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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
aggravated assault; accomplice; classification
Purpose
Classifies the act of committing assault against a single person when aided by two or more accomplices as aggravated assault.
Background
A person commits assault by: 1) intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing any physical injury to another person; 2) intentionally placing another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury; or 3) knowingly touching another person with the intent to injure, insult or provoke such person. Assault is a class 1, 2 or 3 misdemeanor depending on the circumstances of the offense (A.R.S. § 13-1203).
A person commits aggravated assault if a person commits assault and certain aggravating circumstances apply, including if the person causes serious physical injury to another or uses a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument in the commission of the offense. A person also commits aggravated assault if the person commits assault on a person knowing or having reason to know that the victim is: 1) a first responder; 2) a constable; 3) a teacher or other school employee as outlined; 4) a health care worker while engaged in official duties as outlined; 5) a prosecutor; 6) a code enforcement officer; 7) a park ranger; 8) a public defender; or 9) a judicial officer. The penalty for aggravated assault ranges from a class 2 felony to a class 6 felony depending on the circumstances of the offense (A.R.S. § 13-1204).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Classifies, as aggravated assault, the act of committing assault against a single person and being aided by two or more accomplices during the assault.
2. Makes conforming changes.
3. Cites this legislation as Preston's Law.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
JUD 1/29/25 DP 5-4-0-0
3rd Read 3/3/25 37-21-2
Prepared by Senate Research
March 24, 2025
ZD/ci