ARS 13-1807: Issuing a bad check
The complete text of A.R.S. § 13-1807 on issuing a bad check, what the State has to prove, and the sentencing range, with a violation charged as a class 6 felony or a class 1 misdemeanor and exposure reaching up to 2 years in prison.
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Penalties for a § 13-1807 Conviction
A.R.S. § 13-1807 is the Arizona statute on issuing a bad check. A violation is a class 6 felony or a class 1 misdemeanor, depending on the paragraph charged and what the State can prove. The maximum exposure is 2 years in prison.
| Class | Mitigated | Minimum | Presumptive | Maximum | Aggravated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 6 felony | 4 months | 6 months | 1 year | 1.5 years | 2 years |
| Class | Maximum jail | Maximum fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 misdemeanor | 6 months | $2,500 |
Felony ranges are set by A.R.S. § 13-702(D) and apply to a first felony conviction that is not dangerous and not repetitive. A dangerous offense (§ 13-704), a repetitive offense (§ 13-703) or a dangerous crime against children (§ 13-705) carries a longer range, and some carry mandatory prison with no probation. Misdemeanor maximums come from §§ 13-707 and 13-802; surcharges are added on top of every fine.
Full Text of A.R.S. § 13-1807
A. A person commits issuing a bad check if the person issues or passes a check knowing that the person does not have sufficient funds in or on deposit with the bank or other drawee for the payment in full of the check as well as all other checks outstanding at the time of issuance.
B. Any of the following is a defense to prosecution under this section:
1. The payee or holder knows or has been expressly notified before the drawing of the check or has reason to believe that the drawer did not have on deposit or to the drawer’s credit with the drawee sufficient funds to ensure payment on its presentation.
2. The check is postdated and sufficient funds are on deposit with the drawee on such later date for the payment in full of the check.
3. Insufficiency of funds results from an adjustment to the person’s account by the credit institution without notice to the person.
C. Nothing in this section prohibits prosecution for any other applicable criminal offense.
D. Except as provided in subsection E of this section, issuing a bad check is a class 1 misdemeanor.
E. Issuing a bad check in an amount of five thousand dollars or more is a class 6 felony if the person fails to pay the full amount of the check, including accrued interest at the rate of twelve per cent per year and any other applicable fees pursuant to this chapter, within sixty days after receiving notice pursuant to section 13-1808.
Source: Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1807, Arizona Legislative Council revision of 09/19/25. Read the official text on azleg.gov. Statutes change; verify the current version before relying on it.
Our Guides on This Charge
Written by our defense team on how these cases run in Arizona courts.
Related Statutes in Chapter 18 — Theft
- A.R.S. § 13-1806 — Unlawful failure to return rented or leased property
- A.R.S. § 13-1805 — Shoplifting
- A.R.S. § 13-1804 — Theft by extortion
- A.R.S. § 13-1803 — Unlawful use of means of transportation
- A.R.S. § 13-1802 — Theft
- A.R.S. § 13-1813 — Gift card theft
- A.R.S. § 13-1814 — Theft of means of transportation
- A.R.S. § 13-1816 — Unlawful use, possession or removal of theft detection shielding devices
How Tamou Law Group Defends § 13-1807 Cases
A § 13-1807 case is decided by the paragraph the State charged, not by the statute as a whole. We start with the charging document and the disclosure, identify which subsection the prosecutor has to prove, and test whether the evidence actually reaches every element of it. Where the class turns on a fact such as value, an alleged injury, a prior conviction or the identity of the person involved, that fact is frequently the difference between a class 6 felony and something far less serious, and it is where these cases are won.
We handle issuing a bad check cases across Maricopa County and statewide, from our Scottsdale and Phoenix offices. Call 623-321-4699 any time, or read the statute in full above before you speak to anyone about the case.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is A.R.S. § 13-1807?
A.R.S. § 13-1807 is the Arizona statute on issuing a bad check. A violation is a class 6 felony or a class 1 misdemeanor, and which class applies depends on the paragraph charged and the facts the State can prove.
Is a violation of § 13-1807 a felony in Arizona?
It can be. Under the statute a violation is a class 6 felony or a class 1 misdemeanor, so the exposure reaches up to 2 years in prison. The paragraph charged and the facts decide which class applies.
What is the sentence for a class 6 felony in Arizona?
For a first felony conviction that is not dangerous or repetitive, A.R.S. 13-702(D) sets a class 6 felony at 4 months to 2 years, with a presumptive term of 1 year. Dangerous, repetitive and dangerous-crimes-against-children sentencing under 13-703, 13-704 and 13-705 runs longer.
What is the maximum penalty for a class 1 misdemeanor?
A.R.S. 13-707 caps jail at 6 months for a class 1 misdemeanor and A.R.S. 13-802 caps the fine at $2,500, before surcharges. A judge may also impose probation and other conditions.
Where can I read the official text of § 13-1807?
The Arizona Legislature publishes it at azleg.gov, in the revision dated 09/19/25. The complete text is reproduced on this page, and every Arizona criminal statute is searchable on our Arizona Criminal Code index.
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