Disorderly Conduct Charges in Arizona may be unlawful: What you should know before pleading guilty.

“Not all Disorderly Conduct arrests are justified or lawful. You should consult a criminal defense attorney before pleading guilty. If your constitutional rights were violated, you may be able to get charges dismissed.”
Disorderly Conduct Charges

Disorderly conduct (also called disturbing the peace) is charged often in Mesa AZ and other cities in Maricopa County. However, the consequence of a conviction should be taken seriously because they carry harsh penalties. You should consult a Mesa criminal lawyer if you were arrested for Disorderly Conduct in Mesa AZ. Not all disorderly conduct charges are lawful. Often the charges are unjustified, unconstitutional, or are vague in nature. For these reasons you should always consult an experienced criminal defense attorney before pleading guilty to the charges.

Arizona Disorderly Conduct Laws
A person may be charged with Disorderly Conduct in Arizona under ARS 13-2904 if:
A. with intent to disturb the peace of other person (s) or business; and/or
B. with knowledge of doing so; a person engages in:
• Violence, disruptive behavior or altercation;
• Unreasonable, loud disruptive noise;
• Abusive or offensive language/gestures to provoke another to retaliate;
• Disruption with the intent to prevent or distract a lawful gathering,
• Fails to comply with a lawful order to vacate a premises due to a) public safety, b) danger or peril; hazard or emergency;
• Reckless discharge or display of a firearm, or other deadly weapon.

Penalties for Disorderly Conduct in Arizona

Disorderly Conduct charges may be classified as Misdemeanors or Felonies depending on the circumstances. For felony convictions sentencing may result in up to 6 months in prison, $2500.00 in fines, fees, community service, counseling, and a felony criminal record. Disorderly conduct charges that include use of a firearm or other dangerous weapon will elevate the charge to a class 6 felony, for which a conviction that possesses a maximum punishment of one year in prison, and additional harsh penalties.

Criminal Defense Lawyer for Disorderly Conduct Charges in Mesa AZ

There are numerous defenses< that can be used to challenge disorderly conduct charges. The defenses used will be based on the circumstances surrounding the charges. If the arrest was unjustified or violated your constitutional rights, an experienced attorney who defends criminal charges in Arizona, will be able to challenge the charges and evidence, in an effort to get them dismissed or mitigate sentencing.