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What Is a Public Nuisance Under Arizona Law?
A public nuisance is conduct that endangers public safety, health or morals, such as excessive noise or hazardous property. Under ARS 13-2917, knowingly maintaining one is a Class 2 misdemeanor. Criminal nuisance is a separate offense under ARS 13-2908, and civil injunctions can apply.

Public Nuisance Laws in Arizona
Introduction
Navigating the intricacies of public nuisance laws can be a challenging endeavor. In Arizona, these laws are designed to maintain public order and ensure community welfare. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the key aspects of public nuisance laws in Arizona, helping residents and businesses understand their rights and responsibilities.
What is Public Nuisance?
Definition and Overview
Public nuisance is a legal term referring to acts or omissions that disrupt public rights, harm the community, or endanger public safety, health, or morals. In Arizona, public nuisance laws are governed by both state statutes and local ordinances, aiming to balance individual freedoms with communal wellbeing.
Key Arizona Statutes on Public Nuisance
Statutory Framework
Arizona’s public nuisance laws are primarily outlined in the Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS). Some notable statutes include:
- ARS § 12-991: This statute defines a public nuisance and provides the legal framework for its abatement.
- ARS § 13-2917: This section defines public nuisance and makes knowingly maintaining or committing one a class 2 misdemeanor. Criminal nuisance is a separate offense under ARS § 13-2908.
These statutes serve as the foundation for understanding and enforcing public nuisance regulations in Arizona.
Common Examples of Public Nuisance
Practical Scenarios
Public nuisance in Arizona can take many forms, such as:
- Noise Disturbances: Excessive noise levels from parties, industrial activities, or other sources.
- Property Misuse: Derelict buildings or improperly maintained properties posing safety hazards.
- Environmental Concerns: Activities causing pollution or environmental degradation.
Understanding these examples helps in identifying potential public nuisance issues.
Legal Actions and Remedies
Enforcement and Resolution
In Arizona, public nuisance violations can lead to:
- Civil Remedies: Including injunctions or fines to cease the nuisance.
- Criminal Penalties: In severe cases, violators may face criminal charges, leading to fines or imprisonment.
Individuals and entities involved in public nuisance disputes should seek legal guidance to navigate these complexities.
Role of Local Ordinances
Municipal Regulations
Local ordinances in Arizona cities and counties often supplement state laws, addressing specific public nuisance issues relevant to their communities. These ordinances are crucial for understanding localized public nuisance standards.
Preventing Public Nuisance Violations
Proactive Measures
To prevent violations, it’s advisable to:
- Understand Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with both state statutes and local ordinances.
- Regular Property Maintenance: Ensure your property adheres to safety and health standards.
- Community Engagement: Participate in community efforts to maintain a nuisance-free environment.
Conclusion
Understanding and adhering to public nuisance laws is vital for the harmonious coexistence within Arizona communities. At Tamou Law Group PLLC, we experienced in providing experienced legal advice and representation in matters related to public nuisance laws. If you’re facing a public nuisance issue or have questions about your legal responsibilities, don’t hesitate to contact us at 623-321-4699.
Award-Winning Criminal Defense Law Firm
When you are looking for the best Phoenix criminal defense lawyers, these are the independently verified credentials that matter, earned by Founding Attorney Michael Tamou and a full team of attorneys, including former prosecutors.
Client reviews
What our clients say
I highly recommend Michael Tamou! He recently handled my GCE application, and I couldn't be more grateful for his help. From the very beginning, Michael was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and thorough in making sure everything was completed perfectly. What stood out the most was his compassion—legal processes can be highly stressful, but he treated me with genuine care, kept me informed, and made me feel completely supported throughout. If you need a dedicated and skilled attorney who truly cares about his clients, look no further than Michael Tamou.
DMDan MillerGoogle review · Oct 2026Michael Tamou is an exceptional attorney! Facing a case that could affect my future was incredibly stressful, but from our first conversation, he provided honest guidance, reassurance, and a clear plan. He immediately got to work, personally reviewing the evidence and reports, filing the necessary motions, and keeping me informed throughout the process. His expertise, persistence, and genuine care gave me confidence that my case was in capable hands. I’m incredibly grateful that Michael achieved the outcome I had hoped and prayed for: my case was dismissed. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a skilled, dedicated, and caring attorney.
