A disorderly conduct charge could be a misdemeanor or a felony. Either way, it puts a negative mark on your criminal record. In addition, it could lead to fines and jail or prison time.
Understanding the charges against you is essential to mounting a proper defense. The better you understand, the more likely it is you can dispute the charges. The Arizona State Legislature explains a disorderly conduct charge involves intentionally disturbing the peace, but this can happen in a variety of ways.
Noise
You could face disorderly conduct charges for making excessive and needless noise. Playing loud music, yelling or other similar actions could result in a charge. Usually, in cases like this, you will have a warning before officers arrest you for disorderly conduct.
Offensive actions
Making an offensive gesture or saying offensive things to provoke another person into a fight is disorderly conduct. This is subjective in some ways since everyone has a different threshold for what they find offensive, but for a disorderly conduct charge, it should be apparent that whatever you are doing would be found off-putting and upsetting by the other person.
Disturbing business
Actions that cause a disruption or prevent the flow of business or other gatherings are disorderly conduct. This includes actions and words that you may do or use in such a setting.
Fighting
Any type of fighting or violent behavior falls into the category of disorderly conduct.
Refusal to adhere to safety protocols
Not paying attention to the directions or order of officials at the sight of an accident, fire or another public emergency could result in a disorderly conduct charge.
Reckless use of a dangerous weapon
Brandishing a weapon or using it in a way that risks harm to those around you is also disorderly conduct.
Keep in mind that in all these situations, you may face additional charges as well.