A.R.S. § 13-1303: Unlawful Imprisonment
Unlawful imprisonment; classification; definition
Is unlawful imprisonment a felony in Arizona?
In Arizona, a person commits unlawful imprisonment by knowingly restraining another person, which is a class 6 felony unless the victim is released voluntarily without physical injury in a safe place before arrest, in which case it is a class 1 misdemeanor.
Full statute text
Official text last checked against azleg.gov:
13-1303. Unlawful imprisonment; classification; definition
A. A person commits unlawful imprisonment by knowingly restraining another person.
B. In any prosecution for unlawful imprisonment, it is a defense that:
1. The restraint was accomplished by a peace officer or detention officer acting in good faith in the lawful performance of his duty; or
2. The defendant is a relative of the person restrained and the defendant's sole intent is to assume lawful custody of that person and the restraint was accomplished without physical injury.
C. Unlawful imprisonment is a class 6 felony unless the victim is released voluntarily by the defendant without physical injury in a safe place before arrest in which case it is a class 1 misdemeanor.
D. For the purposes of this section, "detention officer" means a person other than an elected official who is employed by a county, city or town and who is responsible for the supervision, protection, care, custody or control of inmates in a county or municipal correctional institution. Detention officer does not include counselors or secretarial, clerical or professionally trained personnel.
AI-drafted summary, not attorney-reviewed. Statute text verified against azleg.gov. Legal information, not legal advice — consult a licensed attorney for your situation.