Arizona criminal charge
Theft by extortion in Arizona
Theft by extortion is a criminal offense under Arizona law, defined by A.R.S. § 13-1804. 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. § 13-1804.
What is the penalty for theft by extortion in Arizona?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 4 years to 10 years (Theft by extortion — threat of physical injury by deadly weapon/dangerous instrument or death/serious physical injury — Applies when the theft by extortion involves a threat under subsection A, paragraph 1, i.e., threatening to cause physical injury by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument or to cause death or serious physical injury.; 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) | presumptive | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Fine | up to $150,000 (Theft by extortion — threat of physical injury by deadly weapon/dangerous instrument or death/serious physical injury — Applies when the theft by extortion involves a threat under subsection A, paragraph 1, i.e., threatening to cause physical injury by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument or to cause death or serious physical injury.; fine cap for an individual (13-801); drug and other offenses may set higher statute-specific amounts) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-702 |
| Jail / prison | 18 months to 36 months (Theft by extortion — all other threats — Applies to theft by extortion generally, including threats under subsection A paragraphs 2 through 9, except for the paragraph 1 threat which is a class 2 felony.; 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 (Theft by extortion — all other threats — Applies to theft by extortion generally, including threats under subsection A paragraphs 2 through 9, except for the paragraph 1 threat which is a class 2 felony.; 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 5 years.
How is theft by extortion classified in Arizona?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theft by extortion — threat of physical injury by deadly weapon/dangerous instrument or death/serious physical injury | Class 2 Felony | Applies when the theft by extortion involves a threat under subsection A, paragraph 1, i.e., threatening to cause physical injury by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument or to cause death or serious physical injury. | A.R.S. § 13-1804C |
| Theft by extortion — all other threats | Class 4 Felony | Applies to theft by extortion generally, including threats under subsection A paragraphs 2 through 9, except for the paragraph 1 threat which is a class 2 felony. | A.R.S. § 13-1804C |
Common questions about theft by extortion in Arizona
Is theft by extortion a felony or a misdemeanor in Arizona?
It depends on the circumstances: theft by extortion ranges from a Class 4 Felony to a Class 2 Felony in Arizona under A.R.S. § 13-1804.
Theft by extortion — threat of physical injury by deadly weapon/dangerous instrument or death/serious physical injury: Class 2 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-1804C) · Theft by extortion — all other threats: Class 4 Felony (A.R.S. § 13-1804C)
What are the penalties for theft by extortion in Arizona?
Penalties for theft by extortion in Arizona depend on how it is classified — from a Class 4 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 theft by extortion?
Theft by extortion is governed by A.R.S. § 13-1804 (Theft by extortion; 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.