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Unlawful use of means of transportation under Arizona Revised Statute (ARS) 13-1803 is a crime characterized by temporary, unauthorized use and/or control of another person’s vehicle.

Conviction of unlawful use of means of transportation results in a class 5 felony if you were the driver or a class 6 felony if you were a passenger that knew or had reason to know that the driver is in the unlawful possession of another person’s vehicle.

In this post, we examine how ARS 13-1803 defines unlawful use, break down the penalties you can face if convicted under ARS 13-1803, and discuss possible
Continue Reading Unlawful Use of Means of Transportation in Arizona: ARS 13-1803

Leaving the scene of an accident before you have met certain duties is a crime in Arizona that qualifies as a “hit and run” accident. In the case where death or physical injury occurs, you can be charged with a felony ranging from class 5 to class 2 under Arizona Revised Statute (ARS) 28-661.

In this article, we examine ARS 28-661 and your duties when you are involved in an accident that results in death or physical injury, the penalties for a hit-and-run charge, and how you can defend yourself if you are accused of leaving the scene of an
Continue Reading Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Death or Physical Injury in Arizona: ARS 28-661

Updated April 2025

Drivers in Arizona who are arrested for a DUI can face license suspension even if they are never convicted of a crime. The reason for this is that Arizona’s Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) handles driving privileges as a separate proceeding from the criminal charge.
Arizona considers driving a privilege, not a right. The government reserves the right to restrict or revoke that privilege based on various types of misconduct. Because, by their very nature, DUI charges involve the privilege of driving, an arrest almost always results in either the suspension or revocation of the person’s driver’s license.
Continue Reading What Is Arizona’s 30-Day Rule?

What some may know as “grand theft auto,” Arizona law calls theft of means of transportation as set forth in ARS 13-1814. Theft of means of transportation is a class 3 felony in Arizona, which can result in several years of prison time and hefty fines.

If you have been charged with theft of means of transportation, call AZ Defenders at (480) 456-6400 or use our contact form to get help from an attorney.

What Constitutes Theft of Means of Transportation?

ARS 13-1814 lists five definitions of what it means to commit theft of means of transportation:

  • Controlling

  • Continue Reading Theft of Means of Transportation in Arizona: ARS 13-1814

    In Arizona, Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 13-1602 is the law that makes it illegal to cause damage to another person’s property.

    In this post, we examine ARS 13-1602. We will cover how it defines criminal damage, the penalties for criminal damage upon conviction, and some possible defenses to a charge of criminal damage.

    If you have been charged with criminal damage under ARS 13-1602, call AZ Defenders for elite legal defense at (480) 456-6400 or use our contact form.

    What is Criminal Damage in Arizona?

    ARS 13-1602 has two parts. The first part identifies criminal damage variations. The second
    Continue Reading Criminal Damage in Arizona: ARS 13-1602

    ARS 13-1604 is Arizona’s aggravated criminal damage statute, which makes it illegal to. In this post, we examine Arizona’s aggravated criminal damage law. 

    We will cover the types of aggravated criminal damage Arizona law makes punishable, the types of prison sentences and fines you can face if you are convicted of aggravated criminal damage, and possible defenses to a charge of aggravated criminal damage.

    If you have been charged with aggravated criminal damage in Arizona under ARS 13-1604, you need elite legal defense from an attorney at AZ Defenders. Call us at (480) 456-6400 or use our contact form to
    Continue Reading Arizona Aggravated Criminal Damage: ARS 13-1604

    If an adult attempts to engage a minor for the purpose of an eventual sexual encounter, then under ARS 13-3554, Arizona law defines this as luring a minor for sexual exploitation. It is a serious crime that can lead to felony-level penalties.

    In this post, we will see how Arizona law defines luring a minor for sexual exploitation, the penalties for a conviction, and what possible defenses may be available. If you need more information about ARS 13-3554 and how it works, you can call AZ Defenders at (480) 456-6400 to speak with an experienced Arizona sex crimes criminal
    Continue Reading ARS 13-3554 Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation

    ARS 13-3212 explains the crime of child sex trafficking in Arizona. Child sex trafficking is typically a class 2 felony but can carry worse penalties if it is also charged as a “dangerous crime against children.” 

    If you are charged with child sex trafficking, you can call us at (480) 456-6400 or use our contact form to speak with an experienced Arizona criminal defense attorney and to learn more about your legal options in a free initial consultation.

    What is Child Sex Trafficking?

