Q: Can I get in trouble for throwing a party?
A: If your party gets too loud or disturbs the peace, you could be charged with "Disorderly Conduct" according to A.R.S. §13-2904.
Q: What is Disorderly Conduct?
A: Arizona law defines "Disorderly Conduct" (A.R.S. §13-2904) as a person who, with intent to disturb the peace of quiet of a neighborhood, family or person, or with knowledge of doing so:
- Engages in fighting, violent, or seriously disruptive behavior;
- Makes unreasonable noise;
- Uses abusive or offensive language or gestures to any person present in a manner likely to provoke physical retaliation;
- Makes any protracted commotion, utterance, or display with the intent to prevent the transaction of the business of lawful meeting, gathering, or procession;
- 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
- Recklessly handles, displays, or discharges a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
Q: What do I do if people crash my party?
A: Crashing a party could be trespassing. If necessary, the police can be called to remove uninvited guests (A.R.S. §13-1504).
Laws may have changed since the last time this article was updated. The current and most up-to-date laws can be accessed here.