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Call Now, Open 24/7
(602) 307-0808
Call Now, Open 24/7
Class 6 felonies represent the least severe category of felony crimes in Arizona. Upon conviction, consequences may involve fines, probation, or a prison term within the Arizona Department of Corrections, usually ranging from 4 months to 5.75 years. Notably, a distinctive aspect of class 6 felonies is the prosecutor’s discretion to treat them as misdemeanors. Even if initially charged as a felony, the possibility exists to have a class 6 felony reduced to a misdemeanor.
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.
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 6 felonies are the least strongly punished crimes.
There are more than 200 crimes in Arizona that fall under the category of class 5 felonies. Some common examples of class 5 felony crimes include:
Click here for a full list of Class 6 Felonies in Arizona.
Sentencing for a class 6 felony in Arizona hinges on the person’s previous felony convictions.
No prior felonies: Probation eligible, or prison time spanning 4 months to 2 years.
One prior felony: Incarceration from 9 months to 2.75 years.
Two or more prior felonies: Imprisonment ranging from 2.25 to 5.75 years.
If a class 6 felony is charged as a “dangerous” offense, typically involving a deadly weapon like unlawful discharge of firearms, the punishment becomes more severe. For a first-time dangerous offense, prison time becomes mandatory. The penalty for a first-time class 6 dangerous felony is 1.5 to 3 years.
Class 6 felonies hold a unique distinction – they are the sole type of felony crime that can potentially be downgraded to a misdemeanor during the sentencing process. In line with ARS 13-604, if an individual is found guilty of a class 6 felony (provided it isn’t classified as a dangerous offense), the court holds the authority to reclassify the offense as a class 1 misdemeanor. This reclassification hinges on the judge’s discretion, taking into account whether imposing felony penalties would be disproportionately harsh. Such a reclassification is viable for individuals with no more than a single prior felony conviction. However, if the defendant already carries two or more felony convictions, the option for reduction ceases to be available.
Furthermore, it rests within the prosecutor’s purview to initiate the legal proceedings by charging a class 6 felony either as a misdemeanor or a felony from the outset. This discretionary power grants prosecutors the flexibility to determine the initial classification of a class 6 felony offense.
In the context of Class 6 felony cases, the customization of defense strategies to align with unique circumstances is etremely important. These strategies hold a pivotal role in navigating the intricate landscape of Arizona’s felony classifications. Each Class 6 felony case is marked by distinct elements shaped by Arizona’s legal framework.
Within Class 6 felony charges, every case carries its own array of circumstances, evidence, and legal intricacies as defined by Arizona’s statutes. Constructing a resilient defense necessitates a comprehensive analysis of the case, complemented by a strategic blueprint tailored to the specific situation. This strategy is personalized to seamlessly align with the individual case, taking into account a multitude of factors.
These factors encompass evidence pertinent to the defendant, a profound grasp of legal precedents within Arizona’s Class 6 felony landscape, and the identification of potential mitigating elements. Skillful integration of these components results in a customized defense methodology that seamlessly suits the case. This approach not only safeguards the defendant’s rights with precision but also assures a persuasive presentation of the case. Leveraging the entirety of Arizona’s legal intricacies and defense strategies, this tailored approach delivers a robust defense for Class 6 felony cases.
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 6 felonies in Arizona is seven years.
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 2 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.
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 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.
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