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§ 574.010 RSMo – Disturbing the Peace in Missouri

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Posted by Christopher Combs on July 22, 2025

574.010. Peace disturbance — penalty.

It’s a crime to cause loud, threatening, or disruptive behavior that bothers others.

This law makes it illegal to disturb the peace through loud noise, threats, fights, bad odors, or by blocking public access — especially in ways that make people feel unsafe or irritated.

1. A person commits this offense if they:

  • (1) Unreasonably and knowingly disturb or alarm others by:
    • (a) Making loud noise;
    • (b) Using offensive, face-to-face language likely to cause a violent reaction;
    • (c) Threatening to commit a serious crime in a way that causes fear;
    • (d) Getting into a fight;
    • (e) Creating a strong, offensive odor.
  • (2) Purposely cause inconvenience in public or on someone else’s property by physically blocking:
    • (a) Roads or walkways, or
    • (b) Entrances or exits to public or private places.

2. The penalties are:

View the full statute here

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