Class 4 Felony in Arizona
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Understanding Class 4 Felonies in Arizona
A class 4 felony falls within the middle range of felony severity. It’s more serious than a class 5 felony but less severe than a class 3 felony. Typically, a first offense for a class 4 felony comes with a sentencing range of 1 year to 3.75 years in prison. However, someone with prior felony convictions might face up to 15 years for committing a class 4 felony. Fines can also be part of the consequences. In some cases, probation might be an option for someone facing their first felony offense.
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 “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 of the felony classes comes with its own set of possible penalties, with class 6 felonies being the mildest and class 1 felonies being the most severe. Class 4 felonies are the fourth most strongly punished crimes.
Types of Class 4 Felonies in Arizona
There are approximately 100 crimes in Arizona that fall under the category of Class 4 Felony Arizona. Some common examples of Class 4 Felony Arizona crimes include:
- Negligent Homicide
- Third-degree burglary
- Criminal damage (when the value exceeds $10,000)
- Robbery
- Forgery
- Misconduct involving weapons
- Possession of dangerous or narcotic drugs
Click here for a full list of Class 4 Felonies in Arizona.
Punishments and Sentencing For a Class 4 Felony Arizona
The penalties for class 4 felonies in Arizona are based on the defendant’s prior felony record and whether the crime is considered “dangerous.” Dangerous crimes involve the use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument. When not charged as dangerous, class 4 felonies carry these penalties:
No prior felonies: Eligible for probation or 1 to 3.75 years in prison.
One prior felony: 2.25 to 7.5 years.
Two or more prior felonies: 6 to 15 years.
After a class 4 felony conviction, the judge determines the appropriate punishment within these sentencing ranges.
If a class 4 felony is deemed “dangerous,” prison time is mandatory upon conviction, even for a first felony offense. Probation is not an option for dangerous crimes. A first-time class 4 dangerous felony results in a punishment of 4 to 8 years.
Creating Customized Defense Strategies for Class 4 Felonies in Arizona
In the context of Class 4 felony cases, the customization of defense strategies according to specific circumstances is pivotal. These strategies serve as essential guides while navigating the complexities of Arizona’s felony classifications. Each Class 4 felony case is characterized by unique attributes shaped by Arizona’s legal framework.
Within Class 4 felony charges, each case presents distinct circumstances, evidence, and legal intricacies governed by Arizona’s laws. Constructing a solid defense requires a thorough case analysis coupled with a strategic plan tailored to the situation. This personalized strategy precisely aligns with the individual case, factoring in various considerations.
These considerations encompass the evidence against the defendant, a profound understanding of legal precedents within Arizona’s Class 4 felony cases, and identification of potential mitigating factors. By adeptly integrating these elements, the defense strategy becomes a tailored approach that ideally suits the case. This approach safeguards the defendant’s rights and ensures a compelling case presentation, effectively utilizing the legal nuances and defense tactics provided by Arizona’s laws to deliver a robust defense.
Class 4 Felony Statute of Limitations
In Arizona, most crimes are subject to a statute of limitations, defining the time frame within which charges must be brought against a defendant. As per ARS 13-170, the statute of limitations for class 4 felonies spans seven years. These time limits are effective when the defendant is within the state of Arizona. If the defendant is absent from the state, the clock is paused, ensuring that time spent outside Arizona does not contribute to 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 if you are facing a felony in Arizona and help minimize your penalties for a Class 4 Felony Arizona.