GLENDALE, Ariz. -- What started as a dispute between neighbors has ended with a Phoenix police officer convicted of a crime.

Donnie Coury, a 17-year police veteran, was found guilty of disorderly conduct, a class one misdemeanor, stemming from an incident in November 2007.

Coury had gotten into a verbal altercation with a neighbor and the two were "arguing and yelling" when the off-duty cop threw his neighbor to the ground and put him in a choke hold, according to a police report.

The victim, James Fulmer, told the judge Tuesday he could have been killed. Fulmer said he was disappointed when he heard the judge's sentence.

Coury was ordered to pay $730 in fines and restitution, complete anger management classes and have no contact with the victim.

"I feel upset,” Fulmer said. “I think the city of Glendale should have pursued assault. But what can I do? I'm not a law enforcement officer."

CBS 5 News learned Coury's brush with the law was unexpected considering his exemplary record with the Phoenix Police Department. He had never received any disciplinary action in his 17 years on the job. He has awarded 64 commendations and was voted officer of the month four times.

His attorney told the judge that his client was simply guilty of bad judgment.

The moment Coury walked out of the courtroom, CBS 5 News asked him if he can still be trusted to protect the public.

“C'mon," Coury said. “Of course.”

A Phoenix Police Department internal review board will evaluate Coury's case to determine his future as a police officer.

He has remained on the job, but could face anything from a reprimand to termination.