The area surrounding Arizona State University and a nearby stretch of Mill Avenue is popular for people who want to visit Tempe's  numerous bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Students who attend ASU, individuals who live in the greater Phoenix area and those who vacation here make up the regular crowds who party in Tempe every weekend.

Unfortunately, many visitors to downtown Tempe find themselves arrested and charged with such offenses as Disorderly Conduct, Assault or Trespassing.  Often this results from an incident which occurs within one of the local establishments and is escalated by the response from security personnel.  Police are often notified and visitors find themselves facing a criminal charge and  a potential jail term, probation and significant fines.

Some of the more common offenses people in the Mill Avenue District may be charged with include:

1. Disorderly Conduct:

   Arizona Revised Statutes 13-2904 states:

    A person commits disorderly conduct if, with intent to disturb the peace or quiet of a neighborhood, family or person, or with knowledge of doing so, such person:

   1. Engages in fighting, violent or seriously disruptive behavior; or

   2. Makes unreasonable noise; or

   3. Uses abusive or offensive language or gestures to any person present in a manner likely to provoke immediate physical retaliation by such person; or

   4. Makes any protracted commotion, utterance or display with the intent to prevent the transaction of the business of a lawful meeting, gathering or procession; or

   5. 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

   6. Recklessly handles, displays or discharges a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.

    

2. Assault:

        According to the Arizona State Statutes, a person may be charged with misdemeanor or “simple” assault if they:

• Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly cause any physical injury to another person;  
• Intentionally place another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury 
• Knowingly touch another person with the intent to injure, insult or provoke that person.

     3. Trespassing:

        A person commits criminal trespass by knowingly entering or remaining unlawfully on any real property after a reasonable request to leave by a law enforcement officer, the owner or any other person having lawful control over such property, or reasonable notice prohibiting entry.

Most of the offenses people are arrested for in the downtown Tempe Bars are misdemeanors.  However, a conviction could still serious consequences which involves jail, mandatory classes, probation and fines.  More importantly, any criminal conviction could negatively impact your employment, ability to obtain housing or maintain a professional license.

Can Charges in Tempe Be Defended?

Undoubtedly, you should immediately contact an experienced criminal defense attorney if arrested in Tempe or any other city in the greater Phoenix area.  On many occasions, surveillance and body camera video may be available which shows that you did not act in the manner or commit the offenses alleged by police or security personnel.  Moreover, an attorney may be able to negotiate a dismissal of the charges or obtain a not guilty verdict at trial.  I have represented many individuals who simply did not behave in the way that bouncers or security guards claim and have had their cases resolved favorably.

Call (480) 833-8613 for Help Now

As a former police officer, prosecutor and experienced criminal defense attorney, I know the criminal justice system, how prosecutors and police officers think and how to attack a criminal charge from all angles.  I have represented thousands of people from all walks of life who have been charged with serious offenses and have expertise in achieving a dismissal of the charges, negotiating favorable agreements and conducting jury trials in all types of misdemeanor and felony cases. If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Tempe or any city in Maricopa or Pinal County, call for immediate help.

Criminal Defense Results