Arizona Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct is one of the most common criminal offenses in Arizona. If you are charged with disorderly conduct, a we can help you fight the charges, get a dismissal, reduction, or other positive outcome. Call our defense attorneys covering all of Arizona for a consultation on the specifics of your case today!

Disorderly conduct, also referred to as disturbing the peace, is very common. This law is kind of a catch-all for disruptive behavior. In particular, if a police officer is annoyed with you, he or she will often arrest you for disorderly conduct. It is a very subjective charge, and for that reason we can often fight the charges and claim the alleged disruptive behavior is overstated.

Whether you were disrupting your neighborhood with a loud party, or arguing with someone in public-the charge is the same. However, the circumstances do affect how severe your possible sentence could be if you are found guilty.

There are a number of circumstances that may warrant a disorderly conduct charge:
• engaging in fighting or seriously disruptive behavior
• making “unreasonable” noise
• using abusive or offensive language to try and provoke someone
• making a commotion to disrupt business
• refusing to leave an area as directed by officials (for instance: the scene of a fire or emergency)
• recklessly handling or displaying a firearm. Any of these must be done with intent to disturb the peace of a neighborhood, family, or persons.

Penalties for Disorderly Conduct in Arizona
In most situations, disorderly conduct is a class 1 misdemeanor. Class 1 misdemeanors are the highest level of misdemeanor in the State of Arizona. They carry a potential of up to 6 months in prison and fines of $2,500.

If you are charged with disorderly conduct involving a firearm, you are facing class 6 felony charges.

Felony disorderly conduct carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a conviction would label you as a convicted felon, which is something that will follow you forever.

13-2904. Disorderly conduct; classification
A. A person commits disorderly conduct if, with intent to disturb the peace or quiet of a neighborhood, family or person, or with knowledge of doing so, such person:

1. Engages in fighting, violent or seriously disruptive behavior; or

2. Makes unreasonable noise; or

3. Uses abusive or offensive language or gestures to any person present in a manner likely to provoke immediate physical retaliation by such person; or

4. Makes any protracted commotion, utterance or display with the intent to prevent the transaction of the business of a lawful meeting, gathering or procession; or

5. Refuses 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

6. Recklessly handles, displays or discharges a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.

B. Disorderly conduct under subsection A, paragraph 6 is a class 6 felony. Disorderly conduct under subsection A, paragraph 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 is a class 1 misdemeanor.