    Simply stated, a person commits child sex trafficking by knowingly using a minor to engage in prostitution
    Continue Reading Child Sex Trafficking in Arizona: ARS 13-3212

    Under Arizona law, a person commits sexual assault—more commonly known as rape—when one person intentionally or knowingly engages in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with another person without consent.

    Under ARS 13-1406, sexual assault is a class 2 felony, which carries with it at least 5.25 years in prison for first offenders and up to 28 years for those with prior felony convictions.

    If you are being investigated for sexual assault or have been charged with it, then call AZ Defenders immediately at (480) 456-6400 to get a free consultation and an elite criminal defense lawyer on
    Continue Reading Sexual Assault in Arizona: ARS 13-1406

    What you may have heard described as child pornography, Arizona law refers to as “sexual exploitation of a minor,” which is anyone under the age of 18. This is a serious statutory crime in Arizona under ARS 13-3553.

    If you are being accused of sexual exploitation of a minor in Arizona, you are facing a class 2 felony, which carries with it a minimum of 10 years imprisonment.

    The AZ Defenders experienced attorneys can answer your questions, represent you in negotiations with prosecutors, and, if necessary, defend you in court. Call us at (480) 456-6400 to speak with an
    Continue Reading Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in Arizona: ARS 13-3553

    In Arizona, ARS 13-1405 makes it illegal for a person 18 years of age or older to intentionally or knowingly engage in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with someone less than 18 years old—even if the minor consents. This is known as sexual conduct with a minor, commonly referred to as “statutory rape.”

    If you are facing a charge under Arizona’s statute that prohibits knowingly engaging in sexual conduct with a minor then you may be wondering what it means and the penalties the state might seek to impose on you.

    AZ Defenders defends people who have been accused
    Continue Reading Sexual Conduct with a Minor in Arizona: ARS 13-1405

    ARS 13-1403 is the statute that defines public sexual indecency, for which you can face a class 1 misdemeanor or class 5 felony.

    If you are facing Arizona public indecency charges, AZ Defenders can represent you. Our experienced sex crimes defense lawyers know how to negotiate with prosecuting attorneys and construct a strong legal defense. 

    Call us at (480) 456-6400 to speak with a sex crimes criminal defense lawyer and to set up a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

    What is Public Sexual Indecency?

    The statutory definition of public sexual indecency reads as follows:

    “A person commits
    Continue Reading Public Sexual Indecency in Arizona: ARS 13-1403

    Threatening another person with physical injury or serious property damage is illegal in the state of Arizona. You do not need to actually carry out the threat to be arrested and prosecuted for it. This makes threats different from other crimes that require committing a physical act upon another person, like criminal assault, kidnapping, sexual assault, or murder. 

    If you have been charged with making threats, call AZ Defenders at any time, day or night, at (480) 456-6400. You can also contact us on our website to ask a question to one of our criminal defense specialists or to arrange
    Continue Reading Threats in Arizona: ARS 13-1202

    Arizona’s endangerment law ARS 13-1201, makes it a crime to put others at serious risk of death or physical injury. Violation of this law is punishable by jail time, fines, and other penalties.

    As we will see, you can be accused of endangerment for several kinds of behaviors. This is partly because the crime of endangerment can be subject to discretionary judgment by an arresting police officer and prosecuting attorneys.

    The AZ Defenders law firm represents individuals charged with endangerment. If you are facing an endangerment charge, then call us at (480) 456-6400 to schedule a free consultation with an
    Continue Reading Endangerment: ARS 13-1201

    Arizona law has multiple statutes that make violent behavior punishable as a crime. Here, we will cover how Arizona’s revised statutes make assaulting another person illegal, the remedies available to victims of criminal assault, and the defenses you may have if you are charged with criminal assault in the state.

    If you have been charged with assault in Arizona, the law firm of AZ Defenders can represent you in negotiations with a prosecuting attorney and at trial. Call us at (480) 456-6400 today to arrange a free consultation with one of our Arizona criminal defense attorneys.

    What Does “Assault” Mean
    Continue Reading Assault: ARS 13-1203

    Arizona law has multiple statutes that make violent behavior punishable as a crime. Here, we will cover how Arizona’s revised statutes make assaulting another person illegal, the remedies available to victims of criminal assault, and the defenses you may have if you are charged with criminal assault in the state.

    If you have been charged with assault in Arizona, the law firm of AZ Defenders can represent you in negotiations with a prosecuting attorney and at trial. Call us at (480) 456-6400 today to arrange a free consultation with one of our Arizona criminal defense attorneys.

    What Does “Assault” Mean
    Continue Reading Arizona Assault Laws (ARS Assault)