Arizona criminal charge
Causing death by use of a vehicle in Arizona
Causing death by use of a vehicle is a criminal offense under Arizona law, defined by A.R.S. § 28-675. 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. § 28-675.
What is the penalty for causing death by use of a vehicle in Arizona?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 18 months to 36 months (Causing death by use of a vehicle — standard — Applies to causing death by use of a vehicle in general, except when it results from a violation of subsection B, paragraph 2 or 9.; 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 (Causing death by use of a vehicle — standard — Applies to causing death by use of a vehicle in general, except when it results from a violation of subsection B, paragraph 2 or 9.; fine cap for an individual (13-801); statute-specific amounts may exceed) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Jail / prison | 2.5 years to 7 years (Causing death by use of a vehicle — driving privilege suspended under chapter 4, article 3 or for failure to provide financial responsibility proof — Applies when the offense results from a violation of subsection B, paragraph 2 (driving privilege suspended under chapter 4, article 3) or paragraph 9 (driving privilege suspended under section 28-4141 for failure to provide proof of financial responsibility).; presumptive 3.5 years; mitigated 2 / aggravated 8.75 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 (Causing death by use of a vehicle — driving privilege suspended under chapter 4, article 3 or for failure to provide financial responsibility proof — Applies when the offense results from a violation of subsection B, paragraph 2 (driving privilege suspended under chapter 4, article 3) or paragraph 9 (driving privilege suspended under section 28-4141 for failure to provide proof of financial responsibility).; fine cap for an individual (13-801); statute-specific amounts may exceed) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
Applies to first felony offense, non-dangerous; presumptive term 2.5 years.
How is causing death by use of a vehicle classified in Arizona?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Causing death by use of a vehicle — standard | Class 4 Felony | Applies to causing death by use of a vehicle in general, except when it results from a violation of subsection B, paragraph 2 or 9. | A.R.S. § 28-675F |
| Causing death by use of a vehicle — driving privilege suspended under chapter 4, article 3 or for failure to provide financial responsibility proof | Class 3 Felony | Applies when the offense results from a violation of subsection B, paragraph 2 (driving privilege suspended under chapter 4, article 3) or paragraph 9 (driving privilege suspended under section 28-4141 for failure to provide proof of financial responsibility). | A.R.S. § 28-675F |
Common questions about causing death by use of a vehicle in Arizona
Is causing death by use of a vehicle a felony or a misdemeanor in Arizona?
It depends on the circumstances: causing death by use of a vehicle ranges from a Class 4 Felony to a Class 3 Felony in Arizona under A.R.S. § 28-675.
Causing death by use of a vehicle — standard: Class 4 Felony (A.R.S. § 28-675F) · Causing death by use of a vehicle — driving privilege suspended under chapter 4, article 3 or for failure to provide financial responsibility proof: Class 3 Felony (A.R.S. § 28-675F)
What are the penalties for causing death by use of a vehicle in Arizona?
Penalties for causing death by use of a vehicle in Arizona depend on how it is classified — from a Class 4 Felony up to a Class 3 Felony — with the ranges set by A.R.S. § 13-702; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Arizona statute covers causing death by use of a vehicle?
Causing death by use of a vehicle is governed by A.R.S. § 28-675 (Causing death by use of a vehicle; violation; 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.