TJTammy JohnsonGoogle review · Sep 2026I had a great experience working with Michael. From the beginning, they were professional, knowledgeable, and responsive. They took the time to explain everything clearly, kept me informed throughout the process, and always had my best interests in mind. Their dedication and attention to detail gave me confidence during a stressful time, and they achieved a positive outcome for my case. I truly appreciate their hard work and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for an experienced and trustworthy attorney. Thank so much Tamou Law Group.
AAAlejandra ArevaloGoogle review · Aug 2026This is a great group of attorneys that work together!! There’s no other law firm I’d use for any situation. They put the time and effort into helping out any way they can. Mike and Kristie were both amazing in handling my situation and being transparent during the whole process.
TTJ2KGoogle review · Nov 2026I can’t thank Tamou Law Group enough for helping me with my case. They truly went above and beyond, and I’m incredibly grateful for their hard work, dedication, and support. Having a team in your corner that cares makes all the difference during a stressful time. Five stars don’t feel like enough! I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a law firm that will go the extra mile. Thank you for everything!
EGEvan GibraelGoogle review · Oct 2026I cannot recommend Ms. Jacie Cotterell highly enough. From start to finish, she was absolutely amazing throughout the entire process. She was professional, knowledgeable, and always took the time to answer my questions and explain everything clearly, which gave me a lot of peace of mind during a stressful situation. What stood out most was how genuinely caring and dedicated she was. I always felt like she had my best interests at heart, and her communication was excellent every step of the way. She made a difficult experience much easier to navigate and was always patient, supportive, and reassuring. I am incredibly grateful for all of her hard work and guidance. If you’re looking for someone who is compassionate, trustworthy, and truly committed to helping her clients, I wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Jacie Cotterell. Thank you again for everything, wyou made a lasting positive impact, and I truly appreciate all that you did.
BPBlaze PeralesGoogle review · Aug 2026Michael is hands down the best in the business. The day I called him he explained everything about my daughter’s situation and took the time to research the charges. He then gave me a price and gave me a chance to think it through before hiring him and two weeks later we retained his services. Michael went to work at that point with his team and brought results that no one else could do. My daughter now has a second chance to get her life on track over a few costly mistakes that could have landed her in prison and with a felony record but Michael did not allow that to happen. If you need solid representation that fights for you then hire Michael.
RHrob hardeeGoogle review · Aug 2026Kristie & Mike didn’t just see me as another client but as a person in need of help. The level of professionalism & communication going through my whole case made me feel at peace. Amazing lawyers & 10/10 would recommend!
DNDanny NguyenGoogle review · Oct 2026We {Carrie & Ted S.} are very pleased that we chose Mike Tamou Law Group to represent a criminal case that was against our granddaughter. The case against her was for two different ordeals, and in both situations - the cases were handled above & beyond what we expected. Because of Mike's quickness and professionalism, both situations were resolved in an expedited manor with positive results that we were extremely pleased with. Our granddaughter is also extremely pleased with the results. We would recommend {Mike} Tamou Law Group to anybody that is seeking legal advice in a criminal situation.
TSTed SchroederGoogle review · Jul 2026I had an aggravated DUI case class 4 felony. With an extensive criminal record of 7 prior felonies. Mr. Tamou did an outstanding job on my case, he got me the least possible amount of time. He got the prosecutor not to allege any of my priers. I did just 4 months with a probation tail. Other lawyers I spoke with prior to retaining M. Tamou, told me the best they could get, would be a few years in prison, due to my extensive criminal history. Michael said he would fight for me and he delivered. He has relationships with the prosecutors and judges and is a great negotiator. Also he was great with communicating with me throughout the process. Always returned my calls and text messages and kept me informed. I highly recommend him.
