Mesa Disorderly Conduct Attorney
Disorderly conduct is a crime in Arizona that includes various disruptive behaviors. If you are facing disorderly conduct charges in Mesa or any other Arizona city, a skilled Mesa disorderly conduct lawyer can help you understand your legal options and represent you in your case.
A disorderly conduct charge can lead to unwanted consequences. The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC, is here to help you or your loved one navigate the Arizona legal system. No case is too small – we understand that even a minor charge can leave a lasting mark on your record.
Disorderly Conduct
Call The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC today at (844) 707-9356 for your Free Consultation!
Understanding a Disorderly Conduct Charge in Mesa, Arizona
When our emotions override our judgment, it can lead us to take impulsive actions. Such actions can, unfortunately, result in a disorderly conduct charge if they disrupt those around us.
Many people misunderstand what constitutes a disorderly conduct charge and how common this charge actually is. According to a 2024 National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) report, disorderly conduct arrests made up 15% of arrests for minor offenses in Arizona in that year.
ARS 13-2904 is the statute that defines the crime of disorderly conduct and spells out its associated penalties. Disorderly conduct is an action that attempts to or succeeds in intentionally disturbing the peace of a person or group of people. This can include:
- Engaging in violent actions such as fighting or seriously disruptive behavior
- Making unreasonable noise, including loud noises
- Using offensive or abusive language or gestures that provoke another’s reaction
- Disrupting a lawful gathering without authorization
- Not complying with lawful orders to disperse from a hazardous situation or emergency
- Displaying or recklessly handling or discharging a dangerous weapon or instrument
A disorderly conduct charge can arise from various situations, and lack of awareness does not exempt you from potential legal consequences. Additionally, a single incident may lead to multiple charges – for example, if your actions result in serious injury, you could also face charges of assault or aggravated assault alongside disorderly conduct.
If you are unsure whether your actions rise to the level of disorderly conduct or if you need assistance challenging an accusation, a trusted Mesa disorderly conduct lawyer can review the facts of your case and advise you on the most optimal course of action for you.
Penalties for an Arizona Disorderly Conduct Conviction
When a person is charged with disorderly conduct in Mesa, the potential penalty depends on the specific act as outlined above.
Displaying or recklessly handling or discharging a dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument such as a firearm is a Class 6 felony under Arizona law. A Class 6 felony conviction for a first-time offender can lead to a sentence of up to 2 years in prison if there are aggravating factors in the case, with the typical maximum sentence being 1.5 years. A felony conviction also results in a loss of firearm privileges in the state.
Any other action under disorderly conduct is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which can lead to 6 months in jail, 3 years of probation, and a fine of up to $2,500.
Prison time may increase if the offender has a prior criminal record or faces additional charges related to the incident.
The Role of a Mesa Disorderly Conduct Lawyer
For those living in Mesa and other cities in Maricopa County, a knowledgeable Mesa disorderly conduct lawyer can assist with several aspects of your case. This includes:
- Helping you understand what you are accused of
- Developing a tactical legal strategy
- Negotiating with prosecutors on your behalf
- Representing you in a courtroom
Disorderly conduct may seem like a minor charge, but it can carry serious legal consequences, especially if it is a felony charge. You should not face the Arizona criminal justice system without the guidance of a seasoned Mesa criminal defense attorney.
FAQs
A: To charge someone with disorderly conduct in Arizona, law enforcement should show that an accused has engaged in violent or seriously disruptive behavior – including fighting – has made unreasonable noise, or has used offensive or abusive language or gestures that provoked another’s reaction.
Disorderly conduct also includes disrupting a gathering without authorization and failing
to comply with orders to disperse from a hazardous situation. Intentionally displaying or recklessly handling or discharging a dangerous weapon or instrument also constitutes disorderly conduct.
A: To beat a disorderly conduct charge in Mesa, Arizona, it is important to work with a qualified attorney who has years of practice in criminal defense. They can assist you in understanding each charge and can build an effective defense to challenge the case. An effective defense strategy can include proving that the defendant did not act with intention or that they were acting in self-defense.
A: The most common punishment for disorderly conduct is a Class 1 misdemeanor penalty. A person convicted of a Class 1 misdemeanor can receive up to 6 months in jail and up to 3 years of probation. They may also be required to pay up to $2,500 in fines. A judge may determine a final sentence based on the facts of the case.
A: A Mesa disorderly conduct attorney can make a significant difference in a case. A seasoned attorney can challenge charges by arguing that the defendant’s actions were not intentional or that their client acted in self-defense. Attorneys can also work with prosecutors to reduce charges or secure a lighter sentence to avoid jail time. Moreover, they can help clients understand their rights and legal options and adequately navigate the court process.
Call The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC at (844) 609-0216 for your Consultation with a Phoenix Protective Order legal specialist.
Speak With a Mesa Disorderly Conduct Lawyer
Being charged with disorderly conduct may be difficult to handle if it is a first-time offense for you. If you are unfamiliar with the criminal justice system in Arizona, it can be overwhelming to navigate it on your own as you fight to clear your name or reduce the consequences of a mistake. A Mesa disorderly conduct attorney can assist you in securing a favorable result in your case.
With assistance from The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC, you can feel confident that your case is given the attention it deserves. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about how we can help.
