Arizona criminal charge
Assault in Arizona
Assault is a criminal offense under Arizona law, defined by A.R.S. § 13-1203. 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. § 13-1203.
What is the penalty for assault in Arizona?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Assault - intentional/knowing physical injury — Assault committed intentionally or knowingly causing physical injury under subsection A.1.; 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 (Assault - intentional/knowing physical injury — Assault committed intentionally or knowingly causing physical injury under subsection A.1.; 13-802(A)) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Jail / prison | up to 4 months (Assault - reckless physical injury — Assault committed recklessly causing physical injury under subsection A.1.; definite term served outside state prison (13-707(A)(2)); prior same offense within 2 years elevates to the next higher class (13-707(B))) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Fine | up to $750 (Assault - reckless physical injury — Assault committed recklessly causing physical injury under subsection A.1.; 13-802(B)) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Jail / prison | up to 30 days (Assault - reasonable apprehension or provocative touching — Assault committed under subsection A.2 (placing another in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury) or A.3 (touching with intent to injure, insult, or provoke).; definite term served outside state prison (13-707(A)(3)); prior same offense within 2 years elevates to the next higher class (13-707(B))) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Fine | up to $500 (Assault - reasonable apprehension or provocative touching — Assault committed under subsection A.2 (placing another in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury) or A.3 (touching with intent to injure, insult, or provoke).; 13-802(C)) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
Applies to current.
How is assault classified in Arizona?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assault - intentional/knowing physical injury | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Assault committed intentionally or knowingly causing physical injury under subsection A.1. | A.R.S. § 13-1203B |
| Assault - reckless physical injury | Class 2 Misdemeanor | Assault committed recklessly causing physical injury under subsection A.1. | A.R.S. § 13-1203B |
| Assault - reasonable apprehension or provocative touching | Class 3 Misdemeanor | Assault committed under subsection A.2 (placing another in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury) or A.3 (touching with intent to injure, insult, or provoke). | A.R.S. § 13-1203B |
Common questions about assault in Arizona
Is assault a felony or a misdemeanor in Arizona?
It depends on the circumstances: assault ranges from a Class 3 Misdemeanor to a Class 1 Misdemeanor in Arizona under A.R.S. § 13-1203.
Assault - intentional/knowing physical injury: Class 1 Misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 13-1203B) · Assault - reckless physical injury: Class 2 Misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 13-1203B) · Assault - reasonable apprehension or provocative touching: Class 3 Misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 13-1203B)
What are the penalties for assault in Arizona?
Penalties for assault in Arizona depend on how it is classified — from a Class 3 Misdemeanor up to a Class 1 Misdemeanor — with the ranges set by A.R.S. § 13-707; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Arizona statute covers assault?
Assault is governed by A.R.S. § 13-1203 (Assault; 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.