PGPaul GonzalezGoogle review · May 2026I had a great experience with Tamou Law! Michael was very helpful. He took the time to explain everything in a way that was easy for me to understand, which made the entire process feel much less overwhelming. He was patient, professional, and always made sure I felt informed and comfortable with each step. I truly appreciated his communication and support throughout! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
SSandraGoogle review · Apr 2026Michael is truly amazing. I am so happy that I chose him to help me with my legal situation. He is completely trustworthy. Michael was completely transparent and honest throughout the entire process and offered support to me like I was his own family member. He was patient and understanding and prompt in responding to any of my inquiries during my waiting period. His explanations were clear and logical, and I felt beyond comfortable with him. I really appreciate him and the staff in his practice, and I highly recommend him for anyone's legal needs!! Thank you, Michael! You're really the best. I appreciate you!
RLRochelle LeeGoogle review · Feb 2026Our family went through the worst time of our lives! It was wonderful to have Michael on our side fighting for us and giving us the advice we needed to take the right steps. Case Dismissed! Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and support.
RERussell EllisGoogle review · Aug 2026He's the Greatest lawyer we could have ever asked for he put his heart into helping us and we came out with exactly what we wanted! I highly recommend him!
JOJose OrtizGoogle review · Oct 2026⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I cannot thank Mike Tamou enough for what he did for my family. My son was facing serious charges that could have changed the course of his life forever. From the very beginning, Mr. Tamou treated us with compassion, respect, and honesty. He took the time to explain every step of the process, always making sure we understood what was happening and what to expect. His professionalism and dedication were unmatched. He worked tirelessly on my son’s case, exploring every possible option and fighting for the best outcome. Because of Mike’s skill, expertise, and determination, my son was saved from going to jail and now has the opportunity to move forward and rebuild his life. I am forever grateful for his hard work and would highly recommend Mike Tamou to anyone in need of a strong, knowledgeable, and caring defense attorney. He doesn’t just represent his clients—he truly fight for them.
EHErin HernandezGoogle review · 2025Michael did an amazing job helping my loved one with his case. He was the first call I made and I knew right then how much he truly cared for his clients. I highly recommend Tamou Law to anyone who reads this review. Michael worked extremely hard for us and exceeded my expectations of the outcome. He is compassionate, very knowledgeable, experienced, respected and very fair. He always took the time to take my calls and to listen to questions that we had. He works hard for his clients and is the kind of guy you want on your side. Thanks again Michael. You were a pleasure to work with.
LBLaurie BryantGoogle review · 2024Great experience from start to finish. Professional, responsive, and made a stressful situation much easier. I felt confident the whole time and really appreciated Michael’s support. Highly recommend!
SMShivraj MannGoogle review · Apr 2026Had a situation that Michael helped me through with the best possible outcome. Very responsive and actually cares about his clients.
CJCaleb JohnsonGoogle review · Aug 2026My son was an idiot and was in serious trouble. He was facing prison time. Fortunately, we were referred to Tamou Law Group by trusted friends and we are beyond grateful that we listened. From the onset, Michael helped to put our family at ease. We discussed the charges where Mike provided insight that helped adjust our expectations. Sure enough, it played out nearly exactly like Mike predicted. Mike put a strong case together – which resulted with no jail time! If you find yourself in need of legal representation, you should hire Michael Timou!
AHArmando HernandezGoogle review · 2025I can’t recommend Tamou law group enough. From day one, Micheal took the time to really listen, explained my options in a way that actually made sense, and built a strong strategy that put my mind at ease. The entire team was professional, responsive and genuinely caring throughout the whole process. They fought tirelessly and delivered a result that far exceeded my expectations. If you need a law firm you can trust completely, this is it. Thank you!
BKBryan KingGoogle review · Dec 2025
Why Tamou Law Group for Criminal Defense
Every criminal case in Arizona is decided by what the State can prove, and the State proves less when the defense starts early. We get into cases before charges are filed whenever we can, and we build them on evidence rather than argument.
Results across the spectrum
Our published results include armed robbery and sexual assault cases dismissed, reckless driving dismissed, diversion on drug and theft charges, probation with no jail on aggravated DUI, and a second-degree murder charge reduced. Every case is different, and these show how we fight.
