Disturbing the Peace

Published on: September 10, 2013

Tempe Operation Safe and Sober

By Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC

According to a recent report in The State Press (8/21/13), Tempe police officers began increasing their patrols with the start of the fall semester at ASU. They have launched a task force – Operation Safe and Sober – which will include saturation patrols around campus and surrounding areas in Tempe, beginning August 15 and continuing through the end of the month. Tempe police officers will be on the lookout for minors consuming alcohol, driver's under the influence of alcohol (or drugs), out-of-control parties and other related criminal violations. Their goal is to try and send a message to students early in the school year in an effort to help alleviate potential trends in these types of activities. The Tempe Police Department will also be working the night DUI task force with officers from other agencies, including MCSO, Scottsdale PD, Gilbert PD, Mesa PD and ASU PD. In addition to DUI and party patrols, officers will also focus on traffic violations, aimed primarily at pedestrians and bicyclists. While warnings will be issued during the first week of school for traffic violations, officers will begin strict enforcement of alcohol related violations right away.

Since the launch of Operation Safe and Sober, Tempe PD reported 371 arrests during the first week and another 486 arrests during week two of the campaign. Of the 371 arrests during the first week, there were 111 Minor in Possession of Alcohol arrests, 91 DUI arrests, 17 Extreme DUI arrests, 14 DUI-Drugs arrests, 6 Underage DUI arrests, 2 Aggravated DUI arrests and 54 calls for loud parties, among other various arrests. Arrests during the second week of the campaign include 208 for Minors in Possession of Alcohol, 85 for DUI, 68 calls for loud parties, and 14 for Minors, under the age of 18, in possession of alcohol.

Tempe PD has also incorporated an educational facet to this campaign and has been talking with students regarding alcohol, laws and safety measures.

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Published on: March 28, 2013

What is Disorderly Conduct?

By Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC

If you have been charged with disorderly conduct, you may be a bit confused about the crime for which you have been accused. Disorderly conduct can be a confounding charge, because it is a very broad and subjective criminal violation which involves various offenses such as disturbing the peace or causing a commotion. In Arizona, the criminal statutes define disorderly conduct and outline which offenses can constitute this particular crime.

The Arizona State Legislature delineates in §13-2904 that this crime is committed when any person disturbs the peace or quiet of a neighborhood, family, or person. A person can be charged with disorderly conduct in Arizona if he/she engages in fighting or any violent or other disruptive behavior. While a person may also be charged with assault for this type of behavior, it will depend upon the circumstances of the incident. Often-times a person is charged with disorderly conduct combined with other violations, such as assault, criminal damage and other similar violations.

Additionally, if a person makes unreasonable noise with disregard to others, or uses abusive and offensive language or gestures towards any other person present that is likely to provoke physical retaliation, this can be considered disorderly conduct. It is also disorderly conduct to make a protracted commotion with the intent to prevent the transaction of a business in a lawful meeting, gathering or procession.

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Published on: November 30, 2012

Another Win for the Defense

By Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC

Another win for Mesa Criminal Defense Attorney, Trent Buckallew. Our client was charged with Disorderly Conduct/Assault (Fighting/Mutual Combat) by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and the complaint was subsequently filed in the North Mesa Justice Court. After conducting a thorough case investigation, the defense was able to show that the defendant was defending himself after being attacked by the alleged victim and as a result, the case was ultimately dismissed.

The Firm handles all types of Disorderly Conduct and Assault cases – both misdemeanors and felonies, in City/Municipal Courts, Justice Courts, and Superior Courts throughout Maricopa County as well as Statewide. Mr. Buckallew has extensive experience in resolving cases involving all types of criminal matters and has a reputation for zealously defending each and every client. If you have been charged with Disorderly Conduct, Assault or any other criminal violation in Mesa or surrounding cities, contact the Firm today for a no cost evaluation of your case. Mr. Buckallew will discuss your case, associated penalties, possible defenses and answer any questions you may have regarding the criminal court proceedings or the case itself.

Published on: April 30, 2012

Tempe Underage Drinking Enforcement Campaign

By Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC

Tempe Underage Drinking Enforcement Campaign

According to recent reports by the AZ Republic, police have made 270 alcohol-related arrests as a result of Tempe's Youth Alcohol Enforcement campaign targeting underage drinking and drunk driving. The Tempe Police Department, along with ASU Police and other state law enforcement agencies kicked off the campaign in an effort to reduce crimes often associated with alcohol and DUI violations, such as violence, disorderly conduct or disturbance of the peace (i.e. loud parties and gatherings) as well as injury or fatal auto collisions and other criminal violations. The crackdown included 184 underage drinking/minor in consumption arrests, 45 for possession of alcohol by a minor/minor in possession, nine for providing alcohol to minors, 17 DUI arrests, one aggravated DUI arrest, two DUI under 21 arrests, 22 loud party responses and the seizure of seven kegs. The enforcement campaign will conclude the first week of May, after ASU graduation ceremonies/parties and police will be highly visible in downtown Tempe and patrolling throughout the city during this time.

If you (or your child) have been charged with Underage Drinking, Minor in Possession/Minor in Consumption of Alcohol, Public Intoxication, False ID, DUI, Disorderly Conduct / Disturbing the Peace or any other violation related to Underage Drinking, you may be able to defend these charges in court. The consequences can be significant and leave a permanent mark on your criminal record so it is critical to seek the advice of counsel to determine your legal options before you make any decisions regarding your case. Penalties associated with Underage Drinking/Underage DUI related violations can include, jail time, community work service, alcohol classes and treatment, license suspension, fees/fines, and even possible suspension or expulsion from school and/or athletic teams. Some of the legal factors a defense attorney will explore include, determining whether you actually violated any city or state law; whether the arresting agency followed the law; whether or not your conduct constitutes a criminal violation and whether you have any other legal, factual or procedural defense(s) in your case. With a strong East Valley presence, the Firm has represented countless individuals, including many ASU students, who have been charged with criminal misdemeanor and alcohol related violations in Tempe and surrounding cities throughout the Valley. Contact the Firm today for a free evaluation of your case.

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