13 Oct Refusing to Help an Injured Person Can Be a Felony in Arizona
You might have heard the rumor that not supplying water to a person in Arizona is a violation of the law. This rumor is not true, and Arizona does not have any specific “duty to rescue” or “Good Samaritan” laws. However, there are still several circumstances where not providing aid can land you in legal trouble…the criminal type of trouble.
Duty to Rescue? Arizona Requires You to Help in Some Circumstances
Some states have laws that dictate you must help others in an emergency situation. This is called a “duty to rescue.” Breaking this law means a person can be held criminally liable for not coming to the aid of another person in danger.
Arizona does not have these laws. However, there are several circumstances where you can be held criminally liable for failing to provide aid to another human.
- You refused to allow the use of your phone during an emergency
- You caused the dangerous situation, and refused to supply aid
- You have a duty of care (for example a parent to a child)
- You were involved in a car accident and another party asked for medical assistance
The term “aid” does not mean you need to supply the medical treatment yourself. It means you need to do what is within your power to help. For example, contacting emergency services or taking them to a clinic or emergency room.
Consequences of Refusing Aid in Arizona
So what happens if you fail to supply aid when necessary?
It really depends on the situation. In most cases, there will be misdemeanor charges. However, a few situations qualify as felonies.
1: You caused the dangerous situation, and refused to supply aid resulting in a death or serious injury.
This can be considered criminal negligence, which is a class 2 felony. This means up to 35 years in prison with fines in the tens of thousands.
2: You ignore your duty of care as a parent.
A parent’s failure to intervene in an emergency—like ignoring the need for medical attention, or failing to remove the child from a dangerous situation—can be considered child neglect in the state of Arizona. This may be a class 6 felony depending on the specifics, which can mean over 5 years in prison.
3: You were involved in a car accident and another party asked for medical assistance
If you have been involved in a car accident, regardless of fault, refusing to procure aid for a person claiming a need is a crime. It can result in a class 6 felony with a maximum sentence of over 5 years in prison.
If You Are Facing Criminal Charges, You Need a Good Lawyer
If you are facing felony charges for refusing to give aid, you need a certified defense attorney fighting on your side. Todd Coolidge Law Firm brings over 25 years of experience to the courtroom, which means your future is in good hands. We will defend your rights, build a strong case, and secure the best outcome possible. Contact us today for a consultation.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (10/7/25). Photo by Stephen Isaiah on Unsplash