Arizona criminal charge
Forgery in Arizona
Forgery is a criminal offense under Arizona law, defined by A.R.S. § 13-2002. 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. § 13-2002.
What is the penalty for forgery in Arizona?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 18 months to 36 months (Forgery — standard — Forgery is committed under subsection A, including where the forged instrument is a gift card.; 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 (Forgery — standard — Forgery is committed under subsection A, including where the forged instrument is a gift card.; 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 (Forgery — instrument used in connection with drop house dwelling transaction — The forged instrument is used in connection with the purchase, lease or renting of a dwelling that is used as a drop house.; 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 (Forgery — instrument used in connection with drop house dwelling transaction — The forged instrument is used in connection with the purchase, lease or renting of a dwelling that is used as a drop house.; 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 forgery classified in Arizona?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forgery — standard | Class 4 Felony | Forgery is committed under subsection A, including where the forged instrument is a gift card. | A.R.S. § 13-2002C |
| Forgery — instrument used in connection with drop house dwelling transaction | Class 3 Felony | The forged instrument is used in connection with the purchase, lease or renting of a dwelling that is used as a drop house. | A.R.S. § 13-2002C |
Common questions about forgery in Arizona
Is forgery a felony or a misdemeanor in Arizona?
What are the penalties for forgery in Arizona?
Penalties for forgery 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 forgery?
Forgery is governed by A.R.S. § 13-2002 (Forgery; 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.