse? Should have I defended myself by taking him out? I can't believe that someone could get away with this. I puposely did not so much as raise a hand.

Give me some feedback. Do I have any recourse?


Asked on 11/15/04, 10:39 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Mark Johns Mark Johns, Esquire

Re: Charged with Disorderly Conduct after being attacked.

This is standard procedure. If there are no witnesses to the start of a fight charge everyone and let the courts sort it out. The fact that you were being hit while on the ground gives credibility to your contention that he took the first and only punches. An attorney can be very useful and should be your first thing. I offer free consultations.

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Answered on 11/17/04, 12:07 pm


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