Arizona Laws 13-2915. Preventing use of telephone in emergency; false representation of emergency; classification; definitions
A. It is unlawful for a person to do any of the following:
Terms Used In Arizona Laws 13-2915
- Knowingly: means , with respect to conduct or to a circumstance described by a statute defining an offense, that a person is aware or believes that the person's conduct is of that nature or that the circumstance exists. See Arizona Laws 13-105
- Misdemeanor: means an offense for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment other than to the custody of the state department of corrections is authorized by any law of this state. See Arizona Laws 13-105
- Person: means a human being and, as the context requires, an enterprise, a public or private corporation, an unincorporated association, a partnership, a firm, a society, a government, a governmental authority or an individual or entity capable of holding a legal or beneficial interest in property. See Arizona Laws 13-105
- Property: means anything of value, tangible or intangible. See Arizona Laws 13-105
- Unlawful: means contrary to law or, where the context so requires, not allowed by law. See Arizona Laws 13-105
1. Knowingly refuse to yield or surrender the use of a party line to another person to report a fire or summon police or medical or other aid in case of emergency.
2. Ask for or request the use of a party line on the pretext that an emergency exists, knowing that no emergency in fact exists.
3. Intentionally prevent or interfere with the use of a telephone by another person in an emergency situation.
B. Every telephone directory that is compiled and distributed to subscribers shall contain a notice explaining this section. The notice shall be printed in type that is no smaller than any other type on the same page, other than headings, and shall be preceded by the word "warning". This subsection does not apply to directories that are distributed solely for business advertising purposes, commonly known as classified directories.
C. This section does not require a person to allow another person to enter the person’s home or place of residence for the purpose of using a telephone in an emergency situation.
D. A person who violates this section is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor.
E. For the purposes of this section:
1. "Emergency" means a situation in which property or human life is in jeopardy and the prompt summoning of aid is essential.
2. "Emergency situation" means a situation in which both of the following apply:
(a) Human health, life or safety is in jeopardy and the prompt summoning of aid is essential.
(b) It is reasonable to believe that a domestic violence offense pursuant to section 13-3601 is being, has been or is about to be committed.
3. "Party line" means a subscriber’s line telephone circuit, consisting of two or more main telephone stations connected therewith, each station with a distinctive ring or telephone number.