Disorderly Conduct: A.R.S. 13-2904

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:

1. Engaging in fighting, violent, or seriously disruptive behavior
2. Making unreasonable noise
3. Using abusive or offensive language or gestures in a manner likely to provoke immediate physical retaliation
4. Creating protracted commotion, utterance, or display with the intent to disrupt lawful meetings, gatherings, or processions
5. Refusing to obey a lawful order to disperse in situations involving public safety
6. 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.

1. 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:

• • • Up to a year in jail
    • Prison ranging from four months to two year
    • Probation

1. 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:

• • • Six months in jail
    • Three years of probation
    • Fines up to $2500 plus surcharges

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