Felony Attorney in Scottsdale, AZ
Felony charges are much more serious criminal offenses compared to misdemeanors. Unlike many other states, where each felony offense has a specific maximum prison term attached to it, the range of sentences for felonies in Arizona can vary significantly based on the type of offense committed, the presence of certain aggravating or mitigating factors, and any prior convictions on the defendant’s record. A Scottsdale felony lawyer can explain your charges.
If you’re facing a felony case, hire an experienced attorney at Grand Canyon Law Group to proactively pursue a positive resolution to your case. By working with a seasoned Scottsdale felony lawyer, you can more effectively enforce your rights and build a comprehensive defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.
For a free legal consultation with a felony lawyer serving Scottsdale, call 480-400-5555
WHAT ARE THE SENTENCING RANGES FOR SCOTTSDALE FELONIES?
Most crimes categorized as felonies in Arizona are assigned to one of five “classes,” with Class 6 offenses the least severe and Class 2 the most severe. Class 1 is reserved exclusively for first-degree and second-degree murder, both punishable by 10 years to life imprisonment.
NON-DANGEROUS FELONIES
Sentencing ranges for first-time offenders charged with “non-dangerous” felonies are established under Arizona Revised Statutes §13-702. For example, the range for Class 6 felonies under this statute is four months as a mitigated minimum and 24 months as an aggravated maximum. The presumptive sentence is one year.
DANGEROUS FELONY OFFENSES
Offenses considered “dangerous” are addressed under Arizona felony laws, such as A.R.S. § 13-704, and are subject to harsher sentencing ranges. For example, a first-time offender charged with a Class 6 dangerous felony may be subject to between 1.5 and three years’ imprisonment upon conviction.
Finally, as a local felony attorney could further explain, dangerous crimes against children have a unique classification system—the high end of which is life imprisonment—established under A.R.S. §13-705.
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HOW REPEATED CONVICTIONS CAN IMPACT CRIMINAL SANCTIONS
Individuals with one or more felony convictions are subject to enhanced sentencing ranges if convicted of any subsequent felony offenses. The applicable ranges for non-dangerous felonies are set out under A.R.S. §13-703. For instance, a Class 6 felony conviction could be punished by 9 to 31 months of imprisonment for a defendant with one past felony conviction, or by 2.25 to 5.75 years for a defendant with two or more past felony convictions.
Subsections (B) through (E) of A.R.S. §13-704 establish a similar system for repeat offenders charged with dangerous felonies, and subsection (F) sets out special increased maximum penalties for people convicted of multiple dangerous felonies. Guidance from a skilled felony defense lawyer in Scottsdale is vital for those with existing records facing new felony accusations.
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AGGRAVATING FACTORS CAN TURN A MISDEMEANOR INTO A FELONY
A.R.S. 13-701 defines aggravating factors that can turn a misdemeanor into a felony in Arizona. Aggravating factors can include:
- Infliction of severe physical injuries
- Use or possession of a deadly weapon during the crime
- Damage to or removal of property
- The presence of an accomplice
- An especially cruel, depraved, or heinous manner of committing the crime
- Committing a crime in return for payment
- The victim died as a result of the defendant’s conduct
- The victim was disabled or over 65
These are just a few examples of aggravating factors. There are several dozen that can be considered when determining whether to sentence you to a felony or a misdemeanor.
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WHY HIRE A FELONY LAWYER?
In 2024, Scottsdale police reported 374 violent crimes in the city, down 12% from 2023’s rate. This category of crimes includes felonies like aggravated assault, murder, robbery, and sexual assault. The good news is that crime rates are going down. The bad news is that many defendants are still facing felony charges in the Maricopa County Superior Court.
If you’re one of the hundreds of people facing felony charges in Scottsdale, you need to hire a felony lawyer right away. Your lawyer should have experience with both negotiating plea deals and providing vigorous courtroom representation. They’ll be there to help you every step of the way, from your arraignment through your trial.
FAQs
Q: How Much Does a Felony Lawyer Cost in Arizona?
A: How much a felony lawyer costs in Arizona depends on the specifics of your case. If your case is relatively straightforward and you decide to take a plea deal instead of going to trial, you’ll pay less in legal fees than someone with a complex case that required witnesses and other resources and went to a full jury trial.
Q: Can a Lawyer Get Felony Charges Dropped?
A: A lawyer may be able to get felony charges dropped for several reasons. If the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence to support the charges, they may be dismissed. If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during the investigation, any evidence that stemmed from those actions could be excluded, leading to a dismissal.
Q: How Many Levels of Felonies Are There in Arizona?
A: There are six levels of felonies in Arizona. Class 1 is the most serious level of felony. This class includes crimes like first-degree murder. Class 6 is the least serious class of felony. The penalties for felony crimes also vary by severity, with Class 1 carrying the harshest punishments. Class 6 felonies are sometimes charged as misdemeanors.
Q: What Is the Worst Felony to Get?
A: The worst felony to get is a Class 1 felony. This class includes first-degree and second-degree murder. In Arizona, a conviction for first-degree murder can leave you facing life in prison or even the death sentence, depending on the particulars of your case. You need to take these severe criminal accusations seriously and hire a Scottsdale felony attorney who can help right away.
SEEK HELP FROM A SCOTTSDALE FELONY ATTORNEY TODAY
The specific felony charges you are accused of and any prior convictions on your record will impact the penalties you face. Regardless of your situation, the most significant factor in the outcome of your case is the quality of legal counsel.
Support from a Scottsdale felony lawyer at Grand Canyon Law Group can make all the difference in your ability to secure a favorable result. Contact us today to learn more and get the dedicated legal support you need.
Call or text 480-400-5555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form