In Arizona, criminal trespass is set out in a specific group of statutes within Title 13, and the sections that cover this offense are ARS 13-1501 through 13-1504. These provisions define what constitutes criminal trespass, including entering or remaining on someone else’s property without permission and related situations involving structures or conveyances. The other statute ranges point to different crimes or topics, not to criminal trespass, so they don’t govern this offense. Therefore, the range ARS 13-1501 to 13-1504 is the correct set of statutes for criminal trespass.

Personal service—delivering the documents directly to the defendant—is the first method used to affect service on an individual in Arizona. This approach ensures actual notice by handing the summons and complaint to the person, typically at the defendant’s residence or usual place of business, and by a person who is at least 18 and not a party. It’s the default mechanism required before trying other methods. If personal service can’t be achieved after reasonable diligence, substituted service may be used, such as leaving the documents with someone at the defendant’s home or business and then mailing a copy. Service by publication is a last resort when the defendant’s location remains unknown. Electronic mail is not the typical first option and is generally limited to cases where the court allows it or the parties have agreed.

When the defendant is a minor or lacks capacity, service must be directed to someone who has legal authority to receive it on their behalf. The parent or guardian is the typical recipient because they represent the minor’s interests and can ensure the papers are properly delivered and acted upon. If there is a court-appointed guardian, conservator, or another person legally authorized to receive service for the minor or incapacitated person, that individual may be served as well. This approach guarantees that the defendant actually gets notice in a way that respects their protective status. Serving a neighbor or attempting to serve the minor directly would not satisfy the requirement for proper notice, and simply saying there is a guardian isn’t enough unless that person is legally empowered to receive service for the defendant.

When a defendant can’t be located after reasonable efforts, you must show you’ve exercised due diligence and then use the authorized substitute methods to give notice. That means documenting every attempt—dates, addresses attempted, who you spoke with, and any leads—and filing an affidavit of due diligence with the court. Once permitted by the rules, proceed with substituted service, such as delivering to a competent adult at the defendant’s last known residence or place of business and mailing a copy to that address, or, if the defendant remains unreachable, pursuing service by publication in a newspaper for the appropriate period. These steps ensure notice is given without forcing an endless wait. Serving to a neighbor is typically not the standard method unless the rules authorize it as part of substituted service, and waiting indefinitely is not permissible.