Felonies, unlike misdemeanors or petty offenses, can result in prison sentences exceeding one year. In many jurisdictions, including Scottsdale, Arizona, individuals with felony convictions can lose certain civil rights. These rights may include the right to vote, the right to serve on a jury, and in some cases, the right to possess firearms. Felony charges are severe but don't guarantee a conviction. Therefore, those facing felonies should hire an experienced defense attorney who can create a solid strategy, potentially questioning the evidence and police procedures.

‍

In Scottsdale, Arizona, The Nava Law Firm is one such firm that has extensive experience in criminal defense. Our attorneys understand the gravity of felony charges and are committed to vigorously defending your case. We provide a free consultation to discuss the details of your case, your legal options, and potential defense strategies. We aim to clear your name and mitigate any potential impacts on your future. Contact us and schedule a free consultation to discuss the details of your case, your legal options, and possible defense strategies.

In Arizona, a felony punishable by over a year in prison. Felonies are classified based on their seriousness and societal impact, each with distinct sentencing guidelines.

• Drug-related felonies: These involve the possession, use, or sale of certain drugs. Consequences often include over a year of imprisonment, significant fines, and potential mandatory drug treatment.
• Property crimes: Felonies like burglary, theft, or arson can lead to prison sentences of over a year and restitution payments. The felony threshold typically hinges on a $1,000 property value.
• DUI: Aggravated DUIs (due to factors like repeat offenses or causing injury) may result in long prison terms, high fines, license revocation, and mandatory counseling.
• Violent crimes: Offenses such as murder, assault, or robbery can result in severe penalties, ranging from several years to life imprisonment and substantial fines.
• Disorderly conduct: Serious disturbances or false emergency reports can escalate to felonies, leading to over a year in prison and substantial fines.
• Liquor law violations: Providing alcohol to minors, leading to injury or death, can result in prison terms of over a year and hefty fines.
• Offenses against family: Crimes such as assault or harassment against family members can escalate to felony charges, often resulting in imprisonment for over a year and other penalties like mandatory counseling.

In Arizona, felonies are divided into six groups, each with its own punishments. The idea is to match the harshness of the punishment with how serious the crime is. Here is a list of the classes of felonies, what kinds of crimes fall into each class along with the penalties for each felony: 

1. Class 1 Felony: This is the most serious felony in Arizona, associated with the harshest penalties. The crimes that fall under this category are first-degree murder and second-degree murder. Sentences range from 25 years up to life imprisonment.
2. Class 2 Felony: This category includes serious offenses such as manslaughter, drive-by shootings, and sexual assault. Although less severe than Class 1 felonies, these crimes still carry significant penalties, including extended prison sentences, hefty fines, and potential lifetime registration as a sex offender for sexual assault cases. Penalties range from up to five years of incarceration.
3. Class 3 Felony: The crimes falling under this category include certain dangerous crimes against children, specific violations related to aggravated assault, and the transportation and sale of narcotic or dangerous drugs. This can lead to a prison term of three and a half years
4. Class 4 Felony: This category includes crimes such as robbery, forgery, and possessing dangerous or narcotic drugs. The consequences for these offenses can range from a suspended sentence and probation to several years in prison. Punishable by a prison sentence of two and a half years.
5. Class 5 Felony: Crimes in this category are deemed less severe than those in the above categories but still come with substantial penalties. Examples of Class 5 felonies include theft of property or services valued at $2,000 or more but less than $3,000, criminal damage causing damage valued at $2,000 or more but less than $10,000, and fraudulent use of a credit card where the items obtained in any six-month period are valued at $1,000 or more. The imprisonment period can reach up to one and a half years.
6. Class 6 Felony: This is the least severe category of felonies in Arizona. Crimes in this category include shoplifting, where the property is valued at $1,000 or more but less than $2,000. Criminal damage causing damage of more than $250 but less than $2,000; and possession of drug paraphernalia. Class 6 Felonies entail a maximum jail time of one year.

‍

Felony charges can lead to harsh, immediate penalties like lengthy jail time and substantial fines, serving as punishment and deterrence. Yet, the impact of a felony conviction lasts a long term. It becomes part of one's publicly accessible criminal record, potentially indefinitely unless expunged or sealed. This public record can lead to discrimination and limited opportunities, making societal reintegration challenging post-conviction.

‍

The specific punishment for each class can vary depending on factors like aggravating circumstances, the defendant's previous criminal history, whether the offense involved a minor or a vulnerable adult, and other considerations. It's important to remember that all felonies carry the possibility of prison time, and a competent defense attorney can be crucial in these cases to minimize the potential consequences.