Arizona criminal charge
Disorderly conduct in Arizona
Disorderly conduct is a criminal offense under Arizona law, defined by A.R.S. § 13-2904. Its classification is not fixed: Arizona assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by A.R.S. § 13-2904.
What is the penalty for disorderly conduct in Arizona?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 6 months to 18 months (Disorderly conduct — recklessly handling, displaying or discharging a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument — Applies when the disorderly conduct consists of recklessly handling, displaying or discharging a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument under subsection A, paragraph 6.; presumptive 1 year; mitigated .33 years / aggravated 2 years on required findings (13-701, 13-702(B)-(D)); repetitive (13-703) or dangerous (13-704) offenses use different ranges; a class 6 felony may be designated a class 1 misdemeanor under 13-604) | presumptive | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Fine | up to $150,000 (Disorderly conduct — recklessly handling, displaying or discharging a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument — Applies when the disorderly conduct consists of recklessly handling, displaying or discharging a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument under subsection A, paragraph 6.; fine cap for an individual (13-801); statute-specific amounts may exceed) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Disorderly conduct — fighting, noise, abusive language, disruption of meetings, or failure to disperse — Applies when the disorderly conduct consists of any act described in subsection A, paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.; definite term served outside state prison (13-707(A)(1)); prior same offense within 2 years elevates to the next higher class (13-707(B))) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Fine | up to $2,500 (Disorderly conduct — fighting, noise, abusive language, disruption of meetings, or failure to disperse — Applies when the disorderly conduct consists of any act described in subsection A, paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.; 13-802(A)) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
Applies to first felony offense, non-dangerous; presumptive term 1 year.
How is disorderly conduct classified in Arizona?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disorderly conduct — recklessly handling, displaying or discharging a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument | Class 6 Felony | Applies when the disorderly conduct consists of recklessly handling, displaying or discharging a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument under subsection A, paragraph 6. | A.R.S. § 13-2904B |
| Disorderly conduct — fighting, noise, abusive language, disruption of meetings, or failure to disperse | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Applies when the disorderly conduct consists of any act described in subsection A, paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. | A.R.S. § 13-2904B |
Common questions about disorderly conduct in Arizona
Is disorderly conduct a felony or a misdemeanor in Arizona?
It depends on the circumstances: disorderly conduct ranges from a Class 1 Misdemeanor to a Class 6 Felony in Arizona under A.R.S. § 13-2904.
Disorderly conduct — recklessly handling, displaying or discharging a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument: Class 6 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-2904B) · Disorderly conduct — fighting, noise, abusive language, disruption of meetings, or failure to disperse: Class 1 Misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 13-2904B)
What are the penalties for disorderly conduct in Arizona?
Which Arizona statute covers disorderly conduct?
Disorderly conduct is governed by A.R.S. § 13-2904 (Disorderly conduct; classification).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.