A.R.S. § 13-602: Misdemeanor Classifications
Designation of offenses
What is a class 2 misdemeanor in Arizona?
In Arizona, a class 2 misdemeanor is the default classification for any offense outside the criminal code that the law declares a misdemeanor without specifying its class or penalty; unclassified felonies default to a class 5 felony, and unclassified offenses with no felony or misdemeanor designation default to a petty offense. Most petty offenses and class 2 or 3 misdemeanors, other than title 28 violations, also count as minor nontraffic offenses for armed-forces recruitment purposes.
Full statute text
Official text last checked against azleg.gov:
13-602. Designation of offenses
A. The particular classification of each felony defined in this title is expressly designated in the section or chapter defining it. Any offense defined outside this title which is declared by law to be a felony without either specification of the classification or of the penalty is a class 5 felony.
B. The particular classification of each misdemeanor defined in this title is expressly designated in the section or chapter defining it. Any offense defined outside this title which is declared by law to be a misdemeanor without either specification of the classification or of the penalty is a class 2 misdemeanor.
C. Every petty offense in this title is expressly designated as such. Any offense defined outside this title without either designation as a felony or misdemeanor or specification of the classification or the penalty is a petty offense.
D. Any offense which is declared by law to be a felony, misdemeanor or petty offense without specification of the classification of such offense is punishable according to the penalty prescribed for such offense.
E. Any offense defined within or outside this title without designation as a felony, misdemeanor or petty offense is punishable according to the penalty prescribed for such offense.
F. Any offense defined outside this title with a specification of the classification of such offense is punishable according to the provisions of this title.
G. Any petty offense, class 3 misdemeanor or class 2 misdemeanor, except a violation of title 28, is deemed a minor nontraffic offense for the limited purpose of armed forces recruitment.
AI-drafted summary, not attorney-reviewed. Statute text verified against azleg.gov. Legal information, not legal advice — consult a licensed attorney for your situation.