What’s the Difference Between a Felony and Misdemeanor in Arizona?
In Arizona, a misdemeanor is a less serious criminal offense than a felony. Misdemeanors carry a maximum sentence of up to six months in jail and/or a fine. Examples of misdemeanors in Arizona include certain traffic offenses, such as DUI and reckless driving, petty theft, such as shoplifting, and disorderly conduct, such as disturbing the peace. Misdemeanor offenses are categorized into three classes, class 1 through class 3. Class 1 misdemeanors are the most serious type of misdemeanor, while a class 3 misdemeanor is the least severe. Punishments for misdemeanors include probation, community service, and mandatory classes or counseling. Some specific examples of misdemeanors in Arizona include:
DUI, which is considered a class 1 misdemeanor and can result in jail time, fines, and a license suspension
Criminal speed, which is considered a class 3 misdemeanor and can result in fines and jail time
Assault, which can be considered a misdemeanor depending on the severity of the injury caused and the intent of the person committing the offense.
Felonies, on the other hand, are more serious criminal offenses that carry a maximum sentence of more than one year in prison. Examples of felonies in Arizona include certain drug offenses, such as possession of large amounts of drugs, aggravated assault, which includes an attack that causes serious physical injury, and murder, which is the killing of another person with intent. Felonies also have more severe consequences than misdemeanors, such as loss of voting rights, the right to own firearms, and difficulty finding employment or housing. Sentences for felonies also include fines and restitution, which is the payment of money to the victim. Some specific examples of felonies in Arizona include:
Possession of a controlled substance for sale, which is considered a class 2 felony and can result in prison time, fines, and probation
Burglary, which can be considered a class 3 felony and can result in prison time and fines
Aggravated assault, which varies depending on the severity of the injury caused and the intent of the person committing the offense.
Arizona also has a class system for felonies, classifying them from 1 to 6, with class 1 being the most severe and class 6 being the least severe. The class of the felony determines the range of punishment, with class 1 felonies having the longest sentence and class 6 having the shortest.
It is important to note that the specific charges and penalties for a criminal offense may vary depending on the circumstances of the case, the criminal history of the individual, and the discretion of the prosecutor and the court. Therefore, it is always best to consult an attorney familiar with Arizona criminal law to understand the specific charges and potential penalties in a particular case.
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