PHOENIX, AZ DISORDERLY CONDUCT ATTORNEYS

Have you recently been charged with disorderly conduct? Are you confused about the charge? Don’t worry, you are not alone. Ask any disorderly conduct defense attorney in Arizona, disorderly conduct is easily one of the most vague offenses you can be charged with, both in Phoenix and in the rest of the Arizona. Disorderly conduct is typically the charge you receive if you have been found in a suspicious place under circumstances that show a crime was committed.

What is “Disorderly Conduct?”

Disorderly conduct is also known as “disturbing the peace” and is typically an umbrella term which encompasses many other offenses involving disruptive behavior.

Under Arizona law, the prosecutor must prove that the following occurred:

The defendant intended to disturb the peace or quiet of a neighborhood or knew they were doing so; or
The defendant engaged in fighting, violent, or seriously disruptive behavior.

Arizona courts have interpreted “seriously disruptive behavior” to mean that the defendant threw the situation into disorder or turmoil and interrupted it to the extent of stopping; this falls under the umbrella of fighting or similar threats likely to provoke a response.

Disorderly conduct is frequently charged to juveniles who act out in school. Do not allow the heated mistakes of one day haunt you for years to come, contact an experienced Phoenix disorderly conduct lawyer.

Disorderly Conduct Penalties

While disorderly conduct can seem like a minuscule offense, you will most likely be given a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is the highest level of misdemeanor in Arizona. The maximum penalty in Arizona is 6 months in prison plus up to a $2,500 fine. However, if a firearm is involved, you can be charged with a felony.

The disorderly conduct needs to arise to the extent to be seriously disruptive or the defendant will not be convicted. Mere threats and yelling may be disruptive behavior, but should not lead to potential jail time and a criminal record.

Dwane Cates | Phoenix Disorderly Conduct Attorney

Dwane Cates is an experienced disorderly conduct attorney in Phoenix who has defended numerous clients against disorderly conduct charges. He will work tirelessly to ensure your criminal record is not tarnished by the mistakes of one night which may have upset you more than they should have. Disorderly conduct is usually the fall back charge officers arrive at after arriving at a scene where an incident has occurred. Trust your future to an attorney who is well-respected among both his colleagues and clients.

Contact our law offices today to set up your initial free consultation.

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