Former prosecutors and law enforcement officers
Our team includes former prosecutors and law enforcement officers, so we know how the State builds a case and where it breaks down. Michael Tamou handled roughly 500 cases a year at the public defender’s office before founding the firm.
Recognized, and available
Michael Tamou is recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and Top 40 Under 40, Super Lawyers Southwest and Elite Lawyer 2026. We answer 24/7 from our Phoenix and Scottsdale offices, and we appear in Maricopa, Pima and Pinal County courts.
Published results in this area
| Case | Charges | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| State v. D.O. | Armed robbery and aggravated assault (A.R.S. 13-1904, 13-1204) | Dismissed |
| State v. W.N. | Sexual assault and sexual abuse (13-1406, 13-1404) | Case dismissed |
| State v. C.K. | Reckless driving and racing (28-693, 28-708) | Case dismissed |
| State v. N.K. | Possession of narcotic drugs (13-3408, 13-3415) | Diversion |
| State v. L.S. | Aggravated DUI (28-1383) | Probation, no jail |
| State v. F.N. | Second-degree murder (13-1104) | Reduced charge |
Anonymized outcomes from our case results page. Every case is different; past results do not guarantee a future outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a public nuisance in Arizona?
A public nuisance in Arizona is any act or condition that endangers the safety, health, comfort, or morals of the community or obstructs public rights, such as excessive noise, derelict property, or pollution. Both state statutes and local city ordinances define and enforce these standards.
Is criminal nuisance a felony or a misdemeanor in Arizona?
Criminal nuisance is a misdemeanor in Arizona, not a felony. Under A.R.S. § 13-2917, knowingly maintaining a public nuisance is a class 2 misdemeanor, and under A.R.S. 13-2908 recklessly creating or maintaining a condition that endangers the safety or health of others is criminal nuisance, a class 3 misdemeanor, though related conduct like drug activity or repeated violations can trigger more serious charges.
What is the penalty for criminal nuisance in Arizona?
A criminal nuisance conviction under A.R.S. § 13-2908 is a class 3 misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail, a $500 fine plus surcharges, and up to one year of probation. Courts can also order you to abate the nuisance and pay related costs.
Can loud music or noise complaints lead to a public nuisance charge in Arizona?
Yes, loud music or repeated noise complaints can lead to a public nuisance charge in Arizona when the noise unreasonably disturbs a neighborhood. Most Phoenix-area cities enforce noise limits through local ordinances, and repeated or extreme violations can bring citations, fines, or criminal nuisance charges.
How is a civil nuisance case different from a criminal nuisance charge in Arizona?
Civil nuisance actions in Arizona seek injunctions, abatement orders, or damages to stop the harmful condition, while criminal nuisance under A.R.S. § 13-2908 can result in fines and jail time. The same conduct, such as maintaining a hazardous property, can trigger both types of cases.
Can a criminal nuisance charge be dismissed in Arizona?
Yes, criminal nuisance charges in Arizona can be dismissed when the State cannot prove you recklessly created or maintained a condition endangering others, or when you promptly abated the problem. Challenging the evidence, negotiating abatement, or completing diversion often resolves these misdemeanor cases without a conviction.
How long does a criminal nuisance conviction stay on your record in Arizona?
A criminal nuisance conviction stays on your Arizona record indefinitely unless you take action to clear it. Most people can apply to have the misdemeanor set aside after completing their sentence, or petition to seal the record under A.R.S. § 13-911 after a waiting period.
What should I do if I am charged with criminal nuisance in Arizona?
If you are charged with criminal nuisance in Arizona, do not plead guilty at your first court date, because the charge can often be dismissed or reduced. Tamou Law Group defends public nuisance and criminal nuisance cases throughout Phoenix and Scottsdale. Call 623-321-4699, 24/7.
Two Arizona Offices, One Team
We serve all of Maricopa County and the surrounding area, with free, confidential consultations 24/7 by phone and in-person meetings at either office by appointment.
Case Results Disclaimer: The results described on this page are based on specific facts and circumstances and do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future results. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this page or submitting a contact form until a written fee agreement has been signed. Tamou Law Group, PLLC is licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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