Disorderly conduct covers conduct a reasonable person would consider a public nuisance, and it is often filed alongside another charge.
Disorderly conduct covers a wide range of conduct that a reasonable person would consider a public nuisance. Fighting in public can bring both an assault charge and a disorderly conduct charge, because the fight creates a public spectacle. Cursing loudly in public can qualify as well.
It functions as a law requiring people to behave in a civilized manner in public. Riot is the related offense involving group conduct, and its charge level can rise to match a more serious offense a participant should have anticipated.
Citation: Texas Penal Code §42.01 (Disorderly Conduct); §42.02 (Riot)
Degree and classification: Disorderly Conduct is generally a Class C misdemeanor, and a Class B for firearm-related acts. Riot is generally a Class B misdemeanor, escalating to match any higher offense a participant should have anticipated.
Statutory language: Disorderly Conduct covers using abusive, indecent, profane, or vulgar language, offensive gestures, fighting, or discharging a firearm in public. Riot covers knowingly participating in an assemblage of seven or more people whose conduct creates immediate danger to persons or property, substantially obstructs law enforcement, or deprives someone of a legal right by force or threat.