12-998 - Arizona Statutes

12-998. Nuisance; commercial buildings used for crime; action to abate and prevent A. The use of a commercial building or place regularly used in the commission of a crime is a nuisance and the criminal activity causing the nuisance shall be enjoined, abated and prevented and damages may be recovered. B. If there is reason to believe that a nuisance as described in subsection A exists, the attorney general, the county attorney, the city attorney or a resident of a county or city who is affected by the nuisance may bring an action in superior court to abate and prevent the criminal activity, except that: 1. The court shall not assess a civil penalty against any person unless that person knew of the unlawful acts. 2. The court shall not enter an order of closure. 3. The injunction shall be necessary to protect the health and safety of the public or to prevent further criminal activity. 4. The order shall not affect the owner's interest in the building or place used for the criminal activity.