Disorderly Conduct Attorneys in Phoenix, Arizona

According to Arizona statutes, the crime of "disorderly conduct" refers to two completely different crimes. The first crime, under statute 13-2904(A)(1), is a crime that relates to physical violence. The second crime, under statutes 13-2904(A)(2-4), is a crime that relates to offensive speech. As a consequence, prosecutors and police use the crime of "disorderly conduct" for entirely different purposes.

Disorderly Conduct vs. Assault Charge

Prosecutors often use the fighting definition of the crime, which makes it a crime to "engage in fighting, violent, or seriously disruptive behavior". They use it to construct plea bargains in cases that initially charge someone with assault; however, assault is usually a more serious offense than disorderly conduct. In exchange for a plea to disorderly conduct, prosecutors may dismiss the assault charge and, in turn, it would be entirely beneficial for the accused. This would be beneficial because disorderly conduct is most often considered a less burdensome crime to have on a person's record than most assault charges.

Unreasonable Charges

Not surprisingly, police officers usually use the part of the law that makes it a crime to make an "unreasonable noise," use "abusive" or "offensive language," or use "offensive language or gestures to any person present in a manner likely to provoke immediate physical retaliation by such person." In some cases, frustrated police officers may realize that a person has not broken the law; because of this, some officers may simply intimidate or write a ticket in order to punish a person for talking back to them.

Our Disorderly Conduct Case Experience

At the Law Offices of Michael Cordova, we are skilled in dealing with such poorly phrased crimes. In some instances, people engage in fighting behavior in order to protect a loved one, a friend, or their property. Most of the time, this is completely justified and should not be charged as a crime. We also understand that a person may have done nothing wrong and may have only verbally objected to the way a police officer was treating a loved one. As such, we are prepared to defend an individual's given right of freedom of speech that is listed explicitly in the First Amendment.

Contact Us

If you have been charged with disorderly conduct, please contact our Disorderly Conduct Attorneys for a free, personal, and confidential consultation. You can contact the Law Offices of Michael Cordova at 602-265-6700.

Our attorneys not only work on disorderly conduct cases but in other criminal defense and DUI areas, as well as personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, dog bites, motorcycle accidents, and product and premises liability, so please contact your local Phoenix attorneys for a free consultation.

*Contingent fees are charged on total recovery