Arizona criminal charge
Issuing a bad check in Arizona
Issuing a bad check is a criminal offense under Arizona law, defined by A.R.S. § 13-1807. 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. § 13-1807.
What is the penalty for issuing a bad check in Arizona?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Issuing a bad check (default) — Applies to issuing a bad check except when the amount is $5,000 or more and unpaid within 60 days after notice as described in subsection E.; 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 (Issuing a bad check (default) — Applies to issuing a bad check except when the amount is $5,000 or more and unpaid within 60 days after notice as described in subsection E.; 13-802(A)) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Jail / prison | 6 months to 18 months (Issuing a bad check ($5,000 or more, unpaid after notice) — Applies when the check amount is $5,000 or more and the person fails to pay the full amount, including accrued interest and fees, within sixty days after receiving notice under section 13-1808.; 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 (Issuing a bad check ($5,000 or more, unpaid after notice) — Applies when the check amount is $5,000 or more and the person fails to pay the full amount, including accrued interest and fees, within sixty days after receiving notice under section 13-1808.; fine cap for an individual (13-801); statute-specific amounts may exceed) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
Applies to current.
How is issuing a bad check classified in Arizona?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing a bad check (default) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Applies to issuing a bad check except when the amount is $5,000 or more and unpaid within 60 days after notice as described in subsection E. | A.R.S. § 13-1807D |
| Issuing a bad check ($5,000 or more, unpaid after notice) | Class 6 Felony | Applies when the check amount is $5,000 or more and the person fails to pay the full amount, including accrued interest and fees, within sixty days after receiving notice under section 13-1808. | A.R.S. § 13-1807E |
Common questions about issuing a bad check in Arizona
Is issuing a bad check a felony or a misdemeanor in Arizona?
It depends on the circumstances: issuing a bad check ranges from a Class 1 Misdemeanor to a Class 6 Felony in Arizona under A.R.S. § 13-1807.
Issuing a bad check (default): Class 1 Misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 13-1807D) · Issuing a bad check ($5,000 or more, unpaid after notice): Class 6 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-1807E)
What are the penalties for issuing a bad check in Arizona?
Which Arizona statute covers issuing a bad check?
Issuing a bad check is governed by A.R.S. § 13-1807 (Issuing a bad check; violation; 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.