Arizona Crimes: Laws & Penalties

Arizona Misdemeanor Crimes by Class and Sentences

Learn how misdemeanor sentencing works in Arizona, how previous convictions can affect your sentence, and when you might get probation instead of jail.

Arizona Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences

Learn how felony sentencing works in Arizona, how previous convictions and other aggravated circumstances can affect the length of your prison sentence, and when you might get probation instead of imprisonment.

Arizona Criminal Statute of Limitations

Arizona law sets time limits—called statutes of limitations—for bringing charges in criminal cases. If the prosecutor doesn't file criminal charges within these time limits, the defendant can have the charges dismissed.

Expunging or Sealing an Adult Criminal Record in Arizona

Arizona allows expungement of old low-level marijuana convictions and, starting in 2023, will allow the sealing of many misdemeanor and felony criminal records.

How to Handle a Bench Warrant or Failure to Appear in Arizona

Failure to appear in a court is a crime in Arizona, and can expose you to penalties that are more serious than those associated with the underlying charge.

Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in Arizona

Arizona drivers may find their licenses suspended or revoked for particular driving violations or other criminal offenses.

Arizona Minor in Possession of Alcohol Charges and Penalties

The State of Arizona has passed laws to discourage the possession of alcohol by people under the age of 21. These minor in possession (MIP) laws aim to reduce consumption of alcohol by minors.

Arizona Public Intoxication Laws: Drunk in Public

Arizona law does not contain criminal or civil penalties for a person found to be drunk in public. Instead, under certain circumstances, a publicly intoxicated person may be taken into protective custody and transported to a treatment center or even jail if a local treatment center is not available.

Possession of a Controlled Substance in Arizona

Learn how Arizona classifies and penalizes drug possession offenses, including marijuana.

Arizona Felony and Misdemeanor Theft

In Arizona, theft and shoplifting can result in a misdemeanor or felony conviction, including imprisonment, steep fines, and restitution. Shoplifters might also have to pay damages and civil penalties to a store owner.

Vehicle and Auto Theft Laws in Arizona

Under Arizona law there are three different types of motor vehicle theft crimes: theft of means of transportation, unlawful use of means of transportation; and unlawful failure to return rented or leased property.

Forgery Laws in Arizona

Forgery--creating or altering written documents or other objects in order to deceive or trick others--is a type of fraud. Arizona law prohibits both making and altering written documents, as well as possessing forged documents.

Stun Gun Laws in Arizona

You don’t need a permit to buy or carry a stun gun in Arizona, but there are limits on sales and use of these devices.

Cyberbullying and Cyberstalking Laws in Arizona

Cyberbullying—using electronic media to harass or stalk another person—is a crime in Arizona. In addition, Arizona law requires schools to develop and enforce policies to deal with student-on-student bullying and cyberbullying.

Arizona Domestic Violence Laws

Arizona domestic violence laws prohibit the commission of certain violent acts and property crimes between current and former spouses, persons who date or have a sexual relationship, and other domestic relationships.

Arizona Assault and Battery Laws

Arizona differentiates between misdemeanor assaults and aggravated assaults--the latter are more serious. Arizona classifies misdemeanor assault as either a class 1 misdemeanor assault (the most serious), a class 2 misdemeanor assault, or a class 3 misdemeanor assault.

Arizona Aggravated Assault Laws

Arizona differentiates between misdemeanor assaults and aggravated assaults--the latter are more serious. Arizona law defines aggravated assault in multiple ways.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Arizona

In Arizona, assault with a deadly weapon is considered aggravated assault.

Arizona Laws on Sexting by Teens and Minors

Arizona is one of the states that has enacted legislation specifically addressing teen sexting. The law offers prosecutors a charging option that allows minors to avoid a felony record and sex offender registration.

Arizona Statutory Rape Laws

A person who commits statutory rape or a related crime in Arizona can face serious criminal penalties, including lengthy terms of imprisonment and substantial fines.

Transmitting an STD in Arizona

Unlike many other states, Arizona law does not specifically criminalize transmitting sexually transmitted diseases, nor does it specifically address exposing someone to such a disease. However, there is a rather broad law in Arizona that applies to any situation where someone with a sexually transmitted disease exposes someone else to it.

Prostitution, Pimping, and Pandering Laws in Arizona

In Arizona, it is a crime to buy or sell sex, or to facilitate, or make money from the buying or selling of sex. Arizona also has laws against child prostitution.

Revenge Porn Laws in Arizona

Revenge porn is illegal in Arizona, where it is a crime to post or disclose explicit images of another person in order to harass that person.