What is Disorderly Conduct in Arizona A.R.S. 13-2904?

Disorderly conduct in Arizona is to disturb the peace or quiet of a neighborhood, family or person, by engaging in fighting, violent or seriously disruptive behavior, which is a class one misdemeanor, or makes unreasonable noise, a class two misdemeanor or uses abusive or offensive language or gestures to any person present in a manner likely to provoke immediate physical retaliation by such person. This is a class three misdemeanor. A person who recklessly handles, displays or discharges a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument commits a class six felony. A necessary element of this offense is that a person intends or knows that he is engaging in such conduct. The help of an aggressive and experienced criminal defense lawyer will be helpful in this situation.

Penalties for disorderly conduct in Arizona A.R.S. 13-2904

Penalties for disorderly conduct can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the offense. In Arizona, disorderly conduct is a Class 1 misdemeanor unless committed in a violent or tumultuous manner, in which case it is a Class 6 felony.

For a Class 1 misdemeanor:

1. First Offense: A Class 1 misdemeanor is punishable by up to six months in jail or probation and fines of up to $2,500.

2. Subsequent Offenses: Repeat offenses may result in more severe penalties, including longer jail sentences and higher fines.

For a Class 6 felony:

1. Penalties: A Class 6 felony is less severe than higher classes of felonies but can still result in imprisonment or probation. The specific penalties for a Class 6 felony may include a term of imprisonment ranging from 1 month to 1.5 years.

Common Defenses to Disorderly Conduct

In Arizona, disorderly conduct is generally covered under Arizona Revised Statutes §13-2904, and it encompasses a range of behaviors that can be considered disruptive or offensive. Some potential defenses to disorderly conduct in Arizona may include:

1. Lack of Intent: If the accused did not have the intent to disturb the peace, engage in fighting, or provoke a violent response, it might be a defense.

2. Self-Defense: If the accused engaged in disorderly conduct as a reasonable response to a threat of harm, they might raise a self-defense argument.

3. False Accusations: If there is evidence that the allegations are false or that the accused was wrongly identified as the perpetrator, this may be a defense.

4. Unreliable Witnesses: Challenging the credibility of witnesses or questioning the reliability of the evidence presented against the accused could be a defense strategy.

It's important to consult with a legal professional for advice tailored to the specific details of the case. Laws can change, and the application of these defenses may vary depending on the facts surrounding the disorderly conduct charge. If you or someone you know is facing disorderly conduct charges in Arizona, seeking the assistance of a qualified criminal defense attorney is recommended.

Contact a Stalking Crimes Defense Lawyer in Maricopa County

Contact Brian Di Pietro Law, PLLC today for a free case evaluation about your pending disorderly conduct case in Arizona. Brian Di Pietro is an experienced, tough, aggressive Phoenix criminal defense attorney who will work hard to fight the charges against you to achieve the most favorable outcome for your particular disorderly conduct case. Contact now Brian Di Pietro Law, PLLC at 623-242-2655 for a free confidential case evaluation about your disorderly conduct charge in Arizona.