Arizona is a state which has significant consequences for violation of its criminal codes. For instance, Arizona has execution as a potential sentence for first degree murder.
Felony Sentencing and Conviction in Arizona
In Arizona, felonies are criminal offenses which carry a possible sentence term of one year or more. There are six classes of felonies in Arizona, from Class one through Class six. Class one offenses involve severe offenses, while Class six offenses involve less grave offenses. The sentences for these classes are as follows:
| Felony Class | Criminal Charge | Sentencing: Jail Time and Fines |
| Class 1 Felony These are the most serious felonies in the State. | - murder
- homicide
- manslaughter
- rape
| 25 years to life in prison and death penalty for cases of first degree murder |
| Class 2 Felony | - drug crimes
- white collar crimes
- theft
- arson
- burglary
- embezzlement
- stalking which causes a fear of imminent death by victim
| 5 years in prison |
| Class 3 Felony | - aggravated assault
- theft
- DUI
| 3.5 years in prison |
| Class 4 Felony | - aggravated criminal property damage in amount of $10,000.00 or more
- felony speeding
| 2.5 years in prison |
| Class 5 Felony | - aggravated criminal property damage in an amount of more than $500.00 but less than $10,000,00
- aggravated harassment
| 1.5 years in prison |
| Class 6 Felony | - indecent exposure
- endangerment with risk of imminent death
- criminal trespass
- harassment
| 1 year in prison |
Arizona Felony Records and Expungement
In Arizona, one may be able to have a criminal conviction set aside. However certain crimes are not subject to expungement. These crimes include:
- crimes which involve serious physical injuries
- crimes involving use of a deadly weapon
- crimes motivated by sexual desire
- crimes where victim was younger than fifteen years of age
- moving violations in which the defendant’s license was suspended or revoked
In the event that the felony conviction does not include any of the aforementioned elements, certain requirements must be fulfilled:
- defendant must have completed the prison sentence
- defendant completed probationary period
- defendant completed all rehabilitation programs
- defendant completed anger management programs
- defendant does not have any other criminal conviction from three months to six years of the completion of their sentence or probation date.
Arizona Felony Statute of Limitations
In Arizona, there are various limitations in which a felony indictment may be brought. For a murder or a felony committed by a person holding a public office, there are no time limits which must be adhered to; thus, the indictment may be filed any time. However, for all other felonies, the particular statute of limitation must be adhered to. See all Arizona Criminal Statute of Limitations
Help from a Lawyer in Arizona for Felony Charges
If one is charged with a felony in Arizona, one should consider retaining an experienced criminal attorney. An experienced attorney can not only review one’s case in order to determine what options one may have, but also an attorney can help to preserve one’s rights.