Skip to main content
US Criminal Defense.org
Menu

Arizona criminal charge

Sexual extortion in Arizona

Current through 2026 Arizona legislative session

Sexual extortion is a criminal offense under Arizona law, defined by A.R.S. § 13-1428. 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. § 13-1428.

What is the penalty for sexual extortion in Arizona?

Penalties for Sexual extortion
PenaltyRangeBasisAuthority
Jail / prison2.5 years to 7 years (Sexual extortion (victim 15 or older) — Applies when the victim is fifteen years of age or older at the time of the offense.; 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)presumptiveA.R.S. § 13-702
Fineup to $150,000 (Sexual extortion (victim 15 or older) — Applies when the victim is fifteen years of age or older at the time of the offense.; fine cap for an individual (13-801); statute-specific amounts may exceed)discretionaryA.R.S. § 13-702
Jail / prison4 years to 10 years (Sexual extortion (victim under 15) — Applies when the victim is under fifteen years of age, punishable under section 13-705.; presumptive 5 years; mitigated 3 / aggravated 12.5 years available only on at least two mitigating/aggravating circumstances (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 (Sexual extortion (victim under 15) — Applies when the victim is under fifteen years of age, punishable under section 13-705.; fine cap for an individual (13-801); drug and other offenses may set higher statute-specific amounts)discretionaryA.R.S. § 13-702

Applies to first felony offense, non-dangerous; presumptive term 3.5 years.

How is sexual extortion classified in Arizona?

The classification depends on the circumstances:

Classification variants for Sexual extortion
VariantClassificationWhen it appliesStatute
Sexual extortion (victim 15 or older)Class 3 FelonyApplies when the victim is fifteen years of age or older at the time of the offense.A.R.S. § 13-1428B
Sexual extortion (victim under 15)Class 2 FelonyApplies when the victim is under fifteen years of age, punishable under section 13-705.A.R.S. § 13-1428B

Common questions about sexual extortion in Arizona

Is sexual extortion a felony or a misdemeanor in Arizona?

It depends on the circumstances: sexual extortion ranges from a Class 3 Felony to a Class 2 Felony in Arizona under A.R.S. § 13-1428.

Sexual extortion (victim 15 or older): Class 3 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-1428B) · Sexual extortion (victim under 15): Class 2 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-1428B)

What are the penalties for sexual extortion in Arizona?

Penalties for sexual extortion in Arizona depend on how it is classified — from a Class 3 Felony up to a Class 2 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 sexual extortion?

Sexual extortion is governed by A.R.S. § 13-1428 (Sexual extortion; classification; definition).

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.