Resources List

Voting in the United States is a fundamental civil right protected by federal and state law. Under laws such as the U.S. Constitution and federal statutes, all citizens who meet age and residency qualifications are entitled to participate in elections without discrimination based on race, color, or previous servitude. States set specific eligibility rules, such as minimum age, residency, and mental competence, but voting is specifically classified as a right and civic responsibility.

Vandalism is the intentional destruction, defacement, or damaging of property belonging to someone else without their permission. Legally, it falls under "criminal damage" or "property crime" and is classified based on the severity and amount of damage. Penalties may include fines, restitution, community service, or even incarceration for serious offenses. The "recklessness" or "intent" behind the act is important for legal classification; accidental damage is not criminal vandalism.

Trespassing is the act of entering or remaining on someone else’s property without permission from the owner or lawful authority. In Arizona (similar to many states), it is classified under criminal law and graded by severity:

Third Degree: Entering or staying on property after being asked to leave or where entry is clearly prohibited (ex: posted signs); this is a class 3 misdemeanor.
Second Degree: Knowingly entering or staying in a non-residential building or fenced commercial yard; this is a class 2 misdemeanor.
First Degree: More severe cases, such as entering a residential structure or yard without permission, entering certain protected sites, or damaging/desecrating property; this can be a class 1 misdemeanor or even a felony for specific circumstances.

Penalties range from fines and community service to jail, especially for repeat or aggravated offenses.

Shoplifting is the act of knowingly taking goods from a store without paying, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner. This includes hiding merchandise, switching price tags, or using devices to help steal. Legally, shoplifting is a type of theft crime and is classified based on the value of the stolen items, method used, and any prior offenses:

Class 1 Misdemeanor: For less than $1,000 in merchandise (except firearms), punishable by up to 6 months in jail and up to $2,500 in fines.
Class 6 Felony: For $1,000 to $2,000 in value, or stealing a firearm, with up to 2 years in prison for first-time offenders.
Class 5 Felony: Over $2,000; also applies to shoplifting as part of a crime spree or gang-related activity, with up to 2.5 years in prison.
Class 4 Felony: Using devices to commit shoplifting, or with repeat offenses, carrying up to 3.75 years in prison.

Penalties can be higher with prior felony records.

Retailers may also sue in civil court for damages and additional penalties.

Sex offenses are serious crimes involving unlawful sexual acts, contact, or behavior, often without consent or involving minors. In Arizona (and similarly in many states), these offenses range widely in severity and legal classification:

Misdemeanors: Less serious acts like indecent exposure (showing private parts in public), usually a class 1 misdemeanor. If a minor is involved, it can increase to a felony.
Felonies: Most sex offenses are felonies. For example:
Sexual abuse: Generally a class 5 felony, but rises to a class 3 felony if the victim is under 15 years old.
Sexual assault (rape): Class 2 felony, one of the most serious crimes, often resulting in mandatory prison time.
Offenses involving minors: Like molestation, exploitation, or trafficking, which may be classified as "dangerous crimes against children" and incur harsher, sometimes life sentences.

Sex Offender Registry: Conviction for many sex offenses, especially those involving minors or violence, leads to placement on a public sex offender registry at a level (1-3) reflecting assessed risk to the community. Higher levels mean more public notification and monitoring.

School offenses are violations of conduct rules set by schools and state law that disrupt the learning environment or threaten safety. In Arizona, offenses range from minor misbehaviors to serious criminal acts and are governed by school district policies under state statutes such as Arizona Revised Statutes Title 15, Section 843.

Common categories of school offenses include:
Aggression and Disorderly Conduct: Verbal provocation, minor aggressive acts (e.g., hitting, pushing), fighting, and violent or seriously disruptive behavior.
Disruption: Activities causing interruptions during class, including loud talking, horseplay, or prolonged out-of-seat behavior.
Defiance/Disrespect: Refusing to follow directions or socially rude interactions.
Theft: Taking school or personal property with intent to deprive.
Possession of Dangerous Items: Weapons, drugs, combustible materials prohibited on school grounds.
Contraband and Technology Violations: Possession or misuse of prohibited items or devices.
Damage to School Property: Vandalism like cutting or defacing school property.
Attendance Issues: Excessive absenteeism or truancy.

Impersonating a police officer means pretending to be a law enforcement officer without legal authority, through actions such as wearing a fake uniform or badge, directing traffic, conducting fake arrests, or otherwise inducing someone to believe you have police authority. In Arizona, this offense is defined under ARS § 13-2411 and is classified as a Class 6 felony, which is a serious crime. The charge can escalate to a Class 4 felony if the impersonation is committed alongside other felonies such as assault, theft, or sexual offenses. Penalties include significant jail time—typically from 4 months to 2 years for Class 6, and longer for aggravated offenses.

