Parties

Parties

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.