ARS 13-3732: Unlawful Video Recording of Law Enforcement
The complete text of A.R.S. § 13-3732 on unlawful video recording of law enforcement, what the State has to prove, and the sentencing range, with a violation charged as a class 3 misdemeanor and exposure reaching up to 30 days in jail.
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Penalties for a § 13-3732 Conviction
A.R.S. § 13-3732 is the Arizona statute on unlawful video recording of law enforcement. A violation is a class 3 misdemeanor, depending on the paragraph charged and what the State can prove. The maximum exposure is 30 days in jail.
| Class | Maximum jail | Maximum fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class 3 misdemeanor | 30 days | $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. § 13-3732
A. It is unlawful for a person to knowingly make a video recording of law enforcement activity if the person making the video recording is within eight feet of where the person knows or reasonably should know that law enforcement activity is occurring, either receives or has previously received a verbal warning from a law enforcement officer that the person is prohibited from making a video recording of a law enforcement activity within eight feet of the activity and continues to make a video recording of the law enforcement activity within eight feet of the activity. If the law enforcement activity is occurring in an enclosed structure that is on private property, a person who is authorized to be on the private property may make a video recording of the activity from an adjacent room or area that is less than eight feet away from where the activity is occurring, unless a law enforcement officer determines that the person is interfering in the law enforcement activity or that it is not safe to be in the area and orders the person to leave the area.
B. Notwithstanding subsection A of this section, a person who is the subject of police contact may record the encounter if the person is not interfering with lawful police actions, including searching, handcuffing or administering a field sobriety test. The occupants of a vehicle that is the subject of a police stop may record the encounter if the occupants are not interfering with lawful police actions.
C. This section does not establish a right or authorize any person to make a video recording of law enforcement activity.
D. A violation of this section is a class 3 misdemeanor.
E. For the purposes of this section, “law enforcement activity” means any of the following:
1. Questioning a suspicious person.
2. Conducting an arrest, issuing a summons or enforcing the law.
3. Handling an emotionally disturbed or disorderly person who is exhibiting abnormal behavior.
Source: Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3732, 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 37 — Miscellaneous Offenses
- A.R.S. § 13-3733 — Failure to maintain adequate records
- A.R.S. § 13-3729 — Unlawful operation of model or unmanned aircraft
- A.R.S. § 13-3728 — Unlawful purchase, solicitation, advertisement, possession or sale of used detached catalytic converter
- A.R.S. § 13-3727 — Unlawful residency
- A.R.S. § 13-3726 — Unauthorized use of the name, portrait or picture of a deceased soldier
- A.R.S. § 13-3725 — Interference with monitoring devices
- A.R.S. § 13-3724 — Obtaining utility service fraudulently
- A.R.S. § 13-3723 — Unlawful operation of a recording device with the intent to record a motion picture
How Tamou Law Group Defends § 13-3732 Cases
A § 13-3732 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 3 misdemeanor and something far less serious, and it is where these cases are won.
We handle unlawful video recording of law enforcement 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. § 13-3732?
A.R.S. § 13-3732 is the Arizona statute on unlawful video recording of law enforcement. A violation is a class 3 misdemeanor, and which class applies depends on the paragraph charged and the facts the State can prove.
Is a violation of § 13-3732 a felony in Arizona?
No. Under the statute a violation is a class 3 misdemeanor, so the exposure reaches up to 30 days in jail. The paragraph charged and the facts decide which class applies.
What is the maximum penalty for a class 3 misdemeanor?
A.R.S. 13-707 caps jail at 30 days for a class 3 misdemeanor and A.R.S. 13-802 caps the fine at $500, before surcharges. A judge may also impose probation and other conditions.
Where can I read the official text of § 13-3732?
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.