In Arizona, disorderly conduct is one of the most common criminal charges because it involves different disruptive behaviors. Disorderly conduct laws are often referred to as a “catch-all” or “umbrella” laws because they can cover any number of situations. As a result, defendants are often confused when facing charges of disorderly conduct.
It is imperative to get in touch with a seasoned defense lawyer If you’re facing disorderly conduct charges in Arizona. Your criminal defense lawyer will enlighten you on the intricacies of your disorderly conduct charges and will, therefore, make it easier to defend you in court.
If you are charged with disorderly conduct, Arizona law requires that a prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that there was an intent to disturb the peace and quiet of a person, family, or neighborhood or that you knowingly committed any one of the following criminal offenses:
A disorderly conduct charge may be a felony if firearms are involved. Arizona state law dictates that a person who recklessly handling or discharging a deadly weapon can be charged with felony disorderly misconduct.
Felony convictions carry more serious consequences such as incarceration, fines, and other penalties. First-time felony offenders can be incarcerated from six months to two years, with a presumptive sentence of 1.5 years. Repeat offenders face more severe punishments.
Disorderly conduct is usually a class 1 misdemeanor and is punishable with a maximum of 6 months of jail time and fines. Class 1 misdemeanors may also include probation time.
Even if a misdemeanor offense may appear to be minor, the lifelong consequences can be devastating. A criminal record can affect your chances of employment and consequently, your financial future. It can also derail your education, your ability to secure housing. It may also adversely affect your professional license. As such, it is important that you hire an experienced Phoenix criminal defense lawyers to fight for you.
It is not a walk in the park to defend disorderly conduct charges, however commonplace they may be. There are several defenses that your criminal lawyer can use. “Self defense” is a common defensive strategy. An example is “defensive display”, an act of brandishing a firearm which is justifiable when you have reason to believe that you needed to do this to protect yourself against another person’s use or attempted use of unlawful physical or deadly physical force.
If you have been charged with disorderly conduct, you must be fully aware of the implications of the criminal offense. We shall review your case so we can come up with legal defenses that can give you the best outcome for the this charges filed against you. Our defense lawyers are well versed in criminal law and have years of experience behind them. Legal representation of criminal lawyers who will work hard in building up your defense is crucial to keep you out of jail. Call us now at the law offices of Howard Snader for a free consultation.
