Felony Class Types in Arizona

There are six levels of felony classes in Arizona . Each class has its own guidelines for punishment if convicted. When looking at sentencing, the law presumes that everyone will start at the presumptive sentence however, this sentence can be increased or decreased if mitigating or aggravating factors are found by the Judge or jury. The following sentencing ranges apply to a person with no prior felony convictions.

Felony Classifications

• Class 1 – The only crime that falls under a Class 1 felony is murder. Murder charges are divided into two categories: First or Second Degree. First degree murder is punishable by the death penalty or by life in prison without parole. Second degree murder requires a minimum prison sentence of 10 years up to a maximum sentence of 25 years.
• Class 2 – A Class 2 felony allows for a minimum sentence in the Department of Corrections of three years. This can be increased to up to 12.5 years for aggravated. Probation, with up to one year in jail, is also available.
• Class 3 – Class 3 felonies allows for a minimum of two years in prison with an aggravated sentence of up to 8.75 years. Probation is also available.
• Class 4 – If sentenced to prison on a Class 4 felony, you face anywhere between 1 to 3.75 years. Again, probation is available.
• Class 5 – A Class 5 felony provides for a minimum of six months in prison however, can be increased to up to 2.5 years. Probation is available.
• Class 6 – Although a Class 6 felony, an example could be a  DUI in Phoenix , also allows for a probation sentence, if sentenced to prison the range allows for anywhere between .33 – 2 years. This is the lowest possible punishment in all classes of felonies.

 Punishments for Felonies in Arizona

In addition to these possible sentences, the Court has the authority to also impose fines on the person convicted of up to $150,000. If the conviction is related to drug activity, additional fines can be included in the punishment. Your Phoenix defense lawyer will explain to you what class of felony your charges fall under and what potential fine you may face if you are convicted of a crime. These classes of felonies can greatly range, it’s important to determine the best strategy.

Why You Need a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer

In the United States, everyone who is accused of a crime has the right to a fair trial. This right is guaranteed under the United States and Arizona Constitution. Everyone who is accused of any crime is “innocent until proven guilty.” Anyone standing accused of a crime needs to protect these rights by seeking a powerful defense attorney.

A criminal lawyer does more than create a defense for the person standing accused. They will also aggressively protect your rights and make sure that you receive a fair trial.  In addition to protecting your rights as someone accused of a crime, your Phoenix criminal defense lawyer will also build a defense on your behalf to present to the judge and jury.

If you decide, after consulting with your attorney about the strengths and weaknesses of you case, that a plea bargain is in your best interest, your Phoenix criminal defense attorney can advocate to get you the best plea offer possible.

The final reason that you should seek aggressive criminal defense representation when you are accused of a crime is peace of mind. Facing a jail sentence, large fines, and a felony conviction can be devastating. Having an aggressive criminal defense attorney handling the problem will give you some comfort in knowing that someone is on your side and that you will receive a fair trial, or resolution of your case.

Board Certified Criminal Law Specialization

Felony Class Types and Classes of Felonies in Arizona

There are six levels of felony classes in Arizona . Each class has its own guidelines for punishment if convicted. When looking at sentencing, the law presumes that everyone will start at the presumptive sentence however, this sentence can be increased or decreased if mitigating or aggravating factors are found by the Judge or jury. The following sentencing ranges apply to a person with no prior felony convictions.

Arizona Felony Classifications | Types of Felony Classes

• Class 1 – The only crime that falls under a Class 1 felony is murder. Murder charges are divided into two categories: First or Second Degree. First degree murder is punishable by the death penalty or by life in prison without parole. Second degree murder requires a minimum prison sentence of 10 years up to a maximum sentence of 25 years.
• Class 2 – A Class 2 felony allows for a minimum sentence in the Department of Corrections of three years. This can be increased to up to 12.5 years for aggravated. Probation, with up to one year in jail, is also available.
• Class 3 – Class 3 felonies allows for a minimum of two years in prison with an aggravated sentence of up to 8.75 years. Probation is also available.
• Class 4 – If sentenced to prison on a Class 4 felony, you face anywhere between 1 to 3.75 years. Again, probation is available.
• Class 5 – A Class 5 felony provides for a minimum of six months in prison however, can be increased to up to 2.5 years. Probation is available.
• Class 6 – Although a Class 6 felony, an example could be a  DUI in Phoenix , also allows for a probation sentence, if sentenced to prison the range allows for anywhere between .33 – 2 years.

Punishments for Felonies in Arizona & Felony Sentencing

In addition to these possible sentences, the Court has the authority to also impose fines on the person convicted of up to $150,000. If the conviction is related to drug activity, additional fines can be included in the punishment.

Your Phoenix defense lawyer will explain to you what class of felony your charges fall under and what potential fine you may face if you are convicted of a crime. These classes of felonies can greatly range, it’s important to determine the best strategy.

Why You Need a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer

In the United States, everyone who is accused of a crime has the right to a fair trial. This right is guaranteed under the United States and Arizona Constitution. Everyone who is accused of any crime is “innocent until proven guilty.” Anyone standing accused of a crime needs to protect these rights by seeking a powerful defense attorney.

