Aggravated Criminal Damage

Under A.R.S. § 13-1604, a person commits aggravated criminal damage by intentionally or recklessly damaging property belonging to a utility in an amount of $5,000 or more, damaging a place of worship or associated cemetery, or damaging certain agricultural structures or property. The statute also covers damage to communication infrastructure and other critical systems.

Penalties

Aggravated criminal damage is a Class 5 felony in most circumstances. Damage to utility property of $5,000 or more is elevated to a Class 4 felony.

Defenses

Defenses include challenging the dollar amount of the damage, contesting whether the property qualifies under the statute’s specific categories, or disputing whether the conduct was intentional or reckless.