A felony charge can derail your life. Even first-time, nonviolent offenses can threaten lengthy prison sentences and huge fines. The best way to protect your rights and get the best outcome for your individual situation is to hire a felony lawyer in Mesa with experience successfully defending people.
At Grand Canyon Law Group, our Mesa criminal defense lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience. We understand which defenses for violent criminal charges are the most effective, and we customize our approach to the facts of the case.
Being arrested for a serious crime can feel like you are up against a wall. We understand the challenges you are going through and are committed to handling your case with precision and a focus on getting results for you in the state’s third-most populous city. Get a case evaluation now.
Why Choose Grand Canyon Law Group for Your Felony Defense?
Facing a felony charge can be overwhelming, especially when your future may be affected by the outcome.
Grand Canyon Law Group provides focused criminal defense representation and works closely with clients to understand their circumstances, explain their options, and build a defense tailored to their case.
Here’s why clients continue to work with our dedicated team:
- Over a century of combined experience: Our legal team brings more than 100 years of combined experience to criminal defense matters, providing extensive knowledge of Arizona’s legal system.
- Thousands of clients served: Our criminal defense lawyers have represented thousands of clients facing criminal allegations and understand the challenges that can come with facing the legal process.
- 24/7 accessibility: Criminal matters do not always arise during regular business hours. Our criminal defense team is available 24/7 to help you get the legal guidance you need.
- Former prosecutors on staff: Attorneys with prosecutorial experience understand how criminal cases may be investigated and presented by the state, providing valuable perspective when developing a defense.
- Dedicated to criminal defense: Criminal defense is at the core of our practice. Our Mesa felony lawyers focus on protecting our clients’ rights and pursuing the best available defense based on the circumstances of each case.
For a free legal consultation with a felony lawyer serving Mesa, call 480-400-5555
Which Crimes Are Felonies?
If you were arrested, you may not know whether you will face a felony or misdemeanor until the prosecutor files formal criminal charges. Arizona divides felonies into three broad types: dangerous crimes, non-dangerous crimes, and dangerous crimes against children.
A felony is the most serious category of criminal offense under Arizona law and carries penalties far more severe than misdemeanors. The difference between felony and misdemeanor charges often lies in the potential sentence. The most commonly charged felony crimes and their respective categories include:
- Dangerous crimes
- Murder and manslaughter
- Aggravated assault with injury
- Some sexual assaults
- Arson when people are present
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Kidnapping
- Child prostitution
- Non-dangerous crimes
- Money laundering
- Mortgage fraud, investment fraud, and other white-collar crimes
- Some drug charges
- Theft
- Bribing a state employee
- Arson
- Forgery
- Identity theft
- Attempting any dangerous crimes
- Dangerous crimes against children
- Attempted murder of a child younger than 12
- Giving harmful items (such as guns or drugs) to a minor
- Luring a minor for sexual exploitation
- Sexual assault of a minor
Early intervention from a skilled felony lawyer in Mesa can make a substantial difference in reducing criminal charges, negotiating penalties, or securing a dismissal before trial.
Mesa Felony Lawyer Near Me 480-400-5555
What Are the Penalties for a Federal Crime?
Felony penalties vary widely depending on the crime, but always involve a potential penalty of at least one year in jail. Arizona law divides felonies into six classes based on the severity of the underlying crime.
First- and second-degree murder are Class 1 felonies, while Class 6 felonies are generally nonviolent, non-dangerous crimes. Arizona law sets presumptive sentences for most felonies, which usually lie somewhere between the statutorily prescribed minimum and maximum sentences.
First-time, nonviolent offenders charged with drug crimes are usually eligible for probation. Below are the sentencing minimums and maximums for each felony class:
- Class 1: First-degree murder means life in prison or the death penalty. Second-degree murder carries a sentence of 16 years to life.
- Class 2: The minimum sentence for Class 2 felonies is four years for non-dangerous crimes. If convicted, however, the state can incarcerate defendants for 35 years, depending on the circumstances surrounding their crimes and their prior criminal records.
- Class 3: The minimum sentence for Class 3 felonies is two years and six months for non-dangerous crimes, but if convicted of a more serious crime or prior offenses exist, a defendant could face 25 years in prison.
