ARS 13-707: Misdemeanor Sentencing
The complete text of A.R.S. § 13-707 on misdemeanor sentencing, and how this section is used in Arizona criminal cases. It defines terms and procedure rather than creating an offense.
Recognized By
As Seen On
Recognized By
What § 13-707 Sets Out
A.R.S. § 13-707 is the Arizona statute on misdemeanor sentencing. 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. A sentence of imprisonment for a misdemeanor shall be for a definite term to be served other than a place within custody of the state department of corrections. The court shall fix the term of imprisonment within the following maximum limitations:
- For a class 1 misdemeanor, six months.
- For a class 2 misdemeanor, four months.
- For a class 3 misdemeanor, thirty days.
Full Text of A.R.S. § 13-707
A. A sentence of imprisonment for a misdemeanor shall be for a definite term to be served other than a place within custody of the state department of corrections. The court shall fix the term of imprisonment within the following maximum limitations:
1. For a class 1 misdemeanor, six months.
2. For a class 2 misdemeanor, four months.
3. For a class 3 misdemeanor, thirty days.
B. A person who is at least eighteen years of age or who has been tried as an adult and who stands convicted of any misdemeanor or petty offense, other than a traffic offense, and who has been convicted of one or more of the same misdemeanors or petty offenses within two years next preceding the date of the present offense shall be sentenced for the next higher class of offense than that for which the person currently is convicted. Time spent incarcerated within the two years next preceding the date of the offense for which a person is currently being sentenced shall not be included in the two years required to be free of convictions.
C. If a person is convicted of a misdemeanor offense and the offense requires enhanced punishment because it is a second or subsequent offense, the court shall determine the existence of the previous conviction. The court shall allow the allegation of a prior conviction to be made in the same manner as the allegation prescribed by section 28-1387, subsection A.
D. A person who has been convicted in any court outside the jurisdiction of this state of an offense that if committed in this state would be punishable as a misdemeanor or petty offense is subject to this section. A person who has been convicted as an adult of an offense punishable as a misdemeanor or petty offense under the provisions of any prior code in this state is subject to this section.
E. The court may direct that a person who is sentenced pursuant to subsection A of this section shall not be released on any basis until the sentence imposed by the court has been served.
Source: Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-707, 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 Guides From Our Team
Written by our defense team on how these cases run in Arizona courts.
- Class 3 Misdemeanor in Arizona
- Class 2 Misdemeanor in Arizona
- What is a Class 1 Misdemeanor in Arizona? [2026]
Related Statutes in Chapter 7 — Sentencing And Imprisonment
- A.R.S. § 13-706 — Serious, violent or aggravated offenders
- A.R.S. § 13-708 — Offenses committed while released from confinement
- A.R.S. § 13-705 — Dangerous crimes against children
How § 13-707 Affects an Arizona Case
§ 13-707 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.
Call 623-321-4699 for a confidential consultation, 24/7.
Awards & Recognition
Our recognition for Phoenix criminal defense defense is independently verified, click any award to confirm it:
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
- Elite Lawyer 2026 – Criminal Defense
- Super Lawyers – Southwest
- National College for DUI Defense (NCDD)
When you are looking for the best Phoenix criminal defense lawyers, these are the independently verified credentials that matter, earned by Founding Attorney Michael Tamou and a full team of attorneys, including former prosecutors, public defenders, and law enforcement.
What Clients Say About Tamou Law
Real Google reviews from clients we have defended across Phoenix and Maricopa County. Every review is from a criminal defense client, never padded with non-legal work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A.R.S. § 13-707?
A.R.S. § 13-707 is the Arizona statute on misdemeanor sentencing. It sets out rules that apply across Arizona criminal cases rather than defining a single offense.
Where can I read the official text of § 13-707?
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.
Two Arizona Offices, One Team
We serve all of Maricopa County and the surrounding area, with free, confidential consultations 24/7 by phone and in-person meetings at either office by appointment.
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.