Arizona criminal charge
Criminal possession of a forgery device in Arizona
Criminal possession of a forgery device is a criminal offense under Arizona law, defined by A.R.S. § 13-2003. 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. § 13-2003.
What is the penalty for criminal possession of a forgery device in Arizona?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 6 months to 18 months (Possession of specifically designed forgery device — Applies when a person makes or possesses, with knowledge and intent to defraud, a device specifically designed or adapted for forging written instruments as described in subsection A.1.; presumptive 1 year; mitigated .33 years / aggravated 2 years on required findings (13-701, 13-702(B)-(D)); repetitive (13-703) or dangerous (13-704) offenses use different ranges; a class 6 felony may be designated a class 1 misdemeanor under 13-604) | presumptive | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Fine | up to $150,000 (Possession of specifically designed forgery device — Applies when a person makes or possesses, with knowledge and intent to defraud, a device specifically designed or adapted for forging written instruments as described in subsection A.1.; 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 (Possession of adaptable forgery device — Applies when a person makes or possesses a device merely adaptable for forging written instruments and intends to use it or allow another to use it for forgery as described in subsection A.2.; 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 (Possession of adaptable forgery device — Applies when a person makes or possesses a device merely adaptable for forging written instruments and intends to use it or allow another to use it for forgery as described in subsection A.2.; 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 1 year.
How is criminal possession of a forgery device classified in Arizona?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of specifically designed forgery device | Class 6 Felony | Applies when a person makes or possesses, with knowledge and intent to defraud, a device specifically designed or adapted for forging written instruments as described in subsection A.1. | A.R.S. § 13-2003C |
| Possession of adaptable forgery device | Class 5 Felony | Applies when a person makes or possesses a device merely adaptable for forging written instruments and intends to use it or allow another to use it for forgery as described in subsection A.2. | A.R.S. § 13-2003C |
Common questions about criminal possession of a forgery device in Arizona
Is criminal possession of a forgery device a felony or a misdemeanor in Arizona?
It depends on the circumstances: criminal possession of a forgery device ranges from a Class 6 Felony to a Class 5 Felony in Arizona under A.R.S. § 13-2003.
Possession of specifically designed forgery device: Class 6 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-2003C) · Possession of adaptable forgery device: Class 5 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-2003C)
What are the penalties for criminal possession of a forgery device in Arizona?
Penalties for criminal possession of a forgery device in Arizona depend on how it is classified — from a Class 6 Felony up to a Class 5 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 criminal possession of a forgery device?
Criminal possession of a forgery device is governed by A.R.S. § 13-2003 (Criminal possession of a forgery device; 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.