Myth busters: Which of these Arizona laws are actually laws?

Is it illegal to refuse a person a glass of water?

This law makes sense. Arizona summers are cruel. Dehydration can happen quickly in the desert.

But is it really a law?

Answer:

It is not illegal to refuse to give someone water.

It is immoral and unkind. It is against the golden rule. But it is legal.

Numerous sources debunk this myth.

If you cut down a saguaro cactus and are caught, will you go to prison?

It's true saguaros are protected. So you probably can't cut it down, but can you dig it up?

Answer:

It is illegal to cut down a saguaro. You know that.

It is also illegal to dig one up from public land and transplant it without a permit. There are exceptions that you can find in the Arizona Revised Statutes. If you propagated the cactus yourself, you may move it. But then it is probably on your own property anyway.

Is it true that a misdemeanor committed by a person wearing a red mask is considered a felony?

Answer:

No, wearing a red mask does not make a misdemeanor into a felony. Seriously? On the other hand, just don't commit a misdemeanor either.

This was debunked by Snopes.

Is it against the law to allow your donkey to sleep in the bathtub?

More importantly, would your donkey want to sleep in the bathtub? we don't know, but is it legal?

Answer:

Again, seriously? No it's not illegal. Let your donkey bunk in the tub if you (and he) want. He'd be more comfortable in the barn, though. And you'd be more comfortable if he's in the barn.

Numerous sources debunk this myth.

Is it true that if attacked by a criminal it is illegal to defend yourself except by using the same weapon as your attacker?

In other words, if your attacker used a knife, does that mean you can't use a gun, or even a bigger knife?

Answer:

Talk about silly. If you are attacked defend yourself however you can. It is not illegal to use a better weapon. 

Numerous sources debunk this myth.

Is it against the law to hunt camels in Arizona? Are there camels in Arizona? We're pretty sure you can't shoot one at the zoo. What about in the wild?

Answer:

That depends. Do you have a hunting license? Yes, you can hunt camels ─ in the wild ─ if you can find them.

This was debunked by Snopes.

Is it illegal for more than six females to live together in one house?

This one sounds like it may have been true at one time, perhaps to discourage brothels. But is it true now?

Answer:

No, it is not illegal. Six or more females may live in one house. However, there's no guarantee they'll get along.

Numerous sources debunk this myth.

Is it illegal to manufacture imitation cocaine?

Answer:

Yes, this one is true. According to Arizona Revised Statutes, "It is unlawful for a person to manufacture, distribute or possess with intent to distribute an imitation controlled substance."

Cocaine isn't specifically mentioned, but it falls into this category.

Is it illegal to play cards with a Native American on the street in Globe?

We recommend getting out of the street in any case. But is it true?

Answer:

It is not illegal to play cards in the street in Globe with a Native American. It is unwise ─ you could get hit by a car.

This was debunked by Snopes.

Is it really illegal to wear suspenders in Nogales, Arizona?

Well, let's see. Is indecent exposure illegal? Could a person's pants fall down without suspenders? It would certainly qualify as a stupid law, but is it a law?

Answer:

You can wear suspenders in Nogales, Arizona, without fear of reprisal. They are perfectly legal.

This was debunked by Snopes.

Everyone knows it's against the law for women to wear pants in Tucson.

But is it? 

Answer:

There would not be enough jail space to house all of the lawbreakers if this was an enforced law. It is not a real law.

This was debunked by Snopes.

Is it illegal to walk through a hotel lobby with spurs on?

Maybe it's because they make a racket.

Answer:

There is nothing in the Arizona Revised Statutes saying you can't wear spurs in hotel lobbies. We say it's just another urban myth.

In Prescott, is it illegal to ride your horse up the courthouse steps?

Honestly, can't you just tie him to the post like everyone else?

Answer:

We can't find out if there is a law like this on the books.

We suspect if you tried to ride your horse up the courthouse steps you'd be arrested for creating a public disturbance even if there isn't a specific law. When in doubt, get a permit.