The Arizona Revised Statutes have been updated to include the revised sections from the 56th Legislature, 1st Regular Session. Please note that the next update of this compilation will not take place until after the conclusion of the 56th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session, which convenes in January 2024.
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This online version of the Arizona Revised Statutes is primarily maintained for legislative drafting purposes and reflects the version of law that is effective on January 1st of the year following the most recent legislative session. The official version of the Arizona Revised Statutes is published by Thomson Reuters.
12-998 - Nuisance; commercial buildings used for crime; action to abate and prevent
12-998. Nuisance; commercial buildings used for crime; action to abate and prevent
A. The use of a commercial building or place regularly used in the commission of a crime is a nuisance and the criminal activity causing the nuisance shall be enjoined, abated and prevented and damages may be recovered.
B. If there is reason to believe that a nuisance as described in subsection A exists, the attorney general, the county attorney, the city attorney or a resident of a county or city who is affected by the nuisance may bring an action in superior court to abate and prevent the criminal activity, except that:
1. The court shall not assess a civil penalty against any person unless that person knew of the unlawful acts.
2. The court shall not enter an order of closure.
3. The injunction shall be necessary to protect the health and safety of the public or to prevent further criminal activity.
4. The order shall not affect the owner's interest in the building or place used for the criminal activity.