A felony conviction can significantly disrupt your life, and its impacts extend to immediate and long-term consequences. Despite being charged with a felony, it's important to remember that a charge does not necessarily translate into a conviction. Engaging the services of a knowledgeable and experienced felony defense lawyer, particularly one well-versed in Arizona law if that's where you're charged, can significantly improve your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.

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If you or a loved one is facing felony charges in Chandler, The Nava Law Firm, led by seasoned criminal defense attorney Armando Nava, could be your ideal legal ally. With extensive experience identifying weaknesses in the prosecution's case, Armando Nava can defend against various felonies, from white-collar crimes to violent offenses. To understand more about your case and potential defense strategies, contact us for a free consultation by calling (602) 975-4990 or sending an online message to The Nava Law Firm.

In Arizona, as in many states, a felony is considered any crime punishable by more than a year in prison. This definition differentiates felonies from misdemeanors, which typically involve less severe crimes and are punishable by shorter jail terms. 

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Arizona classifies felonies into a range of categories based on the seriousness of the crime and its potential impact on victims and society. These categories cover a broad spectrum of offenses, each with their corresponding sentencing guidelines:

• Capital Offenses: In Arizona, crimes like first-degree murder and serious arson could lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty.
• Violent Crimes: Include assault, battery, rape, and kidnapping, considered severe due to physical harm to victims and societal fear they cause.
• Property Crimes: Range from shoplifting to burglary or robbery, with severity depending on stolen property's value or use of violence.
• Drug-Related Felonies: Cover offenses from possession to trafficking or manufacturing controlled substances. Severity varies based on drug type, quantity, offender's intent, and involvement of minors or school zones.
• Liquor law violations: Providing alcohol to minors can result in felony charges in Arizona, especially if the violation results in significant injury or death.
• Disorderly conduct: In Arizona, disorderly conduct can escalate to a felony under specific circumstances, like repeatedly disturbing the peace or falsely reporting an emergency, including fire.

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In addition to the severity of the crime, the specific circumstances surrounding each case, the offender's previous criminal history, and whether the offense was committed against a particularly vulnerable individual (such as a minor or an elderly person) can all play a role in determining the classification of the felony and the severity of the punishment. Legal representation is critically important in these cases, as a skilled attorney in Chandler, AZ, can work to defend the accused, potentially reducing the charges or mitigating the sentence.

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Arizona's Felony Class System

In Arizona, the severity of felonies is categorized into six distinct classes, each carrying its range of potential penalties. This system aims to correlate the offense's seriousness with the punishment's gravity. 

Here's a detailed look into each class and the types of crimes they include:

1. Class 1 Felony: Covers first and second-degree murder with potential life imprisonment or death penalties.
2. Class 2 Felony: Includes severe crimes like manslaughter, drive-by shootings, and sexual assault, with extended prison sentences and substantial fines.
3. Class 3 Felony: Involves crimes against children, certain aggravated assaults, and drug trafficking; penalties include lengthy imprisonment and hefty fines.
4. Class 4 Felony: Comprises crimes like robbery and forgery, with consequences ranging from probation to several years in prison.
5. Class 5 Felony: Includes certain thefts and fraudulent credit card use, with substantial penalties despite being less severe.
6. Class 6 Felony: The least severe felonies, like shoplifting and minor criminal damage, are still punishable by imprisonment and fines.

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The specific punishment for each class can vary depending on factors like aggravating circumstances, the defendant's previous criminal history, whether the offense involved a minor or a vulnerable adult, and other considerations. It's important to remember that all felonies carry the possibility of prison time, and a competent defense attorney can be crucial in these cases to minimize the potential consequences.

In Arizona, when someone is convicted of a felony, the sentencing is typically based on the general advisory guidelines provided for each felony class. These guidelines suggest the range of penalties that may be imposed, but they are not hard-and-fast rules; the courts have discretion in determining the final sentence based on the specific circumstances of each case.

The advisory sentences for each category of a felony in Arizona are as follows:

1. Class 1 Felony: The advisory sentence for a Class 1 felony ranges from 25 years to life in prison. 
2. Class 2 Felony: For a Class 2 felony, the advisory sentence is typically around five years in prison. 
3. Class 3 Felony: Class 3 felonies usually carry an advisory sentence of three and a half years in prison. 
4. Class 4 Felony: The advisory sentence for a Class 4 felony is typically around two and a half years in prison. 
5. Class 5 Felony: A Class 5 felony usually carries an advisory sentence of one and a half years in prison.
6. Class 6 Felony: The advisory sentence for a Class 6 felony is typically around one year in prison. 

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While these sentences serve as general guidelines, it's essential to understand that the judge retains the discretion to adjust the sentence based on factors such as the severity of the crime, the offender's previous criminal history, the presence of mitigating or aggravating factors, and the impact of the crime on the victim.

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One of the consequences of a felony conviction is that it becomes part of your criminal history, which is publicly accessible information. In many jurisdictions, a felony conviction remains on an individual's record indefinitely unless expunged or sealed. This means anyone, from prospective employers to landlords, can access this information, which can lead to discrimination and limited opportunities in several areas of life.