Tempe Disorderly Conduct Lawyer

Disorderly Conduct Attorney in Tempe, AZ

Disorderly conduct can be one of the more confusing charges to understand. Sometimes, they happen due to a misunderstanding or an accident, but a person gets charged, nevertheless. If you find yourself facing a charge like this, it can be helpful to sit down with a Tempe disorderly conduct lawyer who can help you sort through the events and determine where you stand. The attorneys at Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm can help you understand your case.

Tempe disorderly conduct cases are typically prosecuted in the Tempe Municipal Court, 140 E 5th St, Tempe, AZ 85281. Misdemeanor crimes are processed through this court relatively quickly, from initial appearance through final sentencing.

About Davidson Criminal Defense DUI & Law Firm Today

Here at Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm, we exclusively handle criminal defense cases. Joshua S. Davidson used to work as a prosecutor himself in the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. He has spent years getting to know how both misdemeanor- and felony-level criminal cases proceed through the courts all over Tempe. Davidson has tried over 70 jury trials, and most of those trials have involved serious criminal allegations.

Disorderly Conduct Laws in Arizona

Disorderly conduct falls under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-2904. A person is guilty of disorderly conduct if they:

• Intentionally engage in fighting, or in violently disruptive behavior
• Make unreasonable noise
• Use abusive or obscene language likely to provoke a violent reaction
• Display a deadly weapon in a rude, angry, or threatening manner

According to one source, there were 156,173 arrests in Arizona in 2025. This equaled an arrest rate of 2,046.50 per 100,000 population. Of Group B offenses, 15.3% of them were for disorderly conduct. Arizona law makes it a crime to disturb the peace, quiet, or comfort of a neighborhood, family, or individual. The law is intentionally broad and can encompass a variety of conduct.

For example, someone screaming obscenities at their neighbor could be charged with disorderly conduct. Two people getting into a fistfight on the street might be charged with disorderly conduct. Much of it will depend on the facts and how they are interpreted by law enforcement. One person’s idea of arguing could be another’s disorderly conduct charge.

Understanding Disorderly Conduct Cases

When police show up at your door, they will take statements from you, the alleged victim, and any witnesses. If they believe there is probable cause to charge someone with disorderly conduct, they will either cite that person or arrest them on the scene. In most cases, the person will be released and given a court date.

Your case will make its way to Tempe Municipal Court for arraignment and pretrial hearings. Evidence can include the arresting officer’s statement, witness statements, audio or video recordings, and any other information related to the alleged incident.

Common Disorderly Conduct Case Issues

A significant factor in many disorderly conduct cases is the subjective interpretation of events, leading to these common points of contention:

• Whether the defendant’s behavior actually rose to the level of disturbing someone’s peace
• Whether the language used constituted fighting words
• Whether witness statements are consistent
• Whether the police overstepped their bounds

A disorderly conduct charge could result in disorderly conduct penalties, including jail time and/or fines, depending on the circumstances. If you end up convicted of this offense, it could show up on a background check. That could have an impact down the road should you decide to apply for a job or rental property. Students and professionals may even worry about ramifications through their school or licensing boards.

Hire a Disorderly Conduct Lawyer

When people are charged with disorderly conduct, one of the first questions they ask is whether they should hire a disorderly conduct lawyer. This type of charge can be confusing and overwhelming, and many want to know what to expect when charged with disorderly conduct. Disorderly conduct charges may look simple on the surface, but a significant amount of time must be spent dissecting the factual events.

Having a Tempe disorderly conduct attorney who knows your rights and how the court works can allow you to move through this process smoothly and avoid unnecessary mistakes.

FAQs

Is It Easy to Get a Disorderly Conduct Charge Dropped?

It is not necessarily easy to get a disorderly conduct charge dropped. While these cases may appear straightforward, they often turn on issues of witness credibility, context, and whether the conduct actually rises to the level of A.R.S. § 13-2904. Some of these charges can get dismissed if the evidence is weak, inconsistent, or doesn’t meet the legal standard. However, it doesn’t always happen, as whether dismissal is appropriate is case-specific.

What Is the Minimum Sentence for Disorderly Conduct in Arizona?

There is no set minimum punishment for disorderly conduct. As a misdemeanor charge, you could be sentenced to zero days in jail, probation, fines, or other punishment. Courts usually only issue small punishments like fines or diversion for misdemeanors if it was a less serious offense and your criminal history is clear.

What Is the Most Common Punishment for Disorderly Conduct?

Probation and fines are the most typical sentences. Jail time is usually reserved for repeat offenders or aggravated cases. Many jurisdictions offer diversion or alternative sentencing for first-time offenders. Jail time is always a possibility, especially for upper-level misdemeanors, but many courts are more interested in correcting behaviors than punishing individuals who commit low-level crimes.

Is Yelling and Cursing Disorderly Conduct?

Depending on the circumstances, yelling/foul language could possibly constitute unreasonable noise or fighting words if it meets the criteria set forth by Arizona law as a noise likely to provoke a violent reaction. Everything depends on the circumstances involved. Arguing loudly in your own home probably wouldn’t count, but yelling loudly in a public place might.

Contact Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm Today

Disorderly conduct can be a confusing charge. Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm can help you in the legal process in Tempe. We can help you understand the charges against you, as well as the possible outcomes. We can also advocate for a favorable future for you. Contact us today for more information.for a consultation.