Introduction
Crimes are generally classified as either misdemeanors or felonies, with the latter being a more serious charge. The penalty for a felony in Arizona can range based on the nature of the crime, whether a weapon was involved, the age of the victim, and similar factors. However, most felonies result in jail or prison time.
The fallout of a felony conviction can be devastating. If you have been charged with a crime that could result in a felony conviction, it is important to seek the legal guidance of a seasoned attorney. Rely on the Peoria felony defense attorneys at JacksonWhite Law to protect your constitutional rights and build a strong defense.
Peoria Criminal Defense Practice Areas
Not all crimes committed in Arizona will result in a felony conviction. There are certain crimes that could result in a felony charge if you are found guilty in a court of law. These felony offenses may include:
- Felony DUI
- Identity theft
- Robbery
- Felony aggravated assault
- Sexual assault
- Child abuse
- Aggravated robbery
- Fraudulent schemes
- Drug possession with intent to sell
- Forgery
- Sale of marijuana
Penalties for Felony Convictions in Peoria
In Arizona, less serious crimes like misdemeanors are punishable by up to six months in county jail, while felonies are punishable by one year or more in state prison. Felonies are categorized by their class which ranges from Class 1 to Class 6. Class 1 felonies are the most serious and typically include crimes like homicide. Penalties and Sentences for each class of felony are listed below:
Class 1 Felonies
As the most serious of all felonies, a Class 1 felony has the most severe punishment. Penalties for Class 1 felonies typically include life imprisonment or death in the case of first-degree murder, or 16 years to life in cases of second-degree murder.
Class 2 Felonies
In Arizona, Class 2 felonies have a presumptive term of 5 years. Aggravated felonies carry a term of 12.5 years. Examples of Class 2 felonies include child pornography and child enticement.
Class 3 Felonies
A Class 3 felony has a presumptive term of 3.5 years and an aggravated term of 8 years and 9 months. If you are found in possession of more than four pounds of marijuana in Arizona, it is a Class 3 felony.
Class 4 Felonies
Class 4 felonies in Arizona carry a presumptive term of 2.5 years and an aggravated term of 3 years and 9 months. Examples of Class 4 felonies include theft of property and petty theft with a value between $3,000 and $4,000.
Class 5 Felonies
A Class 5 felony has a presumptive term of 2 years and an aggravated term of 2.5 years. Some examples of Class 5 felonies include pimping, prostitution, and pandering.
Class 6 Felonies
Class 6 felonies are the least serious of all the felony charges and carry a presumptive term of 1 year and an aggravated term of 2 years. Depending on the nature of the crime and whether or not it was a first offense, a judge may choose to reduce a Class 6 felony to a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Defenses for Felony Crimes in Peoria
If you are arrested for a crime in Arizona, it is imperative to obtain legal representation as soon as possible. In some cases, there may be a statute of limitations that could give you an advantage in court. Most felonies in Arizona have a statute of limitations of seven years. However, certain offenses such as the misuse of public monies, violent sexual assault, and homicide have no such time limitations.
The defense recommended by your criminal defense attorney will ultimately depend on the unique circumstances surrounding the case. Some of the most common defenses used in felony cases include mental disorder (insanity), intoxication, automatism, mistake of fact, self-defense, and necessity or lesser harm. If you were forced to commit a criminal act, you could also use the defense of “under duress.”
JacksonWhite Law in Peoria, Arizona
A felony conviction can have very serious consequences that follow you for the rest of your life. From burglaries to drug trafficking charges, it is important to approach each case carefully to help ensure the most satisfactory outcome. As the criminal court system can be highly complex, it is essential to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney from the very start of your case. To see what one of our reputable Peoria felony defense attorneys can do for you, reach out to JacksonWhite Law to schedule a consultation.
Address: 16165 N. 83rd Ave, Suite 200
Peoria, AZ 85282
Call the Peoria JacksonWhite Criminal Law team at (480) 467-4370 to discuss your case today.
