Trespassing Laws in Arizona

You can be fined and go to jail for trespassing in Arizona.

Arizona trespassing laws are designed to protect the real property of citizens and the government from unwanted visitors. If you're caught trespassing, you could face heavy fines and jail time.

Criminal Codes

Arizona trespassing laws are codified in Title 13, Chapter 15 of the state criminal code. Statute 13-1501 defines types of public service facilities to which trespassing laws apply. Statutes 13-1502 through 13-1504 describe the three degrees of criminal trespass.

Third-Degree Trespass

You could be charged with third-degree criminal trespass if you refuse to get off railroad tracks.

Criminal trespass in the third degree is a Class 3 misdemeanor. You're committing this crime if you knowingly enter or stay on property after you've been asked to leave or if there are "No Trespassing" signs posted. Remaining on tracks or other railroad facilities is also prohibited by this law.

Second-Degree Trespass

It's a Class 2 misdemeanor if you commit criminal trespass in the second degree. You may be accused of this crime if you unlawfully enter any nonresidential structure or fenced commercial yard.

First-Degree Trespass

Trespassing on religious property in Arizona is a felony.

Some first-degree criminal trespass offenses are Class 6 felonies and others are Class 1 misdemeanors. Felony offenses include entering or remaining unlawfully on someone's residential property, on religious property or on public service facility property. Misdemeanor offenses include entering someone's fenced residential yard, looking into a residential structure from the yard and unlawfully entering property to explore for minerals.

References

• Arizona State Legislature: Title 13 Criminal Code

Resources

• Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records: Law and Research Library