• Arizona criminal laws are grouped under Title 13.arizona desert image by John Keith from Fotolia.com
  
  Criminal law in the United States can be broken down into two types, misdemeanor and felony. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes with lighter penalties, while felonies are more serious and come with harsher penalties. Criminal law, as opposed to civil law, is prosecuted by the government. These are formed mostly at either the federal or state level, although some criminal laws may also be ratified by city. Arizona's criminal code is grouped under Title 13 and covers a large range of offenses.
  
  

Aiming a Laser Pointer at a Police Officer

• Aiming a laser pointer at a police officer is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Class 1 misdemeanors are punishable by up to six months in jail and, as of August, 2010, a maximum fine of $2,500. Any piece of equipment which emits a beam of light "used for aiming, targeting or pointing out features" constitutes a laser pointer and the law applies whether done on purpose or not.
  
  

Unlawful Cross/Symbol Burning

• Arizona has two laws regarding burning crosses or other symbols to "intimidate any person or group of persons." This can be done either on that person's property, along the highway or in any public place. The burning alone is not the sole evidence for the crime, however. Prosecutors must produce independent evidence that the intent was to intimidate. Both cross-burning and unlawful burning of a symbol are Class 1 misdemeanors.
  
  

Causing Spouse to Become a Prostitute

• Although prostitution is illegal almost everywhere in the U.S., Arizona has a specific law regarding forcing a spouse to become a prostitute. The law mandates that anyone who knowingly causes a spouse to prostitute herself (or himself) by fraud, threats or intimidation has committed a Class 5 felony. A Class 5 felony with no prior convictions results in two and one-half years in prison, although this can go up to four years in prison if the crime is considered dangerous.
  
  

Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

• Arizona has a number of strict laws regarding sexual exploitation of children. including admitting minors to public displays of sexual conduct, commercial sexual exploitation, luring a minor and even portraying an adult as a minor. Anyone who photographs, films or in any way records or develops pictures of a minor being used in sexual conduct can be prosecuted for sexual exploitation. Those who have, sell, transport, exhibit or electronically send these images can also be prosecuted. Conviction of this crime results in a Class 2 felony, one of the most serious. Class 2 felonies are punishable by up to 12.5 years in prison, 21 years if the crime is dangerous, but in the case of sexual exploitation of a child, the punishment changes to a minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of 24 years.