Arizona criminal charge
Designation of offenses in Arizona
Designation of offenses is a criminal offense under Arizona law, defined by A.R.S. § 13-602. 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. § 13-602.
What is the penalty for designation of offenses in Arizona?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 9 months to 24 months (Undesignated felony defined outside this title — An offense defined outside this title is declared a felony without specification of classification or penalty.; 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 (Undesignated felony defined outside this title — An offense defined outside this title is declared a felony without specification of classification or penalty.; fine cap for an individual (13-801); statute-specific amounts may exceed) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Jail / prison | up to 4 months (Undesignated misdemeanor defined outside this title — An offense defined outside this title is declared a misdemeanor without specification of classification or penalty.; 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 (Undesignated misdemeanor defined outside this title — An offense defined outside this title is declared a misdemeanor without specification of classification or penalty.; 13-802(B)) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Fine | up to $300 (Undesignated offense defined outside this title (default petty) — An offense defined outside this title lacks designation as felony or misdemeanor and lacks specification of classification or penalty.; fine only — petty offenses carry no jail term (13-601(C), 13-802(D))) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-802 |
Applies to first felony offense, non-dangerous; presumptive term 1.5 years.
How is designation of offenses classified in Arizona?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undesignated felony defined outside this title | Class 5 Felony | An offense defined outside this title is declared a felony without specification of classification or penalty. | A.R.S. § 13-602A |
| Undesignated misdemeanor defined outside this title | Class 2 Misdemeanor | An offense defined outside this title is declared a misdemeanor without specification of classification or penalty. | A.R.S. § 13-602B |
| Undesignated offense defined outside this title (default petty) | Petty Offense | An offense defined outside this title lacks designation as felony or misdemeanor and lacks specification of classification or penalty. | A.R.S. § 13-602C |
Common questions about designation of offenses in Arizona
Is designation of offenses a felony or a misdemeanor in Arizona?
It depends on the circumstances: designation of offenses ranges from a Petty Offense to a Class 5 Felony in Arizona under A.R.S. § 13-602.
Undesignated felony defined outside this title: Class 5 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-602A) · Undesignated misdemeanor defined outside this title: Class 2 Misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 13-602B) · Undesignated offense defined outside this title (default petty): Petty Offense (A.R.S. § 13-602C)
What are the penalties for designation of offenses in Arizona?
Which Arizona statute covers designation of offenses?
Designation of offenses is governed by A.R.S. § 13-602 (Designation of offenses).
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.