Arizona § 13-3703 - Abuse of venerated objects; classification
Full text of Arizona Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3703 — Abuse of venerated objects; classification, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 13-3703. Abuse of venerated objects; classification
A. A person commits abuse of venerated objects by intentionally:
1. Desecrating any public monument, memorial or property of a public park; or
2. In any manner likely to provoke immediate physical retaliation:
(a) Exhibiting or displaying, placing or causing to be placed any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawing or advertisement of any nature upon a flag or exposing or causing to be exposed to public view a flag upon which there is printed, painted or otherwise produced or to which there is attached, appended or annexed any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawing or advertisement; or
(b) Exposing to public view, manufacturing, selling, offering to sell, giving or having in possession for any purpose any article of merchandise or receptacle for holding or carrying merchandise upon or to which there is printed, painted, placed or attached any flag in order to advertise, call attention to, decorate, mark or distinguish the article or substance; or
(c) Casting contempt upon, mutilating, defacing, defiling, burning, trampling or otherwise dishonoring or causing to bring dishonor upon a flag.
B. The provisions of this section shall not apply to:
1. Any act permitted by a statute of the United States; or
2. Any act permitted by United States military regulations; or
3. Any act where the United States government has granted permission for the use of such flag; or
4. A newspaper, periodical, book, pamphlet, circular, certificate, diploma, warrant, commission of appointment to office, ornament, picture, badge or stationery on which shall be printed, painted or placed such flag and which is disconnected from any advertisement for the purpose of sale, barter or trade.
C. For the purposes of this section:
1. "Desecrate" means defacing, damaging, polluting or otherwise doing a physical act in a manner likely to provoke immediate physical retaliation.
2. "Flag" means any emblem, banner or other symbol, of any size, composed of any substance or represented on any substance that evidently purports to be the flag of the United States or of this state.
D. Abuse of venerated objects is a class 2 misdemeanor.
Source: official Arizona text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona § 13-3703
What does Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3703 cover?
Section 13-3703 ("Abuse of venerated objects; classification") 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 § 13-3703?
A common citation format is "Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3703" (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 § 13-3703 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.