Arizona criminal charge
Arson of a structure or property in Arizona
Arson of a structure or property is a criminal offense under Arizona law, defined by A.R.S. § 13-1703. Its classification is not fixed: Arizona assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by A.R.S. § 13-1703.
What is the penalty for arson of a structure or property in Arizona?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 18 months to 36 months (Arson of a structure — The arson involves a structure, regardless of value.; presumptive 2.5 years; mitigated 1 year / aggravated 3.75 years on required findings (13-701, 13-702(B)-(D)); repetitive (13-703) or dangerous (13-704) offenses use different ranges) | presumptive | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Fine | up to $150,000 (Arson of a structure — The arson involves a structure, regardless of value.; fine cap for an individual (13-801); statute-specific amounts may exceed) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Jail / prison | 18 months to 36 months (Arson of property (value more than $1,000) — The property damaged had a value of more than one thousand dollars.; presumptive 2.5 years; mitigated 1 year / aggravated 3.75 years on required findings (13-701, 13-702(B)-(D)); repetitive (13-703) or dangerous (13-704) offenses use different ranges) | presumptive | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Fine | up to $150,000 (Arson of property (value more than $1,000) — The property damaged had a value of more than one thousand dollars.; fine cap for an individual (13-801); statute-specific amounts may exceed) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Jail / prison | 9 months to 24 months (Arson of property (value $100–$1,000) — The property damaged had a value of more than one hundred dollars but not more than one thousand dollars.; presumptive 1.5 years; mitigated 6 months / aggravated 2.5 years on required findings (13-701, 13-702(B)-(D)); repetitive (13-703) or dangerous (13-704) offenses use different ranges) | presumptive | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Fine | up to $150,000 (Arson of property (value $100–$1,000) — The property damaged had a value of more than one hundred dollars but not more than one thousand dollars.; fine cap for an individual (13-801); statute-specific amounts may exceed) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Arson of property (value $100 or less) — The property damaged had a value of one hundred dollars or less.; definite term served outside state prison (13-707(A)(1)); prior same offense within 2 years elevates to the next higher class (13-707(B))) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Fine | up to $2,500 (Arson of property (value $100 or less) — The property damaged had a value of one hundred dollars or less.; 13-802(A)) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
Applies to first felony offense, non-dangerous; presumptive term 2.5 years.
How is arson of a structure or property classified in Arizona?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arson of a structure | Class 4 Felony | The arson involves a structure, regardless of value. | A.R.S. § 13-1703B |
| Arson of property (value more than $1,000) | Class 4 Felony | The property damaged had a value of more than one thousand dollars. | A.R.S. § 13-1703B |
| Arson of property (value $100–$1,000) | Class 5 Felony | The property damaged had a value of more than one hundred dollars but not more than one thousand dollars. | A.R.S. § 13-1703B |
| Arson of property (value $100 or less) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | The property damaged had a value of one hundred dollars or less. | A.R.S. § 13-1703B |
Common questions about arson of a structure or property in Arizona
Is arson of a structure or property a felony or a misdemeanor in Arizona?
It depends on the circumstances: arson of a structure or property ranges from a Class 1 Misdemeanor to a Class 4 Felony in Arizona under A.R.S. § 13-1703.
Arson of a structure: Class 4 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-1703B) · Arson of property (value more than $1,000): Class 4 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-1703B) · Arson of property (value $100–$1,000): Class 5 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-1703B) · Arson of property (value $100 or less): Class 1 Misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 13-1703B)
What are the penalties for arson of a structure or property in Arizona?
Which Arizona statute covers arson of a structure or property?
Arson of a structure or property is governed by A.R.S. § 13-1703 (Arson of a structure or property; classification).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.