Arizona criminal charge
Obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions in Arizona
Obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions is a criminal offense under Arizona law, defined by A.R.S. § 13-2409. 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. § 13-2409.
What is the penalty for obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions in Arizona?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 9 months to 24 months (Obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions - base offense — Applies generally when a person knowingly obstructs, delays or prevents communication of information or testimony, or injures another on account of giving such information or testimony, without gang-related intent.; 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 (Obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions - base offense — Applies generally when a person knowingly obstructs, delays or prevents communication of information or testimony, or injures another on account of giving such information or testimony, without gang-related intent.; 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 (Obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions - criminal street gang purpose — Applies when the person commits the offense with the intent to promote, further or assist a criminal street gang.; 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 (Obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions - criminal street gang purpose — Applies when the person commits the offense with the intent to promote, further or assist a criminal street gang.; 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 1.5 years.
How is obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions classified in Arizona?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions - base offense | Class 5 Felony | Applies generally when a person knowingly obstructs, delays or prevents communication of information or testimony, or injures another on account of giving such information or testimony, without gang-related intent. | A.R.S. § 13-2409undefined |
| Obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions - criminal street gang purpose | Class 3 Felony | Applies when the person commits the offense with the intent to promote, further or assist a criminal street gang. | A.R.S. § 13-2409undefined |
Common questions about obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions in Arizona
Is obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions a felony or a misdemeanor in Arizona?
It depends on the circumstances: obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions ranges from a Class 5 Felony to a Class 3 Felony in Arizona under A.R.S. § 13-2409.
Obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions - base offense: Class 5 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-2409) · Obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions - criminal street gang purpose: Class 3 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-2409)
What are the penalties for obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions in Arizona?
Penalties for obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions in Arizona depend on how it is classified — from a Class 5 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 obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions?
Obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions is governed by A.R.S. § 13-2409 (Obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions; 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.