Arizona criminal charge
False reporting in Arizona
False reporting is a criminal offense under Arizona law, defined by A.R.S. § 13-2907. 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. § 13-2907.
What is the penalty for false reporting in Arizona?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (False reporting (subsection A, first violation) — A first violation of subsection A (false reporting of a bombing, fire or other emergency) is a class 1 misdemeanor.; 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 (False reporting (subsection A, first violation) — A first violation of subsection A (false reporting of a bombing, fire or other emergency) is a class 1 misdemeanor.; 13-802(A)) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Jail / prison | 6 months to 18 months (False reporting (subsection A, second or subsequent violation) — A second or subsequent violation of subsection A is elevated to a class 6 felony.; 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 (False reporting (subsection A, second or subsequent violation) — A second or subsequent violation of subsection A is elevated to a class 6 felony.; fine cap for an individual (13-801); statute-specific amounts may exceed) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Jail / prison | 6 months to 18 months (False reporting (subsection B - educational institution or place of worship) — A violation of subsection B, involving a false report of a serious offense at an educational institution or place used for worship, is a class 6 felony.; 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 (False reporting (subsection B - educational institution or place of worship) — A violation of subsection B, involving a false report of a serious offense at an educational institution or place used for worship, is a class 6 felony.; fine cap for an individual (13-801); statute-specific amounts may exceed) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
Applies to current.
How is false reporting classified in Arizona?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| False reporting (subsection A, first violation) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | A first violation of subsection A (false reporting of a bombing, fire or other emergency) is a class 1 misdemeanor. | A.R.S. § 13-2907D |
| False reporting (subsection A, second or subsequent violation) | Class 6 Felony | A second or subsequent violation of subsection A is elevated to a class 6 felony. | A.R.S. § 13-2907D |
| False reporting (subsection B - educational institution or place of worship) | Class 6 Felony | A violation of subsection B, involving a false report of a serious offense at an educational institution or place used for worship, is a class 6 felony. | A.R.S. § 13-2907D |
Common questions about false reporting in Arizona
Is false reporting a felony or a misdemeanor in Arizona?
It depends on the circumstances: false reporting ranges from a Class 1 Misdemeanor to a Class 6 Felony in Arizona under A.R.S. § 13-2907.
False reporting (subsection A, first violation): Class 1 Misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 13-2907D) · False reporting (subsection A, second or subsequent violation): Class 6 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-2907D) · False reporting (subsection B - educational institution or place of worship): Class 6 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-2907D)
What are the penalties for false reporting in Arizona?
Which Arizona statute covers false reporting?
False reporting is governed by A.R.S. § 13-2907 (False reporting; emergency response costs; classification; definitions).
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.