Mesa Felony Lawyer

Felony Attorney in Mesa, AZ

A felony charge can derail your life. Even first-time, nonviolent offenses can threaten lengthy prison sentences and huge fines. Whether or not you committed the crime, you are entitled to due process. The best way to protect your rights and get the best outcome for your individual situation is to hire a skilled Mesa felony lawyer with experience successfully defending people charged with felonies.

At Grand Canyon Law Group, our Mesa criminal defense lawyers understand the complex criminal court system, and we can guide you through the process with compassion. 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.

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 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.

Felonies can lead to more than a year in state prison, significant fines, and long-term consequences. Felony charges in Mesa can result in penalties ranging from probation to decades in prison, depending on the offense level, prior convictions, and aggravating factors.

Beyond imprisonment and fines, a felony conviction may affect employment opportunities, housing eligibility, firearm rights, and, for non-citizens, immigration status. Understanding felony charges in Arizona is essential to building an effective defense. Early intervention from a skilled attorney can make a substantial difference in reducing charges, negotiating penalties, or securing a dismissal before trial.

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
• Armed robbery and 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
• Sexual exploitation of a minor, including prostitution and pornography
• Giving harmful items (such as guns or drugs) to a minor
• Luring a minor for sexual exploitation
• Sexual assault of a minor

Qualities of an Experienced Mesa Felony Lawyer

If you are facing felony charges, the decision to hire a felony lawyer should be your top priority. A Mesa felony attorney brings experience helping clients navigate felony cases based on their years of experience working under state felony laws. They know which defenses for violent criminal charges are ideally suited to help you win your case.

The best felony lawyer in Mesa, Arizona, is defined by proven results, courtroom skill, and a record of handling complex indictments. Scheduling a Mesa felony attorney consultation connects you with local felony defense experts who understand Maricopa County courts. When hiring a felony lawyer in Mesa, seek an experienced criminal attorney with certifications and prior case victories.

WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR A FELONY 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
• A court-ordered drug treatment program in lieu of jail time, especially for first-time offenders
• 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.

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.

Qualities of an Experienced Mesa Felony Lawyer

A felony conviction involves numerous potential penalties and consequences, including jail time and a loss of certain civil rights. If you are charged with a serious felony, you likely want the court to dismiss your charges, or at the very least reduce your jail time.

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. If you decide to retain us, we will analyze your case and develop a strong legal defense.

Our experienced felony attorney in Mesa brings a proven track record of handling serious felony cases, from violent crimes like homicide to sensitive matters such as sexual assault felony defense and complex white-collar crime defense.

The best felony lawyers in Mesa, who work in our office, combine deep knowledge of felony laws with practical courtroom skills that are backed by years of defending clients in local courts. Our Mesa felony attorney brings strong relationships within the Mesa criminal court system and an understanding of local procedures that can significantly influence outcomes.

Our attorneys are former prosecutors who have secured dismissals, reduced charges, and favorable verdicts in high-stakes cases. Client testimonials highlight our thorough preparation, aggressive advocacy, and strategic defenses for violent criminal charges. When you hire a felony lawyer from our team, you gain the advantage of extensive trial experience and a personalized defense strategy tailored to your specific situation under Arizona’s felony laws.

The Felony Legal Process in Mesa

From the time of your initial arrest, the felony court process 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.

The courts take felonies seriously, due to the societal harm they cause. Arizona’s violent crime rate reached 422 per 100,000 residents, with 74% classified as aggravated assaults. Drug crimes are a leading reason why people in Mesa end up with felony charges.

In mid-2025, a woman in Mesa was recently indicted on eight felony charges, including drug sales to a minor, dangerous drug transactions, and child abuse. Authorities discovered messages showing she offered Adderall and solicited Fentanyl and OxyContin from the underage individual. Police found drugs packaged for sale and firearms in her apartment and vehicle. She is being held on a $10,000 bond.

There are many possibilities for securing 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.

FAQs About Mesa Felony Laws

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 felony 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 attorney 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 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

If you were arrested and charged with a serious felony, contact an experienced Mesa felony lawyer immediately to determine your best course of action. When appropriate, an attorney will investigate your case, interview witnesses, and gather information to help build a strong legal defense.

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480-400-5555

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