When you are arrested and booked for a crime, the worst-case scenarios usually run through your mind. You wonder how the charges will impact your career, your finances, your family life, and your future. Charlie Naegle is an experienced Mesa Criminal Defense Attorney who is here to help put your mind at ease by outlining your next steps in the legal process. At your initial appearance in court, a judge will elaborate on the charges against you and categorize your crime as a misdemeanor, felony, or undesignated offense. Use this guide to understand the standard penalties when you receive a criminal charge for a misdemeanor, felony, or undesignated offense.
Misdemeanor Offenses
Misdemeanors are the least serious criminal offenses, but the standard penalty can differ drastically depending on which class of misdemeanor crime you’ve committed. There are three classes of misdemeanors:
- Class 3 Misdemeanors are the least severe. They usually result in fines of up to $500 and 30 days in jail. Examples of class 3 misdemeanors include criminal speeding, and minor assault cases.
- Class 2 Misdemeanors can cost the defendant up to $750 in fines and 4 months in jail. The most common Class 2 misdemeanors in Arizona are reckless driving and property damage.
- Class 1 Misdemeanors are the most severe and can be quite costly. Many defendants must pay up to $2,500 in fines and spend up to 6 months in jail. Class 1 misdemeanors such as prostitution, DUI, theft, and disorderly conduct can have significant consequences.
These standard penalties can be significantly reduced and even completely dismissed with the legal expertise of Mesa misdemeanor attorney Charlie Naegle on your side!
Felony Offenses
Being convicted of a felony will have severe and lasting consequences. Felony crimes are serious and the penalties are too. Not only will felons serve anywhere from 1 year to life in prison, but they also have certain rights revoked. Some of these revoked rights include:
- Ability to serve in the US military
- Right to own a firearm
- Right to vote
- Ability to work in certain fields such as education or law
Felony cases are also divided by severity into classes, with Class 6 felonies being the least severe and Class 1 being the most serious crimes a person can commit. The classification for a crime depends on several factors. The standard prison sentences for each class of crime are as follows:
- Class 6 felony: 1 year in prison
- Class 5 felony: 1.5 years in prison
- Class 4 felony: 2.5 years in prison
- Class 3 felony: 3.5 years in prison
- Class 2 felony: 5 years in prison
- CLASS 1 FELONY: 25 YEARS TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT and possibly the death penalty if murder in the first degree was committed.
While these standard penalties are only indicative of the punishments a court will give to first-time offenders, having a Mesa Criminal Defense Attorney represent case will greatly increase your odds at receiving a lesser sentence, giving you more of your life back.
Undesignated Offenses
In some cases, the courts may charge you with an undesignated offense and you will be placed on probation. If the defendant violates their probation or the courts revoke it, the crime will be treated as a Class 6 felony and the punishment will follow suit.
Overcoming Your Misdemeanor, Felony, or Undesignated Offense
Charlie Naegle is a Mesa Criminal Defense Attorney who is dedicated to giving you the representation you need to lessen your sentence and help you get your life back on track. He works directly on your case and is available for a free, no obligation phone consultation TODAY! Call The Naegle Law office at (480) 378-9000 with all your legal questions to get the best personal representation from the expert himself, Charlie Naegle: Mesa Criminal Defense Attorney.