ARS 13-2413: Interfering With a Crime Scene Investigation
The complete text of A.R.S. § 13-2413 on interfering with a crime scene investigation, what the State has to prove, and the sentencing range, with a violation charged as a class 2 misdemeanor and exposure reaching up to 4 months in jail.
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Penalties for a § 13-2413 Conviction
A.R.S. § 13-2413 is the Arizona statute on interfering with a crime scene investigation. A violation is a class 2 misdemeanor, depending on the paragraph charged and what the State can prove. The maximum exposure is 4 months in jail.
| Class | Maximum jail | Maximum fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class 2 misdemeanor | 4 months | $750 |
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. § 13-2413
A. A person commits interfering with a crime scene investigation if the person knowingly disobeys a peace officer’s reasonable verbal order to remain off the premises of a possible crime scene or otherwise interferes with a peace officer’s crime scene investigation.
B. This section does not prevent a person from peaceably observing a police proceeding if the person does not interfere with or obstruct the peace officer’s crime scene investigation.
C. Interfering with a crime scene investigation is a class 2 misdemeanor.
D. For the purposes of this section, “crime scene” means an area where a crime has possibly occurred and a peace officer who is on-site has determined that it is necessary to restrict the public’s access to the area until any potential evidence of the crime at the scene is identified and preserved, victims and suspects are identified and, if necessary, any emergency medical care and ambulance transportation is requested.
Source: Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-2413, 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.
Related Statutes in Chapter 24 — Obstruction Of Public Administration
- A.R.S. § 13-2412 — Refusing to provide truthful name when lawfully detained
- A.R.S. § 13-2414 — Impersonating a veteran
- A.R.S. § 13-2411 — Impersonating a peace officer
- A.R.S. § 13-2410 — Obstructing officer from collecting public money
- A.R.S. § 13-2409 — Obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions
- A.R.S. § 13-2408 — Securing the proceeds of an offense
- A.R.S. § 13-2407 — Tampering with a public record
- A.R.S. § 13-2406 — Impersonating a public servant
How Tamou Law Group Defends § 13-2413 Cases
A § 13-2413 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 2 misdemeanor and something far less serious, and it is where these cases are won.
We handle interfering with a crime scene investigation 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. § 13-2413?
A.R.S. § 13-2413 is the Arizona statute on interfering with a crime scene investigation. A violation is a class 2 misdemeanor, and which class applies depends on the paragraph charged and the facts the State can prove.
Is a violation of § 13-2413 a felony in Arizona?
No. Under the statute a violation is a class 2 misdemeanor, so the exposure reaches up to 4 months in jail. The paragraph charged and the facts decide which class applies.
What is the maximum penalty for a class 2 misdemeanor?
A.R.S. 13-707 caps jail at 4 months for a class 2 misdemeanor and A.R.S. 13-802 caps the fine at $750, before surcharges. A judge may also impose probation and other conditions.
Where can I read the official text of § 13-2413?
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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Case Results Disclaimer: The results described on this page are based on specific facts and circumstances and do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future results. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this page or submitting a contact form until a written fee agreement has been signed. Tamou Law Group, PLLC is licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.