ARS 13-4903: Use of force
The complete text of A.R.S. § 13-4903 on use of force, 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. § 13-4903
A.R.S. § 13-4903 is the Arizona statute on use of force. It sets out procedure and rules rather than defining an offense, so no offense class or sentence attaches to this section on its own.
A. An armed nuclear security guard is justified in using physical force against another person at a commercial nuclear generating station or structure or fenced yard of a commercial nuclear generating station if the armed nuclear security guard reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent or terminate the commission or attempted commission of criminal damage under section 13-1602, subsection A, paragraph 3 and subsection B, paragraph 1 or 2, misconduct involving weapons under section 13-3102, subsection A, paragraph 13 or criminal trespass on a commercial nuclear generating station under section 13-4902.
B. Notwithstanding sections 13-403, 13-404, 13-405, 13-406, 13-408, 13-409, 13-410 and 13-411, an armed nuclear security guard is justified in using physical force up to and including deadly physical force against another person at a commercial nuclear generating station or structure or fenced yard of a commercial nuclear generating station if the armed nuclear security guard reasonably believes that such force is necessary to:
1. Prevent the commission of manslaughter under section 13-1103, second or first degree murder under section 13-1104 or 13-1105, aggravated assault under section 13-1204, subsection A, paragraph 1 or 2, kidnapping under section 13-1304, burglary in the second or first degree under section 13-1507 or 13-1508, arson of a structure or property under section 13-1703, arson of an occupied structure under section 13-1704, armed robbery under section 13-1904 or an act of terrorism under section 13-2308.01.
2. Defend oneself or a third person from the use or imminent use of deadly physical force.
C. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, an armed nuclear security guard is justified in threatening to use physical or deadly physical force if and to the extent a reasonable armed nuclear security guard believes it necessary to protect oneself or others against another person’s potential use of physical force or deadly physical force.
D. An armed nuclear security guard is not subject to civil liability for engaging in conduct that is otherwise justified pursuant to this chapter.
Source: Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-4903, 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 45 — Commercial Nuclear Generating Station Security
How § 13-4903 Affects an Arizona Case
§ 13-4903 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. § 13-4903?
A.R.S. § 13-4903 is the Arizona statute on use of force. It sets out rules that apply across Arizona criminal cases rather than defining a single offense.
Where can I read the official text of § 13-4903?
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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