South Tucson boasts a strong sense of community, family eateries, and small-town atmosphere with a big city setting. But sometimes misunderstandings, noise disturbances, and neighborhood complaints result in arrests, particularly with Arizona’s wide-gauge definition of disorderly conduct. Lerner and Rowe Law Group’s South Tucson disorderly conduct lawyer team is here to defend against an unwarranted charge of disorderly conduct. We protect and serve our South Tucson and Pima County communities.
To learn more about what our team will be able to do for you, give us a call today at (602) 667-7777.
Why Disorderly Conduct Cases in South Tucson are Often Misinterpreted
Because South Tucson is a small community with neighbors who live in very close proximity, it’s easy for disputes among them to start with small infractions and end up with the police getting involved. Once police are dispatched with a call involving a disturbance, they are often compelled to “keep the peace.” Consequently, they have very limited facts on which they have to make rapid decisions.
ARS 13-2904 permits police officers to cite a defendant for disorderly conduct as follows:
- Noisy or disturbing sound
- Failure to comply with an officer’s directive
- Verbal altercations
- A behavior perceived as threatening
- Handling a weapon in a manner that caused alarm
Due to its subjective nature, two witnesses may view the same incident and yet have completely different perspectives. It is at this stage that a South Tucson disorderly conduct lawyer becomes critical.
Circumstances Which Often Result in Charges for Disorderly Conduct in South Tucson
Even small incidents can be blown out of proportion. Common scenarios we usually see include:
- Neighbor disputes within apartment complexes
- Conflicts outside local businesses or restaurants
- Disagreements among family members
- Miscommunications occurring at traffic stops
- Disturbances caused by noise at late night parties
- Reports involving weapons and knives, even if there were no threats made
All these are different and most arise out of a situation that escalated too quickly.
Possible Penalties a South Tucson Disorderly Conduct Lawyer Sees
The penalty varies depending on the seriousness of charges and if weapons have been used.
Misdemeanor
All but the most serious instances of disorderly conduct will be included within this category. The possible penalties include:
- Not more than 6 months’ imprisonment
- Fines as high as $2,500
- Community Service
- Probation
Felony
When police suspect there was some questionable handling of a weapon, it might be prosecuted as a felony with these elements:
- Prison time
- A felony conviction
- Loss of gun rights
- Barriers to Employment and Housing
Since the consequences are severe, it becomes imperative for you to seek a South Tucson disorderly conduct lawyer as soon as possible.
Talk to a South Tucson Disorderly Conduct Lawyer Today
Even with charges against you, you don’t have to navigate them on your own. You can talk to a South Tucson disorderly conduct lawyer by calling (602) 667-7777, contact us via our online form, or communicate with us via LiveChat. Lerner and Rowe Law Group is at your service 24/7.