Chandler Felony Attorney
Felonies are crimes with significant consequences. If you have a felony conviction, you face prison time, significant fines, and the loss of your right to vote and own firearms. The prior conviction will increase your potential sentence if you are ever convicted of another crime.
Work with an experienced attorney at Grand Canyon Law Group to prevent these penalties and protect your way of life. A Chandler felony lawyer at our firm could explore every viable legal strategy to diminish the consequences of a felony charge. In some cases, we could get the prosecutor to dismiss the charge; in others, we could negotiate a resolution that keeps you out of prison.
For a free legal consultation with a felony lawyer serving Chandler, call 480-400-5555
UNDERSTANDING FELONY CHARGES IN ARIZONA
Some crimes, such as sexual assault, are always felonies. Others could be misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances. Felonies carry a presumptive sentence of at least one year in prison.
Arizona law recognizes six classes of felonies. The law also distinguishes between dangerous felonies and non-dangerous felonies, with harsher sentences for the former.
WHAT IS A DANGEROUS FELONY?
According to Arizona Statute §13-704, a person commits a dangerous felony when they discharge, use, or display a weapon while committing a crime. Knowingly or intentionally causing a serious physical injury also could result in dangerous felony charges. Some crimes, such as sex crimes involving children under 15, are always dangerous felonies. Anyone facing charges for dangerous felonies in Chandler should contact our experienced attorneys as soon as possible to discuss defense strategies.
Chandler Felony Lawyer Near Me 480-400-5555
FELONY SENTENCES DEPEND ON MULTIPLE FACTORS
Arizona uses a complex system to punish crimes. Each class of felony and dangerous felony has a specific presumptive sentence within a defined range. The judge can sentence a person within the range for the class of felony, and the court could increase or decrease the sentence after considering mitigating and aggravating factors if the conviction is for a non-dangerous felony. First offenders convicted of non-dangerous felonies could receive probation instead of a jail sentence.
A defendant’s prior criminal history has a significant impact on their sentence. The length of prison sentences increases sharply when a defendant has prior felony convictions. Regardless of a person’s criminal history, they should work with a Chandler felony attorney to mitigate the potential penalties.
CLASS 6 FELONY
A first offender convicted of a non-dangerous Class 6 felony faces a presumptive prison sentence of one year. This could vary from a minimum of four months with mitigating factors and a maximum of two years with aggravating factors. The presumptive sentence is one year and nine months for someone with one prior felony conviction and three years and nine months for someone with two or more prior felony convictions.
Someone convicted of a Class 6 dangerous felony faces a presumptive sentence of two years and three months for a first offense. A second offense carries a presumptive sentence of three years and nine months. Someone with two or more prior offenses faces a presumptive sentence of five years and three months.
CLASS 5 FELONY
The presumptive sentence for a first offense, non-dangerous Class 5 felony is one and a half years. Mitigating circumstances could reduce the sentence to six months, and aggravating circumstances could extend it to two and a half years. The presumptive sentence increases to two years and three months with one prior conviction and five years with two or more priors.
Presumptive sentences for dangerous Class 5 felonies are three years for a first offense, five years with one prior conviction, and seven years with two or more prior convictions.
CLASS 4 FELONY
A first offender convicted of a non-dangerous Class 4 felony faces a presumptive sentence of two and a half years in prison. Mitigating factors could decrease the sentence to one year, and aggravating factors could increase it to three years and nine months. The presumptive sentence increases to four and a half years with one prior conviction and ten years with two or more prior convictions.
Someone convicted of a dangerous Class 4 felony faces six years in prison for a first offense, ten years for a second conviction, and 14 years in prison if they have two or more prior convictions.
CLASS 3 FELONY
The presumptive sentence for a first offender convicted of a Class 3 non-dangerous felony is three and a half years, with a minimum of two years and a maximum of eight years and nine months. Presumptive sentences increase to six and a half years with one prior conviction and 11 years and three months with two or more prior convictions.
When the conviction is for a dangerous felony, the presumptive sentence for a first offender is seven and a half years. With one prior conviction, the presumptive sentence is 11 years and three months, and 20 years if the offender has two or more convictions.
CLASS 2 FELONY
The presumptive sentence for a non-dangerous Class 2 felony is five years. Considering mitigating and aggravating factors, the sentence could range from three years to 12 and a half years. The presumptive sentence increases to nine years and three months if the offender has one prior conviction and 15 years and nine months with two prior convictions.
If the offense is a dangerous Class 2 felony, the presumptive sentences are ten years and six months for a first offense, 15 years and nine months if the offender has one prior conviction, and 28 years with two or more priors.
CLASS 1 FELONY
The only Class 1 felonies in Arizona are first and second-degree murder. Penalties for first-degree murder are life imprisonment or death. The presumptive sentence for second-degree murder is 16 years in prison.
Regardless of the specific felony charges, an accused person should consult our lawyers in Chandler about the potential penalties. Grand Canyon Law Group can work to minimize the impact on a person’s life and help them move forward from the felony allegations.
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FIGHT FELONY CHARGES WITH A CHANDLER ATTORNEY
Arizona punishes felons harshly, so it is critical to work with a relentless attorney who will fight hard for your freedom. The Chandler felony lawyers at Grand Canyon Law Group will leave no stone unturned when defending you.
Give yourself the best chances of success by calling our firm as soon as possible. Your future depends on it.
Call or text 480-400-5555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form