Phoenix Misdemeanor Lawyer
Misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, but a person can still serve jail time if convicted of a misdemeanor, with the exception of traffic violations. There are three levels of misdemeanors; the most severe misdemeanor is a class 1, with the least severe being a class 3.
A.R.S. 13-707 – Misdemeanor Sentencing
|
Misdemeanor Type |
Maximum Penalty |
|
Class 1 Misdemeanor |
6 months in jail |
|
Class 2 Misdemeanor |
4 months in jail |
|
Class 3 Misdemeanor |
30 days in jail |
Fines often accompany a misdemeanor conviction, and can vary depending on the nature of the crime and whether or not it’s a first offense. Listed below is the maximum fine that can be imposed for each misdemeanor class.
A.R.S. 13-802 – Fines for Misdemeanors
|
Misdemeanor Type |
Maximum Fine |
|
Class 1 Misdemeanor |
$2,500 |
|
Class 2 Misdemeanor |
$750 |
|
Class 3 Misdemeanor |
$500 |
|
Petty Offense |
$300 |
In addition to jail time and fines, a misdemeanor offender is typically placed on probation for a period of time. The length of probation depends on which misdemeanor class the offender is convicted of. Below is a table that outlines the typical length of probation for misdemeanors in Arizona.
A.R.S. 13-902 – Probation
|
Misdemeanor Type |
Length of Probation |
|
Class 1 Misdemeanor |
3 Years |
|
Class 2 Misdemeanor |
2 Years |
|
Class 3 Misdemeanor |
1 Year |
Common Misdemeanors Include:
Animal Cruelty: Ranges from a class 1 misdemeanor to a felony.
Arson: Arson is a class 1 misdemeanor, but it can reach a class 2 felony if the circumstances are right.
Assault: Ranges from a class 3 misdemeanor to a class 1 misdemeanor depending on the circumstances.
Criminal Damage: Ranges from a class 2 misdemeanor to a class 1 misdemeanor depending on the value of the property damaged. It can also reach into felony charges.
Criminal Trespassing: Ranges from a class 3 misdemeanor to a class 6 felony depending on the circumstances.
Disorderly Conduct: Is a class 1 misdemeanor, unless a dangerous or deadly weapon is present.
DUI: Driving under the influence is a class 1 misdemeanor.
Indecent Exposure: Class 1 misdemeanor if the person exposed to is over 15 years old.
Loitering: Ranges from a class 3 misdemeanor to a class 1 misdemeanor.
Prostitution: Ranges from a class 1 misdemeanor to a felony.
Resisting Arrest: Is a class 1 misdemeanor if it’s passive resistance. If it becomes violent, it’s a felony.
Shoplifting: This is a class 1 misdemeanor if the items are worth less than $1,000.
Theft: If the item stolen is worth less than $1,000, the crime is a class 1 misdemeanor.
If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor in Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Gilbert, contact an experienced misdemeanor attorney at JacksonWhite. To schedule a FREE and confidential consultation with criminal defense lawyer, Jeremy Geigle, call (480) 818-9913.