Arizona § 38-320 - Appearance of accused; plea
Full text of Arizona Arizona Revised Statutes § 38-320 — Appearance of accused; plea, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 38-320. Appearance of accused; plea
A. If the accused does not appear, the court of impeachment, upon proof of service or publication may, on motion or for cause shown, assign another day for hearing the impeachment proceedings, or may proceed in the absence of the accused to trial and judgment.
B. The accused may, in writing, object to the sufficiency of the articles of impeachment, or he may answer them by an oral plea of not guilty. The plea of not guilty shall be entered upon the journal and places in issue every material allegation of the articles of impeachment.
C. If the objection to the sufficiency of the articles of impeachment is not sustained by a majority of the members of the court who heard the argument, the accused shall be ordered forthwith to answer the articles of impeachment. If the accused then pleads guilty, or refuses to plead, the court shall render judgment of conviction against him. If the accused pleads not guilty, the court shall at such time as it appoints, try the impeachment.
Source: official Arizona text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona § 38-320
What does Arizona Revised Statutes § 38-320 cover?
Section 38-320 ("Appearance of accused; plea") is part of the Arizona Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Arizona. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Arizona § 38-320?
A common citation format is "Arizona Revised Statutes § 38-320" (Arizona). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Arizona law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Arizona official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Arizona attorney.
How does Arizona § 38-320 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Arizona can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Arizona.