Introduction
Offenses such as robbery, sexual assault, and selling drugs can lead to a felony charge on your record. Considered far more serious than misdemeanor crimes, it’s no secret that receiving a felony conviction can drastically alter your life for the worse. Not only will it lead to expensive fines, but it stays on your criminal record long-term and hurts your professional opportunities.
However, even if you were charged with a felony offense, it doesn’t have to mean you get convicted. The best way to place yourself in a favorable position with your case is to hire a felony defense attorney. They’ll go over your charges, answer your questions, and help you pursue the best outcome possible.
Felony Crimes in Mesa
Felony crimes can include robbery, aggravated robbery, felony aggravated assault, and felony DUI. Also included are sexual assault, child abuse, aggravated domestic violence, and sale of marijuana. Engaging in fraudulent schemes, forgery, identity theft, and drug possession with intent to sell can also result in a felony conviction.
Getting a felony could lead to probation, community service, time in prison or jail, classes, and mandatory fines. You may lose the right to own a gun, possess a weapon, or vote in elections. Felons often become ineligible for renting property, obtaining professional licenses, or running for elected office. They may have their driver’s license revoked for several years and lose access to jobs.
With a felony on your record, you may no longer be able to serve as a juror, get public or educational benefits, or obtain a loan or credit, in addition to other consequences. As you can see, life becomes harder in almost every respect with such a conviction hanging over you. It’s imperative that you speak with a skilled defense attorney who can walk you through your options.
Felony Penalties in Mesa
Felony crimes are categorized by number in Arizona, with class 1 being the most severe type. The class 1 felony category only includes first-degree and second-degree murder. Murder in the first degree is punishable by life in prison or the death penalty, while second-degree murder can result in 16 years to life in prison. Class 2 felony crimes, such as child pornography, can come with fines of at least $750, between four and 10 years in jail, and probation.
Class 3 felonies may result in fines of at least $750, between 2.5 and seven years in jail, and probation. Cultivating marijuana or possessing more than four pounds count as class 3 felony offenses. For a class 4 felony conviction, such as some types of petty theft, you may go to jail between 1.5 and three years, pay fines of at least $750, and serve probation.
Class 5 felony offenses, like pandering and prostitution, come with up to two years in jail, a $750 fine, and probation. Class 6 felonies come with between six months and 1.5 years in jail, fines of at least $750, and probation. Aggravated DUI and theft are examples of class 6 felonies.
Mandatory Sentencing in Arizona
Repeat offenders will receive harsher penalties than first-time felons and may even lose access to probation eligibility. Arizona has mandatory sentencing laws regarding felony crimes, which apply to repeat offenders, charges that involve “dangerous crimes,” and aggravated or felony-level assault. If you commit assault or theft with a deadly weapon, you’ll also face mandatory sentencing laws.
If you’ve been charged with one of these crimes, it’s crucial that you speak with a felony defense attorney who can help you with your case. Felony crimes come with severe, life-altering consequences, so it’s best that you don’t take chances with this.
JacksonWhite Law in Mesa, Arizona
JacksonWhite Law has been serving clients in the Mesa area since 1983. We offer a full range of legal assistance and have plenty of experience navigating cases just like yours with great success. As one of the biggest firms in the East Valley, we work to provide advanced, insightful legal solutions to families, businesses, and individuals throughout the state of Arizona.
From fines, to probation and jail time, being in legal trouble is no laughing matter. It could harm your opportunities in life and even make it harder to find a place to live. Speak with one of our skilled criminal defense lawyers today to get answers to your questions and to protect your future.
JacksonWhite Mesa Office
Our Mesa office is on the northwest corner of W. Pepper and N. Center Street. You may park on Pepper or in the parking garage nearby.
The Mesa city court is located on the northwest corner of Pomeroy Street and 1st Avenue. You’ll find a public parking garage behind the building, which you can access from Pomeroy or Main Street.
Call the JacksonWhite Criminal Law team at (480) 467-4370 to discuss your case today.