A criminal lawyer does more than create a defense for the person standing accused. They will also aggressively protect your rights and make sure that you receive a fair trial.  In addition to protecting your rights as someone accused of a crime, your Phoenix criminal defense lawyer will also build a defense on your behalf to present to the judge and jury.

If you decide, after consulting with your attorney about the strengths and weaknesses of you case, that a plea bargain is in your best interest, your Phoenix criminal defense attorney can advocate to get you the best plea offer possible.

The final reason that you should seek aggressive criminal defense representation when you are accused of a crime is peace of mind. Facing a jail sentence, large fines, and a felony conviction can be devastating. Having an aggressive criminal defense attorney handling the problem will give you some comfort in knowing that someone is on your side and that you will receive a fair trial, or resolution of your case.

Board Certified Criminal Law Specialization

As of the start of 2023, the State Bar of Arizona Board of Legal Specialization listed only 56 Criminal Law Specialists in the entire state.  Of these 56, only 39 are located in Maricopa County and are allowed to handle private cases.

DM Cantor has 3 Criminal Law Specialists, the most of any firm in Arizona.

When defending allegations, it is critical to have as many Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists on your legal team as possible.

The specialization process is so rigorous that only 23 current Criminal Law Specialists have been certified in the last 20 years.

In addition, all specialists must be approved for re-certification every 5 years.

At DM Cantor, our attorneys have conducted Jury Trials on countless Felony cases.

Every case defended by DM Cantor includes at least 1 Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist on the legal team who is directly handling or supervising the case’s progress.

We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Why Hire a Board Certified Specialist?

Engaging the services of a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist is crucial when facing felony charges in Arizona. Felonies encompass a wide range of offenses, each carrying its own set of legal complexities and potential penalties. A knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer, such as those at DM Cantor, who specializes in felony cases, is essential to navigate the intricacies of Arizona’s felony classifications and provide a robust defense tailored to your specific situation.

In Arizona, felonies are categorized into different classes, each associated with varying levels of severity and potential consequences. From Class 6 (the least severe) to Class 1 (the most severe), the penalties for felony crimes can include substantial fines and extended prison sentences. A Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist possesses a comprehensive understanding of Arizona felony classes, enabling them to carefully assess the details of your case, analyze the evidence, and develop a strategic defense strategy aimed at minimizing the potential penalties you might face.

Importance of an Expert

Navigating the criminal justice system can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with felony charges that can impact your freedom, reputation, and future opportunities. By retaining a skilled criminal defense lawyer who specializes in felonies, you gain an advocate who is well-versed in Arizona’s felony classifications and penalties. A Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist will work tirelessly to protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s case, and advocate for the best possible outcome in the face of felony charges. With your future on the line, entrusting your defense to a specialist increases your chances of achieving a favorable resolution and mitigating the potential consequences of felony convictions.

Contact Us

Free Consultations for Arizona Felonies

If you are facing felony charges in Arizona, the first thing that you should do is contact DM Cantor, who can help explain the very strict courts and sentencing procedures.

cialists in the entire state.  Of these 56, only 39 are located in Maricopa County and are allowed to handle private cases.

DM Cantor has 3 Criminal Law Specialists, the most of any firm in Arizona.

When defending allegations, it is critical to have as many Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists on your legal team as possible.

The specialization process is so rigorous that only 23 current Criminal Law Specialists have been certified in the last 20 years.

In addition, all specialists must be approved for re-certification every 5 years.

At DM Cantor, our attorneys have conducted Jury Trials on countless Felony cases.

Every case defended by DM Cantor includes at least 1 Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist on the legal team who is directly handling or supervising the case’s progress.

We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Why Hire a Board Certified Specialist For All Felony Classes?

Engaging the services of a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist is crucial when facing felony charges in Arizona. Felonies encompass a wide range of offenses, each carrying its own set of legal complexities and potential penalties. A knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer, such as those at DM Cantor, who specializes in felony cases, is essential to navigate the intricacies of Arizona’s felony classifications and provide a robust defense tailored to your specific situation.

In Arizona, felonies are categorized into different classes, each associated with varying levels of severity and potential consequences. From Class 6 (the least severe) to Class 1 (the most severe), the penalties for felony crimes can include substantial fines and extended prison sentences. A Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist possesses a comprehensive understanding of Arizona felony classes, enabling them to carefully assess the details of your case, analyze the evidence, and develop a strategic defense strategy aimed at minimizing the potential penalties you might face.

Importance of an Expert

Navigating the criminal justice system can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with felony charges that can impact your freedom, reputation, and future opportunities. By retaining a skilled criminal defense lawyer who specializes in felonies, you gain an advocate who is well-versed in Arizona’s felony classifications and penalties. A Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist will work tirelessly to protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s case, and advocate for the best possible outcome in the face of felony charges. With your future on the line, entrusting your defense to a specialist increases your chances of achieving a favorable resolution and mitigating the potential consequences of felony convictions.

Contact Us

If you are facing felony charges in Arizona in any of the classes of felonies, the first thing that you should do is contact DM Cantor, who can help explain the very strict courts and sentencing procedures.