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What’s the Worst Felony Charge?

Posted on November 9, 2023 in

Keeping Your Criminal Record Clean

Felony charges

There are many reasons why it is essential to make sure that your criminal record is clean. Convicted criminals can attest that it is always best to act promptly and proactively. Exhaust all options to make sure you are not convicted of a crime. Any wrong move could lead to a felony conviction, which will severely tarnish your criminal records and drastically change your life. As such, it is best to consult with a hands-on Phoenix criminal defense attorney early on.

 

What Does Felony Mean?

Under pertinent state law, crimes such as burglary, robbery, rape, murder, and arson will usually lead to felonious criminal convictions and are punishable with a prison sentence. In general, any criminal conviction resulting in imprisonment for a year or longer may be described as a felony. This is in contrast to misdemeanors or citations or criminal convictions that do not amount to the extent of the above crimes.

An offender charged with felonies must take their criminal case very seriously.  Under the relevant statute, the civil rights of convicted felons are revoked. This would mean that a convicted felon loses their right to vote, serve on a jury trial, and possess firearms. Hiring an experienced Phoenix criminal lawyer is highly advisable to avoid incarceration, fines, penalties, and other related punishment.

An excellent criminal defense lawyer can help you prove your innocence and avoid being sentenced to unwanted jail time, mainly because of false allegations. Aside from the penal implications of being incarcerated, individuals convicted will have a felony record on their criminal history. This would have a negative effect on any would-be background check.

 

Different Classes of Felonies in Arizona

Felony convictions are often offenses that include an element of violence and are detrimental for the victims and society. Felonies are classified based on their severity and related punishments. In general, Class 1 felonies are the most serious, while Class 6 felonies are the least serious. 

The presumptive sentence for a Class 1 felony is 25 years to life in prison, five years for a Class 2 felony, three and a half years for a Class 3 felony, two and a half years Class 4 felony, a year and a half for a Class 5 felony, and one year for a Class 6 felony. An experienced Phoenix criminal defense attorney can help you reduce or even dismiss the assault charges against you and defend you from false allegations. Additionally, if ever you are convicted of a felony offense, they may also help reduce your sentence.

In Arizona, first- and second-degree murder are the only Class 1 felonies in Arizona. First-degree murder is punishable by life in prison or death, although there are special requirements for the death penalty sentence. Second-degree murder is generally punishable by 10 to 25 years in prison, with a presumptive sentence of 16 years.

 

Dealing with Felony Charges

The pre-trial defense involves conducting an investigation, collecting pieces of counter-evidence, filing procedural motions, challenging and seeking inconsistencies in the evidence, and using all options to eliminate evidence against you. In this phase, it is important to gather any information that would prove to the prosecutor that you have not committed a crime worthy of a felony conviction.

If the prosecution and defense could not negotiate a plea agreement or reach an acceptable resolution to the criminal violations, the one charged with the criminal offense will be scheduled for trial in criminal court. Their criminal defense attorney shall attend conferences, interview witnesses, and ensure that the legal rights of accused criminals are protected.

Dismissal of charges and avoiding felony convictions would be difficult if there is strong evidence against you. This is why it is essential to hire a criminal lawyer who can defend you from being convicted of a felony charge. They could work on mitigating circumstances, facts, and other arguments why offenders (if convicted) merit probation, a reduced sentence, or any lower punishment.

 

Seeking Legal Help from a Credible Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorney

If you did not do anything unlawful, seek legal help and make sure you plead not guilty to a felonious crime you did not commit. Since there are so many variables to consider, it is best to have a defense lawyer with experience and knowledge to present your case with the best possible outcome. A trusted Phoenix criminal attorney may convince the prosecuting counsel and the state court with the evidence gathered during the investigation. Testimonials from witnesses are also crucial for your criminal charges to be dismissed.

Get someone who would fight for your rights. Call our Phoenix criminal defense law firm to avoid being convicted of a felony. Our legal team can also help you with your other criminal defense concerns such as disenfranchisement, restitution, pardon, or expungement. Contact us at the Snader Law Group, LLC for legal help and assistance.