{"id":371523,"date":"2017-08-20T14:17:48","date_gmt":"2017-08-20T19:17:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/arizona-law\/arizona-criminal-trespass-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-01-26T09:23:02","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T14:23:02","slug":"arizona-criminal-trespass-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/arizona-law\/arizona-criminal-trespass-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Arizona Criminal Trespass Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Arizona Criminal Trespass Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Arizona criminal trespass is a crime that occurs when an individual knowingly enters or remains on another person’s property without permission. This offense includes unlawfully entering residential structures, commercial yards, or critical public facilities, often by ignoring “No Trespassing” signs or fences. Arizona law classifies these violations into three degrees based on the property type and intent, carrying penalties ranging from fines to felony prison time.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

It\u2019s common knowledge that trespassing on private property is illegal. It\u2019s a crime in most states, including Arizona<\/span>. Arizona<\/span>‘s criminal trespass<\/span><\/a> laws<\/span> protect property owners from intruders and prohibit people from entering or remaining on property without permission.<\/p>\n

In the state of <\/span>Arizona<\/span>, a person commits criminal trespass<\/span> when they knowingly ignore either a sign or another barrier and enter a property without permission. Arizona<\/span> law<\/span> categorizes criminal trespass<\/span><\/a> into three degrees, each carrying specific penalties.<\/p>\n

This article examines and explains how the criminal trespass<\/span> laws<\/span> work in Arizona<\/span>, including the penalties and defenses. If you’re facing criminal <\/span>trespass<\/span> charges<\/span>, consider consulting with a local criminal defense lawyer<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

How Does Arizona<\/span> Define Criminal Trespass<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

Every state defines criminal trespass<\/span><\/a> a bit differently. In Arizona<\/span>, a person commits this offense by making an unauthorized entry onto another\u00a0person’s property<\/span>. A person can also be guilty of this crime when they remain on a property after being told to leave.<\/p>\n

While a person can be guilty of criminal trespass<\/span> for unlawfully entering a person’s home or building, they may also face charges for entering onto other types of property. Arizona<\/span>‘s criminal trespass<\/span> laws<\/span> apply to several types of property, including:<\/p>\n