Class 2 Felony in Arizona
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Understanding Class 2 Felonies in Arizona
Class 2 felonies occupy a prime position among the most severe categories of crimes within the Arizona legal system. In terms of their gravity, these felonies fall second only to the extreme seriousness of murder charges. The ramifications of a class 2 felony are substantial and typically lead to sentencing of 3 to 35 years in prison, contingent upon the defendant’s past history of felony convictions. The quantity of prior felony convictions can markedly influence the potential range of sentencing. As with class 3 felonies, which entail a prison term between 2 and 8.75 of prison years for a first-time offender, the stakes rise considerably for individuals with multiple previous felony convictions, potentially culminating in a 25-year prison sentence. Convictions also carry the potential for monetary fines and restitution obligations. Notably, individuals facing a class 3 felony charge who lack prior felony convictions might be considered for probation as an alternative.
In Arizona, a “felony” is a serious type of crime.
The legal system in Arizona splits crimes into two main groups: “felonies” and “misdemeanors”
“Misdemeanors” are less serious crimes and could lead to up to six months in jail. On the other hand, “felonies” can result in prison time. How long someone goes to prison depends on how serious the felony is and if they have been convicted of felonies before. People convicted of felonies also can’t vote or have guns.
“Felony crimes” are put into six different groups, or “Arizona felony classes,” based on how serious they are.
- Class 1 Felonies
- Class 2 Felonies
- Class 3 Felonies
- Class 4 Felonies
- Class 5 Felonies
- Class 6 Felonies
Each felony class comes with its own set of possible penalties, with class 6 felonies being the mildest and class 1 felonies being the most severe. Class 2 felonies are the second most strongly punished crimes.
Main Types of Class 2 Felony Crimes in Arizona
Class 2 felonies can be broke down into three distinct segments:
- Non-dangerous offenses
- Dangerous offenses
- Dangerous crimes against children
A dangerous offense is defined as a crime entailing one of the following elements:
- The discharge, use, or a menacing display of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- The intentional infliction of a substantial physical injury.
Meanwhile, a dangerous crime against a child pertains to an eligible offense wherein the victim’s age is under 15 years old.
Examples of a Class 2 Felony
Of the 50+ Class 2 felonies, some of the most common include:
- Kidnapping
- Drive-by shooting
- Sexual assault
- Armed robbery
- Sexual exploitation of a minor
- Manslaughter
- Burglary in the first degree
Click here for a full list of Class 2 Felonies in Arizona.
Punishments and Sentencing For a Class 2 Felony
Facing a regular class 2 felony charge in Arizona connects the consequences of conviction closely with the defendant’s previous felony record. The seriousness of non-dangerous class 2 felonies brings specific sentencing ranges:
- No prior felonies: Eligibility for probation or incarceration ranging from 3 to 12.5 years.
- One prior felony: Imprisonment duration spanning from 4.5 to 23 years.
- Two or more prior felonies: Incarceration varying between 10.5 and 35 years.
The determination of the specific sentence within the established range rests with the presiding judge, who weighs multiple factors, including aggravating and mitigating circumstances. In cases devoid of prior felonies, the judge’s decision pivots on the choice between probation and prison. If incarceration is deemed appropriate, the judge’s discretion governs the length of imprisonment.
However, in scenarios where a class 2 felony is classified as “dangerous” due to the incorporation of a deadly weapon or a dangerous instrument, an amplified sentencing scope for “dangerous” offenses prevails. Such cases, regardless of being first-time instances, render probation infeasible. A “dangerous” initial offender is destined for imprisonment, spanning from a minimum of 7 years to a maximum of 21 years, all of which is dictated by the contours of Arizona’s felony laws.
Creating Customized Defense Strategies for Class 2 Felonies in Arizona
In the realm of Class 2 felony cases, tailoring defense strategies to fit the unique circumstances is crucial. These strategies play a vital role in navigating the complexities of Arizona’s felony classifications. Each Class 2 felony case has its distinct elements shaped by Arizona laws.
Within Class 2 felony charges, every case comes with its own set of circumstances, evidence, and legal intricacies defined by Arizona laws. To build a strong defense, a thorough analysis of the case is essential, coupled with a strategic plan that suits the specific situation. This strategy is personalized to align perfectly with the individual case, taking various factors into consideration.
These factors encompass the evidence against the defendant, a deep understanding of legal precedents within Arizona’s Class 2 felony cases, and identifying potential mitigating factors. By skillfully incorporating these components, the defense strategy becomes a tailored approach that suits the case perfectly. This approach guarantees the protection of the defendant’s rights and ensures a compelling case presentation. It leverages all available legal nuances and defense tactics offered by Arizona laws to provide a robust defense.
Class 2 Felony Statute of Limitations
In the legal realm, most crimes have a set “statute of limitations.” This rule dictates that prosecutors must file charges within a specific timeframe; otherwise, prosecution cannot proceed. According to ARS 13-170, the statute of limitations for class 2 felonies in Arizona is seven years. These time limits only apply when the defendant is physically present within Arizona. If the defendant is outside the state, the clock stops, and the time spent away does not count towards the 7-year statute of limitations.
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 this century.
In addition, all specialists must be approved for re-certification every 5 years.
At DM Cantor, our attorneys have conducted Jury Trials on hundreds of criminal 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 Choose Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists?
When facing the formidable challenges of Class 1 felony charges in Arizona, the decision to rely on the expertise of Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists becomes paramount. This choice gains even more significance within the scope of the Arizona legal system, where the nuances of felony cases are meticulously defined. Particularly, when working with the highly respected professionals at DM Cantor, the assurance of having seasoned specialists by your side is unparalleled.
These specialists have amassed extensive experience, honing their skills through a rigorous certification process that underscores their proficiency in handling complex felony cases. Their proven ability to strategize successful defense tactics is a beacon of confidence when maneuvering the intricate labyrinth of Class 1 felony charges. Notably, their expertise transcends conventional legal prowess, encompassing an intricate understanding of Arizona’s distinct felony laws.
What sets Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists apart is their commitment to tailoring defense strategies to suit the unique circumstances of each case, effectively integrating the subtle nuances of Arizona’s legal landscape. This personalized approach is rooted in their comprehensive grasp of the intricacies of felony cases and their implications under Arizona Law. By partnering with these specialists, individuals facing Class 1 felony charges equip themselves with an arsenal of knowledge, experience, and insight. In the ever-evolving realm of Arizona’s felony laws, their guidance becomes an invaluable asset, ensuring a comprehensive and tailored defense strategy that maximizes the chances of a favorable outcome.
Contact Us
Contact DM Cantor and speak to a Criminal Defense Attorney. We will assist you is you are facing a felony in Arizona and help minimize your penalties.