Legal Question in Criminal Law in Arizona

Disorderly Conduct Question

Recently, my husband was arrested on the charge of disorderly conduct. I (and our family, friends, and witnesses) believe he is not guilty because he was only involved to try to stop the fighting(it was during a bowling tournament, and there was a lot of drinking going on). He is 35 and has does not have any prior arrests. He actually tried to stop his mother and another woman in the league from other men trying to attack them. No one pressed charges, including my husband who had ended up with a black eye, and my mother in law whose shirt was ripped completely off. It was bad. Anyhow, I had to bail him out, and I'm not sure if we need to hire an attorney for the first appearance or should he go alone and try to plead not guilty? This is in Gila County (Payson), but we live in the Phoenix area. I'm scared this is going to ruin my husband, just because he was trying to protect his mother and another lady that day. Any advice for dealing with this??? Thanks in advance


Asked on 7/12/06, 1:16 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Christopher Winchell Winchell Law, PLC

Re: Disorderly Conduct Question

I didn't know bowling was a contact sport. Wow! Under the statute he had to act with the intent to disturb the peace. If he was trying to actually stop the fight, then the opposite would be the case. However, you don't know what the other side to the fight or other witnesses are saying. I have seen it many times where their versions are very different. They may be saying that your husband came after them. The offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor. I believe your husband would be best served with an attorney who can get all the evidence on the other side and discuss the case with the prosecutor. If you are interested in retaining an attorney, you can e-mail me and we can set up a free consultation.

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Answered on 7/12/06, 9:40 am


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