Status Offenses

Any person who knowingly sells or gives tobacco products to minors is guilty of a petty offense. Any minor who has tobacco in his or her possession is guilty of an incorrigible act (A.R.S. 13-3622).

Tobacco products are defined as cigars, cigarettes, or cigarette papers, and smoking or chewing tobacco (A.R.S. 13-3622). If you are under the age of 18 you should not have any of these items. If you do, you are guilty of an incorrigible act.

In addition to this, smoking tobacco in locations such as elevators, busses, libraries, museums, and health care institutions is considered a public nuisance and dangerous to public health. An adult guilty of such acts would be charged with a petty offense, while a minor would be charged with a delinquent act (A.R.S. 36-601.01).

WHAT ABOUT AT SCHOOL?

Using or possessing tobacco products on school grounds (buildings, parking lots, fields, and vehicles) or at off campus school sponsored events is a petty offense for adults and a delinquent act for minors (A.R.S. 36-798.03). The law does not apply to adults using tobacco products as a part of a tobacco prevention or cessation program (A.R.S. 36-798.03).

Laws may have changed since the last time this article was updated. The current and most up-to-date laws can be accessed here.

It is against the law for a person under the legal drinking age (which is 21) to buy, receive, have in possession, or consume alcohol (A.R.S. 4-244).

If you have or use alcohol when you are under the age of 21, you may be put on probation, have your driving privileges suspended, or pay fines or damages.

Laws may have changed since the last time this article was updated. The current and most up-to-date laws can be accessed here.

Possession and use of marijuana is either a felony or a misdemeanor. Possession of marijuana that you intend to sell is a felony. Possession and use of marijuana can result in probation, attending classes on the harmful effects of drugs, and performing community service (A.R.S. 13-3405). You may also lose your driving privileges. An adjudication on a marijuana charge goes on your record and can follow you throughout your life. For example, a candidate for a U.S. Supreme Court appointment was disqualified after admitting he had used marijuana as a student.

Laws may have changed since the last time this article was updated. The current and most up-to-date laws can be accessed here.