What will I face with a Disorderly conduct charge in Phoenix, AZ?

Question

Has anybody been charged or convicted with a disorderly conduct charge in Phoenix, AZ? Please share your stories. I have been charged and scheduled for court. I do not know if I should plead guilt/not guily. I cannot afford a lawyer...Any personal stories or insight is appreciated. The only other conviction I have is underage drinking 8 years ago. Other than that I have a clean record.

Answer 1

ARE you guilty? Ask for a public defender.

Answer 2

If you cannot afford a lawyer please tell this to the court so that they can appoint one for you.
I doubt that you will face any jailtime or that your conviction from 8 years ago will come up.
I am NOT from AZ so this is just a guess based on what they do in some other states.
If there is anyway you could see yourself clear to get an attorney, you should do that because an attorney I am sure would be able to get this dismissed as it is not a serious charge to begin with (the bullshyt charge when the police are pissed)

Answer 3

Since you have no record other than juvenile which cannot be used against you. I think the maximum sentence is 6 months which you wont get. at best ,they could dismiss the charge since its only a minor misdemeanor,the most you will get probation. My first criminal charge was a felony I got it dismissed . I dont think I started to recieve time until I had about 4 convictions on my record. trust me jails and prisons are over crowded...

Answer 4

Don't know, but I wouldn't think you would get anything more than probation or so many hours of community service.
You should however, look in the Yellow Pages and see what the cost would be for legal representation. Many attorneys offer one free consultation and they can give you an approx. cost on what they charge. Some are relatively cheap!

Answer 5

disorderly is a pretty weak charge. if there is evidence to support the charge, you may as well plead guilty and take the community service the judge will probably impose. they will probably also impose some sort of probation too. not many states/counties have jail time attached to this charge due to jail overcrowding.

Answer 6

You could either be charged with a class 6 felony or class 2 misdemeanor.

Call Legal Aid or ask for a court appointed attorney.

The following is from the AZ Revised Statutes:

****Types of Disorderly conduct****

13-2904. Disorderly conduct; classification

A. A person commits disorderly conduct if, with intent to disturb the peace or quiet of a neighborhood, family or person, or with knowledge of doing so, such person:

1. Engages in fighting, violent or seriously disruptive behavior; or

2. Makes unreasonable noise; or

3. Uses abusive or offensive language or gestures to any person present in a manner likely to provoke immediate physical retaliation by such person; or

4. Makes any protracted commotion, utterance or display with the intent to prevent the transaction of the business of a lawful meeting, gathering or procession; or

5. Refuses to obey a lawful order to disperse issued to maintain public safety in dangerous proximity to a fire, a hazard or any other emergency; or

6. Recklessly handles, displays or discharges a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.

****Whether it is a felony or misdemeanor***** (read the above sentences to see which offense you commited.)

B. Disorderly conduct under subsection A, paragraph 6 is a class 6 felony. Disorderly conduct under subsection A, paragraph 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 is a class 1 misdemeanor.

****Sentence if you are charged with a class 6 felony.****

13-701. Sentence of imprisonment for felony; presentence report

A. A sentence of imprisonment for a felony shall be a definite term of years and the person sentenced, unless otherwise provided by law, shall be committed to the custody of the state department of corrections.

B. No prisoner may be transferred to the custody of the state department of corrections without a certified copy of the judgment and sentence, signed by the sentencing judge, and a copy of a recent presentence investigation report unless the court has waived preparation of the report.

C. Except as provided in section 13-604 the term of imprisonment for a felony shall be determined as follows for a first offense:


5. For a class 6 felony, one year.
13-707. Sentence of imprisonment for misdemeanor

****Fines for class 6 felony.*****

13-801. Fines for felonies

A. A sentence to pay a fine for a felony shall be a sentence to pay an amount fixed by the court not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars.

B. A judgment that the defendant shall pay a fine, with or without the alternative of imprisonment, shall constitute a lien in like manner as a judgment for money rendered in a civil action.

C. This section does not apply to an enterprise.

****Sentence for a class 1 misdemeanor****

A. A sentence of imprisonment for a misdemeanor shall be for a definite term to be served other than a place within custody of the state department of corrections. The court shall fix the term of imprisonment within the following maximum limitations:

1. For a class 1 misdemeanor, six months.

B. The court may, pursuant to this section, direct that the person sentenced shall not be released on any basis until the sentence imposed by the court has been served.

**** Fine for class 1 misdemeanor****

13-802. Fines for misdemeanors

A. A sentence to pay a fine for a class 1 misdemeanor shall be a sentence to pay an amount, fixed by the court, not more than two thousand five hundred dollars.

E. A judgment that the defendant shall pay a fine, with or without the alternative of imprisonment, shall constitute a lien in like manner as a judgment for money rendered in a civil action.

F. This section does not apply to an enterprise.

Answer 7

I am not sure myself. My 14 year old was just charged with this at his school. I to am wondering what is going to happen to him. The cops brought him home so he is no longer in jail.
A school person said they are afraid of my kid so they are going to call cops. I do not understand why the school can not handle a 14 year old kid? I do quite well at home......

Hope you find your answers, and I guess I will find out the answer to mine when or if my son has to go in front of a judge....