Tempe Disorderly Conduct Lawyer

Arizona’s law prohibiting disorderly conduct is an exceptionally broad statute that prosecutors use to punish a wide range of behavior that falls under the umbrella of “disrupting the peace.” While most disorderly conduct offenses are considered misdemeanors, some will be classified as felonies, making it essential to fully understand the charges against you.

At the Law Office of James E. Novak, our Tempe disorderly conduct lawyer has more than 25 years of experience successfully representing clients charged with public order offenses like disorderly conduct. We understand that the stress of having a criminal case hanging over your head can be overwhelming, and we will do everything possible to ensure that your recent arrest impacts your life as little as possible.

Tempe disorderly conduct charges are brought under Arizona Revised Statute § 13-2904. This law lays out a few different ways someone can commit the crime of disorderly conduct, including:

• Engaging in violent or seriously disruptive behavior, such as fighting;
• Interfering with another’s legitimate business;
• Recklessly handling a firearm or other dangerous weapon;
• Using offensive language or gestures in an effort to provoke someone;
• Making unreasonable noise for no legitimate reason; and
• Refusing to obey a lawful order to disperse from the scene of a fire or other emergency.

A few examples of conduct that fits the general definition of disorderly conduct include:

• An ASU student gets into a fight with a student from another college while at a football game.
• A fraternity hosts a party without regard for neighbors, causing loud noises to go late into the night.
• A partygoer pulls out a handgun and fires it into the air to ring in the New Year.

In most cases, disorderly conduct charges are considered a Class 1 misdemeanor. In Arizona, a Class 1 misdemeanor can lead to a maximum sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine of as much as $2,500.

However, in cases involving the reckless use of a firearm, deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, the charges escalate to a Class 6 felony. For a class 6 felony, the potential jail time increases to a maximum of two years. However, if you have a prior felony conviction, your exposure will increase to a maximum of 5.75 years in jail.

A Tempe disorderly conduct attorney can have a major impact on the outcome of your case in a few different ways. Firstly, attorneys offer customized legal advice, interpreting the laws and regulations specific to Arizona, which can help you understand the charges and potential consequences. A lawyer will also scrutinize the details of the incident, ensuring your rights were respected during the arrest and identifying any procedural errors that could help strengthen your defense.

A lawyer can also negotiate with prosecutors, potentially reducing your charges or enabling you to benefit from alternative sentencing options like diversionary programs, especially if you're a first-time offender. Their experience in local courts allows them to tailor a defense strategy that resonates with local legal precedents and practices.

Most importantly, a Tempe criminal defense lawyer provides a buffer between you and the legal system, handling communications and court appearances, which reduces stress and allows you to focus on your personal and professional life.

If you were recently charged with disorderly conduct in Tempe, don’t assume that just because “it’s only a misdemeanor,” fighting the case is not worth your time and effort. A criminal record will stick with you for years—maybe forever—so it is important to do everything possible to avoid a conviction. At the Law Office of James E. Novak, we’re immediately available to meet with you to listen to your story and explain how we can help. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call Attorney Novak at (480) 413-1499. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.