ARS 13-3451: Definitions
The complete text of A.R.S. § 13-3451 on definitions, and how this section is used in Arizona criminal cases. It defines terms and procedure rather than creating an offense.
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Full Text of A.R.S. § 13-3451
A.R.S. § 13-3451 is the Arizona statute on definitions. It defines terms used throughout the criminal code, so no offense class or sentence attaches to this section on its own.
In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
1. “Controlled substance” means a drug, substance or immediate precursor in schedules I through V of title 36, chapter 27 or the rules adopted pursuant to title 36, chapter 27, or a dangerous drug or a narcotic drug listed in section 13-3401.
2. “Counterfeit preparation” means a preparation that has an appearance which imitates another preparation but that, in fact, is a different preparation.
3. “Distribute” means the actual, constructive or attempted transfer, delivery or sale of, or dispensing to another of, an imitation controlled substance, imitation prescription-only drug or imitation over-the-counter drug.
4. “Imitation controlled substance” means a drug, substance or immediate precursor which does or does not contain a controlled substance that by texture, consistency or color or dosage unit appearance as evidenced by color, shape, size or markings, apart from any other representations, packaging or advertisements, would lead a reasonable person to believe that the substance is a controlled substance but it is a counterfeit preparation.
5. “Imitation over-the-counter drug” means an imitation of a nonprescription drug as defined in section 32-1901 that by texture, consistency or color or dosage unit appearance as evidenced by color, shape, size or markings, apart from any other representations, packaging or advertisements, would lead a reasonable person to believe that the substance is an over-the-counter drug.
6. “Imitation prescription-only drug” means a drug, substance or immediate precursor which does or does not contain a prescription-only drug as defined by section 32-1901 that by texture, consistency or color or dosage unit appearance as evidenced by color, shape, size or markings, apart from any other representations, packaging or advertisements, would lead a reasonable person to believe that the substance is a prescription-only drug but it is a counterfeit preparation.
7. “Manufacture” means the production, preparation, compounding, processing, encapsulating, packaging or repackaging, or labeling or relabeling of an imitation controlled substance, imitation prescription-only drug or imitation over-the-counter drug.
8. “Placebo” means an inactive substance or preparation used in controlled studies to determine the effectiveness of medicinal substances or used to please or gratify a physician’s patient.
Source: Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3451, 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 34.1 — Imitation Substance Or Drug Offenses
- A.R.S. § 13-3453 — Manufacture or distribution of imitation controlled substance
- A.R.S. § 13-3454 — Manufacture or distribution of imitation prescription-only drug
- A.R.S. § 13-3455 — Manufacture or distribution of imitation over-the-counter drug
- A.R.S. § 13-3456 — Possession or possession with intent to use imitation controlled substance
- A.R.S. § 13-3457 — Possession or possession with intent to use an imitation prescription-only drug
- A.R.S. § 13-3458 — Possession or possession with intent to use an imitation over-the-counter drug
- A.R.S. § 13-3459 — Manufacture of certain substances and drugs by certain means
How § 13-3451 Affects an Arizona Case
§ 13-3451 usually matters because of how it interacts with the charge someone is actually facing. We read it alongside the charging statute, because a definition or a procedural rule frequently decides what the State must prove, what a judge may impose, or what relief is available afterward.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is A.R.S. § 13-3451?
A.R.S. § 13-3451 is the Arizona statute on definitions. It sets out rules that apply across Arizona criminal cases rather than defining a single offense.
Where can I read the official text of § 13-3451?
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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