Disorderly Conduct Charges in Arizona
Disorderly conduct is a legal term that encompasses disruptive or offensive behaviors, such as fighting, excessive noise, or abusive language, intended to disturb the peace or provoke immediate physical retaliation. In Arizona, A.R.S. 13-2904, read in full here, outlines the behaviors that constitute this offense and the associated penalties.
Disorderly Conduct Behaviors
A.R.S. 13-2904 identifies several behaviors that can lead to a charge of disorderly conduct. These behaviors include:
- Engaging in fighting, violent, or seriously disruptive behavior
- Making unreasonable noise
- Using abusive or offensive language or gestures in a manner likely to provoke immediate physical retaliation
- Creating protracted commotion, utterance, or display with the intent to disrupt lawful meetings, gatherings, or processions
- Refusing to obey a lawful order to disperse in situations involving public safety
- Recklessly handling, displaying, or discharging a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument
Each of these actions, when done with the intent to disturb the peace or when knowingly causing such disturbance, can result in a charge of disorderly conduct.
Severity and Penalties
The severity of disorderly conduct charges can vary depending on the specific behavior involved.
- Recklessly handling, displaying, or discharging a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument is a class 6 felony. This is considered the most serious form of disorderly conduct and carries severe penalties that can result in:
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- Up to a year in jail
- Prison ranging from four months to two year
- Probation
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- The remaining above-listed behaviors are class 1 misdemeanors. While not as serious in severity as felonies, they can still result in impactful charges such as:
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- Six months in jail
- Three years of probation
- Fines up to $2500 plus surcharges
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