Intellectual property (IP) refers to legal rights protecting creations of the mind like inventions, artistic works, designs, trademarks, and trade secrets.

The major types of intellectual property include:
Patents: Protect new inventions and processes, giving exclusive rights to the inventor to make, use, or sell the invention for a limited time.
Trademarks: Protect logos, brand names, slogans, and other symbols that distinguish goods or services.
Copyrights: Protect original literary, musical, artistic, and other creative works.
Trade Secrets: Protect confidential business information that provides a competitive edge.

In Arizona, IP laws overlap with federal law but also have state-specific provisions governing registration and enforcement, particularly for trademarks. For example, counterfeit marks are illegal, and penalties vary by the offense severity, including misdemeanors and felonies depending on the counterfeit value or intent. Protection under the law allows creators and businesses to control how their IP is used and to seek legal remedies against infringement.

llegal substances are drugs that are not allowed by law to be used, possessed, or sold (except in some specific medical cases). They can include:

Street drugs like:

Cocaine

Heroin

Methamphetamine (meth)

Ecstasy (MDMA)

LSD (acid)

Misused prescription drugs:

Taking opioids (like Oxycodone) or ADHD medications without a doctor’s prescription

Underage use of legal substances, such as:

Alcohol if you’re under 21

Cannabis/Marijuana in places where it's not legal for minors

Inhalants or synthetic drugs (like “spice” or “bath salts”) that are made to mimic illegal drugs but are also dangerous and often banned.

Human trafficking involves the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person through force, fraud, or coercion for exploitation, including commercial sex acts or forced labor. In Arizona, the law specifically addresses sex trafficking and broader human trafficking offenses.

Sex Trafficking (§ ARS 13-1307 and 13-1308): It is a Class 2 felony (a very serious crime) to knowingly traffic a person for prostitution or sexually explicit performances by deception, force, or coercion. If the victim is under 15 years old, the offense is considered a dangerous crime against children, with even harsher penalties. For adult victims, penalties include prison terms ranging from a minimum of 3 years to over 12 years for first-time offenders.
Child Sex Trafficking (§ ARS 13-3212): Criminalizes the trafficking of minors for sex, often charged as a Class 2 felony. Sentences for trafficking children aged 15 to 17 can be 10 years or more in prison, increasing with prior felony convictions. Trafficking a child under 15 is punished more severely and carries mandatory long prison terms.
Labor Trafficking: Though less specifically detailed in Arizona law, labor trafficking involves forced labor or services obtained by coercion or threats and is treated as a felony offense with serious penalties.

Human trafficking offenses are among the most serious crimes in Arizona and often carry mandatory prison sentences without eligibility for probation or early release.

Arizona child labor laws regulate the employment of minors (especially those under 18), specifying the types of work teens may do, the hours they may work, and the legal protections in place. Key points include:

Minimum Age to Work: Generally, children under 14 are restricted from working except in limited circumstances. Teens aged 14 and 15 may work limited hours and types of jobs, especially during school sessions. Teens 16 and 17 have fewer restrictions and can work more hours but must avoid hazardous jobs designated by law.

Hours Restrictions for 14- and 15-year-olds:
When school is in session: Up to 3 hours per day, 18 hours per week, and not later than 9:30 p.m. on school nights.
When school is out: Up to 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, and not past 11:00 p.m.
No work before 6 a.m. any day.

Arizona has specific laws governing teen drivers to improve safety and support gradual learning through a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system.

Key points:
Minimum Age: Teens can apply for a learner’s permit at 15 years and 6 months old after passing vision and written tests.
Learner’s Permit Restrictions: The permit requires driving only with a licensed adult (at least 21 years old) in the passenger seat. Teens under 16 are prohibited from driving on highways, even with adult supervision.
Supervised Driving: Permit holders must complete at least 30 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night, and hold the permit for at least 6 months before applying for a provisional license.
Provisional License: At age 16, teens who pass the driving test can get a provisional license that allows independent driving but with restrictions:
No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent/guardian or for work, school, or emergencies.
Passenger limits usually restrict carrying more than one passenger under 18 unless they are family.

Assault is more than just physical violence. Legally, it means:
* Threatening or attempting to hurt someone,
* Causing fear that they’re about to be harmed,
* Even without actually touching the person.

Bullying is repeated aggressive behavior intended to hurt, intimidate, or humiliate another person physically, verbally, socially, or through digital means (cyberbullying). It includes actions like teasing, threats, physical attacks, spreading rumors, exclusion, or online harassment.

