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Category Archives: Firearms Crimes

What is considered self-defense in Arizona? Am I permitted to protect myself if I am under the belief that someone is going to harm me?

Yes, you can as long as your actions are reasonable. Below, learn more about the self-defense laws in the state of Arizona. For additional questions, it is always best to consult with a qualified criminal defense attorney in Prescott.

Arizona Self-Defense Laws

The specific statutes for self-defense in Arizona are listed under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-404 and § 13-405. Under the Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-404, physical force or the threat of physical force, but not deadly physical force, may be used in defense. A person is justified in using or threatening to use physical force against another when and to the extent that a reasonable person would believe that physical force is immediately necessary to protect oneself against the other’s use or attempted use of unlawful physical force.

However, the following exceptions apply:

  • You must not use or threaten physical force just because someone has used offensive words to you. You cannot rely on threats of harm alone to justify the use of force.
  • You cannot use, or threaten to use, physical force to resist an arrest by someone you know, or should reasonably know, is a peace officer, whether the arrest is legal or not. The exception to this rule is when the officer uses excessive force beyond that which he or she is permitted to use by law.
  • You cannot use or threaten physical force if you provoked the other person’s use or attempted use of unlawful physical force. However, you can do so if you withdrew from the situation and clearly communicated your intent to do so, and the other person continued or attempted to use unlawful physical force against you.

The real question will be whether a reasonable person would have believed that physical force or the threat of force was necessary to protect oneself from another person’s unlawful use of force.

Self-defense by means of deadly physical force is addressed in Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-405. Section 13-404 justifies you in using force, and you may use deadly physical force when “and to the degree that a reasonable person would believe that deadly physical force is immediately necessary to protect oneself against the other’s use or attempted use of unlawful deadly physical force.” That would, of course, include drawing a gun or using other deadly force, but only if you reasonably believe the other person is using or attempting to use deadly physical force against you and immediate action is necessary.

Again, this will boil down to whether your acts were reasonable. This is a very fact-intensive question that you should not try to answer on your own without consulting a qualified lawyer familiar with Arizona self-defense law. The criminal defense lawyers at TedLaw in Prescott are aware of and have represented a variety of self-defense cases, including those where individuals face criminal charges for defending themselves. Contact them to schedule an appointment to discuss the best approach to dealing with your self-defense issue.

Prescott Gun Rights Lawyer

 

Weapons and Firearms Attorney in Prescott, AZ

Arizona boasts permissive laws concerning firearms and weapons compared to many other states. Despite this permissiveness, the repercussions for violating Arizona’s gun laws can be severe. At TED Law in Prescott, our dedicated team is focused on safeguarding the Second Amendment rights of our clients and assisting those confronting criminal charges related to firearms. We emphasize the importance for Arizona residents to comprehend their rights under the law to avoid potential legal issues.

Legal Firearms

In accordance with Arizona law, residents enjoy the freedom to own and possess a diverse range of firearms. Section § 13-3101 of the Arizona Criminal Code defines a firearm as any “handgun, pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, or other weapon” utilizing an explosive to expel a projectile. Notably, BB guns, pellet guns, and other air-powered guns fall outside this definition. The legal characterization of a firearm also excludes guns that are permanently inoperable.

Arizona does not mandate obtaining a license or registration for purchasing or owning a gun. Individuals aged 18 or older can buy a legal firearm from a private individual, while purchasing from a federally-licensed dealer requires individuals to be at least 21 years old. Additionally, individuals must be legally permitted to possess a firearm. Legal firearms in Arizona encompass:

  • Semi-automatic firearms: Guns capable of rapid succession firing with each round requiring a separate trigger pull.
  • “Assault” weapons: Rifles or shotguns featuring specific aesthetic and functional features like a detachable magazine, folding stock, or pistol grip. Semi-automatic assault weapons are permissible in Arizona.

Illegal Firearms

Arizona gun laws designate very few firearms as illegal. Prohibitions include:

  • Automatic weapons (machine guns): Firearms firing more than one round with a single action of the trigger.
  • Short-barreled rifles: Rifles with barrels less than 16 inches long.
  • Short-barreled shotguns: Shotguns with barrels less than 18 inches long.
  • Sawed-off weapons: Rifles or shotguns modified to an overall length of less than 26 inches.

Prohibitions also extend to silencers or devices designed to muffle firearm reports, as well as the purchase, sale, or possession of explosive devices like bombs, rockets, grenades, or mines.

The Sale and Transfer of Guns

Private individuals in Arizona retain the right to sell or transfer firearms without background checks or state registration requirements. However, selling or transferring firearms to a prohibited possessor may result in weapons misconduct charges.

Arizona law prohibits local municipalities, including city and county governments, from enacting regulations, ordinances, or taxes related to firearms or ammunition possession, sale, transfer, licensing, or registration.

Protecting Your Rights in Prescott

For comprehensive information on permissible gun types under Arizona law, reach out to our office. Call 602-453-3100 for a confidential consultation at TED Law, offering a broad spectrum of legal services to address questions about gun rights and assist those facing criminal charges related to weapons violations. Our firm serves clients in Prescott, Yavapai County, and surrounding areas.