- Class 4: Sentencing for Class 4 felonies ranges from 18 months to 16 years, depending on the nature of the crime and the number of prior offenses.
- Class 5: The minimum sentence for Class 5 felonies is nine months, and the maximum sentence is seven-and-a-half years, depending on the specific circumstances surrounding the crime and the defendant’s prior record.
- Class 6: Sentencing for Class 6 felonies ranges from six months to six years. In some cases, often for first-time offenders, a judge may reduce a Class 6 felony to a Class 1 misdemeanor and adjust the sentence accordingly.
Additional Penalties in Felony Cases
In addition to jail time, a felony conviction may incur other penalties, including:
- Fines of up to $150,000
- Drug diversion program
- For crimes where the victim incurred economic losses or property damage, the judge will likely order restitution in addition to all other penalties
- For sex crimes, a judge may order the convicted felon to register as a sex offender
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What Are the Possible Defenses Against Drug Charges?
An experienced Mesa defense lawyer will decide on the appropriate legal strategy based on the specific circumstances of your case. A good defense might result in the reduction or dismissal of your charges, or at least persuade leniency by the judge during sentencing.
Examples of potential defenses include:
- The accused maintains innocence and suggests that someone else committed the crime
- The accused was coerced into committing the crime or was under duress when committing the crime
- Any bodily injury to another, whether murder or assault, was the result of self-defense
- The statute of limitations for the crime has expired
- The prosecution lacks sufficient evidence to prove guilt
- Law enforcement committed constitutional violations during the investigation, such as not reading a defendant’s rights or engaging in an unlawful search and seizure
- Entrapment, which is where the police set up the accused to commit the crime
- Law enforcement didn’t follow proper procedures
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Understanding the Importance of Defensive Caution
If you are under investigation for a felony, taking a cautious approach can help protect your legal interests. Decisions made early in an investigation may affect how your case develops, so it is important to understand your rights and consider your options carefully.
For instance, consider:
- Knowing your rights: Understanding your legal rights can help you respond appropriately if law enforcement contacts you.
- Avoiding unnecessary statements: Anything you say during an investigation could potentially be used as evidence, making it important to think carefully before discussing the allegations.
- Preserving relevant evidence: Keep documents, messages, photographs, and other information that could help establish what happened.
- Being cautious with others: Discussing the allegations with potential witnesses or posting about your case online could create additional complications.
- Seeking legal guidance: A criminal defense lawyer at Grand Canyon Law Group can review the circumstances of your situation, explain your options, and help you make informed decisions about your defense.
Qualities of an Experienced Mesa Felony Lawyer
A skilled felony attorney will protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome given the specific circumstances of your case. At Grand Canyon Law Group, we offer free consultations where you can share your story of the incident. We will analyze your case and develop a strong legal defense.
Our experienced felony attorneys in Mesa bring a proven track record of handling serious felony cases, from violent crimes like homicide to sensitive matters such as sexual assault felony defense and white-collar crime defense.
Client testimonials highlight our thorough preparation, aggressive advocacy, and strategic defenses for violent criminal charges. When you hire a criminal defense lawyer from our team, you gain the advantage of extensive trial experience and a personalized defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.
Mitigation Strategies Available in Arizona
Arizona courts may consider mitigating circumstances when determining a felony sentence.
Depending on the facts of the case, an Arizona defense attorney may present evidence about factors such as the defendant’s background, age, level of participation, and the circumstances surrounding the offense.
Potential mitigation strategies may include:
- Limited criminal history: A limited record may matter when the court considers sentencing. A lack of prior felony convictions could be one factor to present.
- Minor participation: Your role in the offense may also matter. If you played a smaller part than other people involved, that may support mitigation.
- Personal background: Your history and personal circumstances can provide important context. Relevant information about your character or background may be considered when appropriate.
- Duress or impairment: Certain circumstances may also qualify as mitigating factors. This can include substantial duress or significant impairment when the circumstances do not amount to a complete legal defense.
