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ARS 13-2904: Disorderly Conduct Laws in Arizona

What to Know About Arizona's Disorderly Conduct Statutes

In an effort to keep our communities running both calmly and peacefully, Arizona has laws to prevent their citizens from disturbing the peace. When citizens act in a manner that is likely to cause a disturbance, they can be prosecuted under “disorderly conduct laws.” 


Even though disturbing the peace and disorderly conduct are often thought of as laws to prevent rioting, disorderly conduct is actually a common charge used for situations such as fighting, causing a commotion, or being too loud.  


Due to the minor actions and circumstances which disorderly conduct is applied, it is one of the most common charges in every jurisdiction. Even though disorderly conduct may seem like a minor charge, it can have serious consequences. 


If you have been charged with disorderly conduct, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An experienced defense attorney can provide necessary legal protection and knowledge to ensure this simple charge does not seriously affect your life. 

What is Considered Disorderly Conduct in Arizona?

According to A.R.S 13-2904, a person commits disorderly conduct if they intentionally disturb the peace or quiet of a person, family, group of people or neighborhood.  


This legal definition is somewhat vague, so the following list contains common examples of disorderly conduct:   


  • Engaging in fighting, violent or seriously disruptive behavior; or
  • Making unreasonable noise; or
  • Using abusive or offensive language or gestures to any person present in a manner likely to provoke immediate physical retaliation by such person; or
  • Making any protracted commotion, utterance or display with the intent to prevent the transaction of the business of a lawful meeting, gathering or procession; or
  • Refusing to obey a lawful order to disperse issued to maintain public safety in dangerous proximity to a fire, a hazard or any other emergency; or
  • Recklessly handling, displaying or discharge of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.

Based on A.R.S 13-2904, there are many actions which warrant being charged with disorderly conduct and some are more severe than others. 


Because of the severity of some actions, it is important to meet with an attorney as soon as possible after being charged with disorderly conduct to ensure that your legal defense is tailored to fit your charges. 

What Happens When You are Charged with Disorderly Conduct?

  Depending on the severity of both your actions and city laws, you may just receive a ticket for disorderly conduct or you may be arrested.  


If you only receive a citation, it will provide the information regarding the charges against you, when you will appear in court, and you will not be booked. However, if you are arrested for disorderly conduct, you will be booked and need to be bailed out.  


After you have been charged with disorderly conduct, whether it be through a ticket or arrest, you will need to appear in court to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. If you plead not guilty you will need to appear before a judge again at a later date. 


To best protect yourself, you should hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as you have been arrested or cited.  A criminal defense attorney will assist you in creating a defense, determining how you will plead and possibly getting the charges reduced or dropped.  

Can I Go to Jail for Disorderly Conduct?

Disorderly conduct is almost always punishable as a misdemeanor offense. But in instances involving a weapon, disorderly conduct becomes a felony.  


In the cases which do not involve a firearm, the punishment for a class 1 misdemeanor includes up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500 (plus any surcharges) and the possibility of parole. 


Usually punishment does increase if the person charged is a repeat offender or committed other crimes in addition to the disorderly conduct. Even though most disorderly conduct charges may not result in jail time, they can have a big impact on personal life, finances, and employment.


In order to prevent your disorderly conduct charge from causing havoc on your life, set up an appointment with an experienced criminal defense attorney.  


An attorney will ensure that you are represented by someone well versed in defending individuals charged with disorderly conduct. Going to court for criminal charges requires a well-planned defense strategy — an attorney will do this far better than doing it yourself. 

Hiring a Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with disorderly conduct, the criminal defense attorneys at Jackson White Law are here to help. Starting with a free case review, we will walk you through the extent of your charges and explain the legal options available to you. From there we will help formulate a defense strategy that assists you in receiving the best outcome possible. 


Contact us today set up your free case review! Our phone number is (480) 660-3438

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