{"id":371595,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:22","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/arizona-law\/arizona-stalking-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-05-19T18:44:34","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T23:44:34","slug":"arizona-stalking-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/arizona-law\/arizona-stalking-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Arizona Stalking Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Arizona Stalking Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\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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Arizona<\/span> stalking laws<\/span> criminalize a course of conduct<\/span> directed at a specific person<\/span> that causes reasonable fear<\/span> or emotional distress<\/span>. Under the Arizona<\/span> Revised Statutes<\/span>, stalking is classified as either a Class 5<\/span> or Class 3<\/span> felony, depending on whether the behavior involves death threats. Convicted individuals face prison sentences ranging from nine months to seven years and fines up to $150,000.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

In recent years, many states have updated their\u00a0stalking statutes<\/span>. This is partly because the internet and social media<\/span> have made it easier for stalkers to communicate with and threaten their victims.<\/p>\n

Arizona<\/span>, like every other state, has specific stalking laws<\/span><\/a>. They work together with federal laws that prohibit stalking behavior<\/span>. Those found guilty of stalking face severe criminal penalties.<\/p>\n

This article examines and explains Arizona<\/span>‘s stalking laws<\/span><\/a>, including the penalties and defenses to this criminal charge<\/span>. If you’re facing stalking charges<\/span>, it’s a good idea to contact an experienced Arizona <\/u>criminal defense attorney<\/span><\/a>. They’ll review your case and help you devise a strong defense strategy.<\/p>\n

How Do Arizona<\/span>‘s Criminal Laws<\/span> Define Stalking?<\/h2>\n

The Arizona<\/span> Revised Statutes<\/span><\/a> define the crime of stalking<\/span> in great detail. Not only does it offer a general definition of this crime, but it also provides specific examples of the types of stalking recognized by Arizona<\/span> law<\/span>.<\/p>\n

In Arizona<\/span>, a person is guilty of stalking<\/a> if they knowingly engage in a course of conduct<\/span> directed toward a specific person<\/span> that causes the other person to experience significant emotional distress<\/span> or fear for their personal safety<\/span>. It also applies to the victim’s family members<\/span> and others considered part of the victim’s household<\/span>.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to understand who Arizona<\/span> law<\/span> considers as “family” under the law. A person commits a stalking offense<\/a> when their behavior causes the other person to suffer emotional distress<\/span>, reasonably fear that their property will be damaged or destroyed, or that any of the following will suffer a physical injury:<\/p>\n