- First–time felony considerations: For eligible first-time felony offenders, Arizona law allows a court to impose a mitigated sentence when at least two statutory mitigating circumstances apply.
The Felony Legal Process in Mesa
From the time of your initial arrest, the way a case moves through the court system in Arizona works to balance your rights with the rights of victims to seek justice through the criminal courts.
After your initial arrest, you will have an initial appearance, where you are advised of the charges and informed of your rights. Your attorney can be present to speak on your behalf. In many cases, the arraignment, where you enter a plea of guilty or not guilty, occurs at the same time.
If you plead not guilty, your case proceeds through pretrial hearings and may advance to trial, where either a judge or jury hears the evidence and issues a verdict. Anyone who is convicted then goes to sentencing. You have the right to appeal, which may involve a completely new trial or a review of the original proceedings.
Pre-Charge Investigations
A criminal case can start before you ever see formal charges. Police may already be looking into the allegations, talking to witnesses, or collecting evidence.
This is an important time to be careful. Grand Canyon Law Group can look into the situation, review the evidence, and identify potential issues with the investigation. Getting involved early may also give our team more time to prepare a defense before charges are filed.
Seeking a Favorable Outcome
There are many possibilities for seeking a favorable outcome to your case, including dropped or reduced charges or exoneration through a trial. In other cases, a favorable plea bargain agreement can allow you to avoid serious penalties once the conditions of that agreement have been met.
Frequently Asked Questions About Felonies in Mesa, AZ
If you are facing a felony charge in Mesa, you may have questions about your rights, defense options, and what to expect from the legal process. Below are answers to frequently asked questions about felony cases and how Grand Canyon Law Group may be able to help.
What Distinguishes a Felony From a Misdemeanor in Mesa?
In Mesa, a felony is a more serious offense than a misdemeanor. While a misdemeanor may lead to weeks or months in jail, a felony can result in multi-year prison sentences along with significant fines and lasting consequences such as loss of civil rights.
Misdemeanors involve lighter penalties like county jail time or probation. Felonies include violent crimes, major theft, or aggravated DUI, while misdemeanors often involve lower-level offenses.
How Do I Choose the Right Felony Lawyer in Mesa for My Case?
Choosing the right felony lawyer in Mesa means looking at experience, courtroom results, and client reviews. Seek an attorney with specific experience in felony trials, strong negotiation skills, and familiarity with Maricopa County courts.
Scheduling consultations can help you evaluate their communication style and strategy. Credentials, years of practice, and case outcomes are all key markers of reliability.
What Can I Expect During My Initial Consultation With a Mesa Felony Attorney?
During your initial consultation with a Mesa criminal defense attorney, your attorney can focus on your priorities. If you have immediate concerns about the outcomes for your case, they can discuss those details.
Your criminal defense attorney in Mesa can also explain possible defenses, potential outcomes, and fee structures. It’s also your chance to evaluate their approach and confirm whether they’re the right fit for your case.
How Does a Plea Bargain Work in Felony Cases in Mesa?
In Mesa felony cases, plea bargains allow defendants to plead guilty to lesser charges or receive a reduced sentence in exchange for waiving trial. A defense attorney negotiates with prosecutors with the goal of securing favorable terms for the client.
The right bargain from your criminal defense attorney can help you avoid harsh penalties while resolving the case more efficiently than going through the uncertainty of a full trial.
What Are the Potential Penalties for Felony Charges in Mesa?
Felony penalties in Mesa vary by class, from Class 1 (most severe) to Class 6 (least severe). Consequences can include years in state prison, steep fines, probation, or restitution.
Convictions may also affect voting rights, firearm ownership, and employment opportunities. Sentences depend on the nature of the crime, prior convictions, and any aggravating circumstances.
Call an Experienced Mesa Felony Attorney for Guidance Today
If you were arrested and charged with a serious felony, contact an experienced felony lawyer in Mesa immediately to determine your best course of action.
When appropriate, Grand Canyon Law Group will investigate your case, interview witnesses, and gather information to help build a strong legal argument.
Dedicated criminal defense. Visit our FAQ page to learn more, or speak to a Mesa felony lawyer during a case evaluation.
Call or text 480-400-5555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form