Arizona Felony Crimes
Do You Understand The Different Penalties You May Be Facing?
Felony crimes fall under six categories or classifications under Arizona Law. These classifications are ranked from 1 through 6 in terms of seriousness, with 1 being the most serious. Someone charged with a class 2-6 felony may be looking at a range of sentencing options – presumptive, aggravated, or mitigated sentences.
The majority of people charged with a felony will be given the presumptive sentence, but certain additional circumstances could lead to them being charged with a longer sentence. Some of the aggravating circumstances include if the victim is a senior citizen, if the crime was especially heinous or cruel, if there was an accomplice, and more. The person charged with a crime may face a mitigated sentence if certain criteria is met, like if they were of a young age when the crime was committed or if they only had limited participation. No matter what class of crime was committed, each level comes with its own sentences and penalties:
Class 6 Felonies
Someone charged with a class 6 felony faces a presumptive sentence of one year in prison, and an aggravated sentence of two years in prison. Depending on the situation, the person charged with a class 6 felony could have their charges designated as a class 1 misdemeanor.
Class 5 Felonies
Someone charged with a class 5 felony faces a presumptive sentence of two years in prison, and an aggravated sentence of two and a half years in prison.
Class 4 Felonies
Someone charged with a class 4 felony faces a presumptive sentence of two and a half years in prison, and an aggravated sentence of three years and nine months in prison.
Class 3 Felonies
Someone charged with a class 3 felony faces a presumptive sentence of three and a half years in prison, and an aggravated sentence of eight years and nine months in prison.
Class 2 Felonies
Someone charged with a class 2 felony faces a presumptive sentence of five years in prison, and an aggravated sentence of 12 and a half years in prison.
Class 1 Felonies
First and second degree murder are the only crimes that fall under this class in Arizona, and there is no differentiation between presumptive and aggravated sentence. Someone charged with second degree murder faces 16 years to life in prison, and someone charged with first degree murder faces life in prison or death.
Arizona law also permits judges to fine people convicted of a crime up to $150,000 depending on the crime, with potential additional fines for certain drug-related crimes.
Call out Phoenix criminal defense attorneys at (602) 428-7104 today.
Contact A Lawyer Today
If you were charged with a felony crime in Arizona, it’s in your best interest to reach out and find legal representation as soon as possible. At MayesTelles PLLC, our Phoenix criminal defense lawyers have spent years working with people charged with felony crimes and misdemeanors. We have secured countless favorable verdicts and legal out comes for our clients, and we will work with you throughout your legal process. Call our offices at (602) 428-7104 today, or fill out our online form to tell us about your case.