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Arizona criminal charge

Hindering prosecution in the first degree in Arizona

Current through 2026 Arizona legislative session

Hindering prosecution in the first degree is a criminal offense under Arizona law, defined by A.R.S. § 13-2512. 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. § 13-2512.

What is the penalty for hindering prosecution in the first degree in Arizona?

Penalties for Hindering prosecution in the first degree
PenaltyRangeBasisAuthority
Jail / prison9 months to 24 months (Hindering prosecution in the first degree — base offense — Applies generally to hindering prosecution in the first degree unless the enhanced circumstances in B.1 or B.2 apply.; 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)presumptiveA.R.S. § 13-702
Fineup to $150,000 (Hindering prosecution in the first degree — base offense — Applies generally to hindering prosecution in the first degree unless the enhanced circumstances in B.1 or B.2 apply.; fine cap for an individual (13-801); statute-specific amounts may exceed)discretionaryA.R.S. § 13-702

Applies to first felony offense, non-dangerous; presumptive term 1.5 years.

How is hindering prosecution in the first degree classified in Arizona?

The classification depends on the circumstances:

Classification variants for Hindering prosecution in the first degree
VariantClassificationWhen it appliesStatute
Hindering prosecution in the first degree — base offenseClass 5 FelonyApplies generally to hindering prosecution in the first degree unless the enhanced circumstances in B.1 or B.2 apply.A.R.S. § 13-2512B

Common questions about hindering prosecution in the first degree in Arizona

Is hindering prosecution in the first degree a felony or a misdemeanor in Arizona?

Hindering prosecution in the first degree is a Class 5 Felony in Arizona under A.R.S. § 13-2512.

Hindering prosecution in the first degree — base offense: Class 5 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-2512B)

What are the penalties for hindering prosecution in the first degree in Arizona?

Penalties for hindering prosecution in the first degree in Arizona depend on how it is classified — from a Class 5 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 hindering prosecution in the first degree?

Hindering prosecution in the first degree is governed by A.R.S. § 13-2512 (Hindering prosecution in the first degree; 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.