Disorderly conduct is a crime that covers a broad scope of behaviors, such as offensive language, physical altercations, excessive noise, and drug use. Also referred to as \u201cdisturbing the peace,\u201d disorderly conduct is one of Arizona\u2019s most common misdemeanor crimes.<\/p>\n
It is also one of the most serious types of misdemeanors, potentially resulting in a hefty fine, probation, and even jail time. In some instances, disorderly conduct in Arizona may be charged as a class six felony.<\/p>\n
If you are facing a disorderly conduct charge in Arizona, then you need the support of a disorderly conduct lawyer to help beat the charges against you. Our criminal defense attorneys at JacksonWhite can guide you through the legal system and build a case to defend you against a disorderly conduct charge.<\/p>\n
Contact Us<\/a><\/p>\n Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) \u00a7 13-2904<\/a> describes the crime of disorderly conduct as a person who intentionally disturbs the peace or quiet of a neighborhood, person, or family. ARS 13-2904 also lists behaviors that could result in a disorderly conduct charge which include the following:<\/p>\n Disorderly conduct is considered a catchall term for a wide range of criminal activities. For example, you could be charged with disorderly conduct in Arizona if you violate a noise ordinance, such as playing excessively loud music between the hours of 11 pm and 7 am in Phoenix.<\/p>\n Other common examples of disorderly conduct include getting into a fight with someone, being unnecessarily loud in a public space while intoxicated, pulling a fire alarm when there is not an emergency, and refusing to leave the scene of an accident after being directed by an official.<\/p>\n A disorderly conduct charge in Arizona is a class 1 misdemeanor and can come with a penalty of up to six months in jail and a maximum of $2,500 in fines if convicted. However, combined with additional circumstances, a charge can be more severe. Under ARS 13-2904, disorderly conduct that involves the use of a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon is a class 6 felony.<\/p>\n A class 6 felony in Arizona is the least severe type of felony and can result in up to $150,000 in fines and a jail sentence ranging between four months and 5.75 years, depending on past felony convictions and criminal charges. The judge may also require you to pay additional fees and possible restitution to any victims involved in the crime.<\/p>\n Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n If you walk into the courtroom facing a disorderly conduct charge alone, you are at a disadvantage against an experienced prosecution team looking to secure a conviction and pin you with harsh penalties. Having a disorderly conduct attorney by your side can give you a valuable resource to turn to for guidance in navigating the difficulties of the legal system so you are not caught off-guard at any point in the process.<\/p>\n At JacksonWhite, our team is dedicated to seeking the best possible outcome for you in your case. We\u2019ll use our extensive legal experience to advocate for you throughout every step of the legal process and defend you against harsh charges.<\/p>\n Working with our disorderly conduct lawyers offers the following benefits:<\/p>\n Our disorderly conduct attorneys will help you face the prosecution\u2019s charges and build the best possible defense to protect you against the risk of harsh penalties. Contact our team at JacksonWhite to learn more about the benefits of having an attorney to support you.<\/p>\n At JacksonWhite Law, we have a detailed process for handling disorderly conduct cases so we can put you in the best possible position to avoid a conviction or harsh penalties. Navigating the legal system is not easy, especially without years of legal experience, which is why our attorneys work with you to ensure you understand the charges you\u2019re facing and your potential legal avenues for combatting them.<\/p>\n We begin each case with a free initial consultation that allows us to understand the unique circumstances of your case and the nature of the charges against you. During this consultation, we\u2019ll listen to your account of the events and discuss the evidence presented so we can determine the best possible path forward.<\/p>\n From there, we take the following steps to help you build a strong defense and potentially defeat the charges laid out against you:<\/p>\n Our team provides thorough support in all areas of the legal process to ensure that you are well-equipped to combat the disorderly conduct charges against you. Contact our attorneys at JacksonWhite Law to learn more about how we can help you build a defense to bring about the best possible outcome.<\/p>\n Cases involving disorderly conduct can often be complex as defenses typically focus on the unavailability of evidence. The prosecution may also have difficulty finding reliable witnesses to testify against the accused, especially if the case is pursued after a lengthy amount of time.<\/p>\n In addition to lack of evidence, a criminal defense attorney may also recommend other legal defenses, such as the following:<\/p>\n A criminal defense attorney may recommend a legal defense of reasonable doubt if the prosecution has inadequate evidence to prove their case. Finding witnesses who will testify on the defendant\u2019s behalf to discredit any evidence brought forward by the prosecution is ideal. Without concrete proof that a crime was committed, the court could dismiss the charges.<\/p>\n Freedom of speech is another defense that may apply to disorderly conduct cases due to the First Amendment. However, this defense is only viable if it can be proven that the alleged crime should not have caused a reasonable person to react in a violent way.<\/p>\n For example, freedom of speech may be a suitable defense in a case where the defendant disrupted a meeting, gathering, or procession.<\/p>\n In certain scenarios, the prosecution may need to prove that the accused had criminal intentions. In this situation, the defendant could possibly convince the judge or jury that they did not have the intention to commit a crime and that disorderly conduct was committed accidentally.<\/p>\n Under ARS 13-404, a person can justifiably threaten another person or use physical force against someone else to protect themselves or a loved one from imminent danger. In addition, the law states that the threat or physical force used must be proportional to the extent or degree of the imminent harm.<\/p>\n In certain cases, a defendant could plead self-defense if they have evidence that proves that they or a loved one was in imminent danger when they committed the crime of disorderly conduct.<\/p>\n In some cases, a criminal defense attorney may recommend a defense of no criminal act, meaning that no crime was actually committed. Due to the broad and ambiguous nature of ARS 13-2904, an attorney could explain to the court that the disorderly conduct displayed was not severe enough to be considered a crime.<\/p>\n For example, if the charge focuses on the use of offensive language, an attorney could argue that the words used were rude but did not threaten or provoke another person.<\/p>\nUnderstanding Disorderly Conduct Charges in Arizona<\/h2>\n
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The Benefits of Hiring a Disorderly Conduct Lawyer<\/h2>\n
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Our Process for Handling Disorderly Conduct Cases<\/h2>\n
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Legal Defenses to Disorderly Conduct in Arizona<\/h2>\n
1. Reasonable Doubt<\/h3>\n
2. Freedom of Speech<\/h3>\n
3. No Criminal Intention<\/h3>\n
4. Self-Defense<\/h3>\n
5. No Criminal Act<\/h3>\n