Legally, bullying is addressed through a combination of school policies, civil laws, and sometimes criminal laws depending on the severity:
School Policies: Most schools have specific anti-bullying rules that can lead to disciplinary actions such as warnings, detention, suspension, or expulsion.
State Laws: Many states, including Arizona, have anti-bullying statutes that require schools to create prevention programs and respond to reports of bullying.
Criminal Offenses: When bullying involves threats, physical assault, harassment, stalking, or hate crimes, it may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony under laws related to assault, harassment, or cybercrime.

Bullying itself is not always classified as a crime but becomes so if it involves criminal behavior.

In Arizona, curfew laws restrict the times during which minors are allowed to be in public places without adult supervision. The details vary by city, but common rules include:

Typical Curfew Hours:
For minors under 16: Generally between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. they must be at home or under adult supervision on weekdays and weekends.
For minors aged 16 to 17 (or under 18 in some places): Curfews often apply from midnight to 5:00 a.m. (weekdays and weekends).
Cities like Phoenix and Mesa enforce these curfews, with slight variations (e.g., Phoenix: under 16 must be off streets by 10 p.m., under 18 must be home by midnight).

Violating curfew is considered a juvenile offense and may result in warnings, fines, community service, or diversion programs for teens.

Parents or guardians may also face penalties if they knowingly allow curfew violations.

Cyberbullying refers to bullying that takes place using electronic communication tools such as social media, texting, email, gaming platforms, or other digital forums. It includes repeated harassment, threats, intimidation, humiliation, or other harmful acts directed at a person online.

In Arizona, cyberbullying is considered a form of harassment and is treated seriously under state law. It is classified as a misdemeanor, punishable by:
Up to 6 months in jail,
A fine of up to $2,500, or
Both jail time and fines.

If the harassment or bullying continues, or involves violation of protection orders, it can escalate to a felony with possible prison sentences up to 2 years. Cyberbullying is also regulated by educational laws that require schools to create and enforce anti-bullying policies that cover electronic or digital harassment occurring on school property or at school-sponsored events.

Arizona law defines harassment as repeated conduct that seriously annoys, humiliates, or alarms the victim and serves no legitimate purpose, emphasizing that a single incident usually doesn't qualify.

Teen dating violence involves abuse(physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological) between individuals in a romantic or dating relationship where at least one person is a teenager. In Arizona, teen dating violence is covered under the state's domestic violence laws (Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3601), which apply when the victim and perpetrator have or had a romantic or sexual relationship. Factors like the nature, duration, and interaction level of the relationship are considered.

Legally, teen dating violence is treated as domestic violence and can result in arrest if there is probable cause that an offense has been committed. Officers can arrest one or both parties if both have committed violence independently. Self-defense actions are not considered domestic violence.

Victims can seek protective orders to restrict an abuser from contacting or approaching them, even if they are not married or living together (thanks to Arizona’s "Kaity’s Law"). These protective orders are accessible through online tools such as the Arizona Protective Order Initiative and Notification Tool (AZPOINT).

Schools in Arizona can also address teen dating violence through policies allowing them to intervene in dating abuse incidents, although this is optional for school districts.

Emancipation is a legal process through which a minor (a person under 18) is declared by a court to be independent from their parents or guardians before reaching the age of majority. This grants the minor many of the rights and responsibilities of an adult, such as making contracts, living independently, consenting to medical treatment, and being legally responsible for their own actions.

In Arizona, emancipation is governed by Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-2451 and requires the minor to petition the court for an emancipation order. This is a serious legal action classified as a court decree that changes a minor’s legal status.

Requirements for Emancipation in Arizona
The minor must be at least 16 years old and under 18.
The minor must be a resident of Arizona.
The minor must be financially self-sufficient, able to support themselves without parental assistance.
The minor must demonstrate the ability to manage personal, financial, and social affairs independently.
The minor must not be a ward of the court or in state custody.
The minor must acknowledge that they understand the rights and obligations of emancipation.
The minor must provide the court with proof of one of the following:
Having lived independently from parents or guardians for at least three consecutive months,
A written statement explaining why the home environment is unsafe or unhealthy,
A notarized statement of written parental or guardian consent.
The minor must file a petition in court and usually appear before a judge.
The court notifies the parents or legal guardians at least two months prior to the hearing, who may object or request mediation.

The court weighs factors including the minor’s maturity, financial stability, wishes, parents’ opinions, education plans, employment, and criminal history before granting emancipation. The decision must be in the minor’s best interests.