What is a Class 6 Felony in Arizona?
In Arizona, felonies are classified into six categories, ranging from the most serious to the least serious. A Class 6 felony is the least serious of all felony charges, and it is considered a non-violent offense. In this article, we will delve into the details of what constitutes a Class 6 felony in Arizona, the penalties associated with it, and the potential consequences for those convicted.
What is a Class 6 Felony?
A Class 6 felony is a non-violent felony offense that carries a maximum sentence of 1 year and 9 months in prison. These offenses are typically considered less serious than other felony charges, such as murder, robbery, or aggravated assault. Class 6 felonies are often related to property crimes, such as theft, fraud, or drug-related offenses.
Examples of Class 6 Felonies in Arizona
Some examples of Class 6 felonies in Arizona include:
• Theft of a firearm: Stealing a firearm is considered a Class 6 felony.
• Fraudulent schemes: Running a fraudulent scheme, such as a pyramid scheme or a fake charity, can be charged as a Class 6 felony.
• Drug-related offenses: Possession of a controlled substance, such as marijuana or prescription drugs, can be charged as a Class 6 felony.
• Identity theft: Stealing someone’s identity or using someone else’s identity without their permission can be charged as a Class 6 felony.
Penalties for a Class 6 Felony in Arizona
The penalties for a Class 6 felony in Arizona include:
• Maximum sentence of 1 year and 9 months in prison
• Fines: Up to $150,000
• Probation: Up to 5 years
• Community supervision: Up to 5 years
Consequences of a Class 6 Felony Conviction
A Class 6 felony conviction can have significant consequences, including:
• Loss of voting rights: Felons in Arizona lose their right to vote until their sentence is completed and their civil rights are restored.
• Loss of gun rights: Felons in Arizona are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm.
• Difficulty finding employment: Many employers conduct background checks, and a felony conviction can make it difficult to find employment.
• Impact on education and professional licenses: A felony conviction can impact a person’s ability to pursue certain educational or professional opportunities.
Defenses to a Class 6 Felony Charge
If you are facing a Class 6 felony charge, it is essential to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you build a strong defense. Some potential defenses to a Class 6 felony charge include:
• Lack of intent: If you did not intend to commit the crime, you may be able to argue that you did not have the necessary intent to commit the offense.
• Mistake of fact: If you believed you were doing something legal, but it turned out to be illegal, you may be able to argue that you made a mistake of fact.
• Duress: If you were forced to commit the crime by someone else, you may be able to argue that you were under duress.
Table: Comparison of Class 6 Felonies and Other Felony Charges in Arizona
| Class 6 Felony | Class 5 Felony | Class 4 Felony | Class 3 Felony | Class 2 Felony | Class 1 Felony | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum sentence | 1 year and 9 months | 2 years | 3 years | 5 years | 10 years | 21 years |
| Fines | Up to $150,000 | Up to $150,000 | Up to $150,000 | Up to $150,000 | Up to $150,000 | Up to $150,000 |
| Probation | Up to 5 years | Up to 5 years | Up to 5 years | Up to 5 years | Up to 5 years | Up to 5 years |
| Community supervision | Up to 5 years | Up to 5 years | Up to 5 years | Up to 5 years | Up to 5 years | Up to 5 years |
In conclusion, a Class 6 felony in Arizona is a non-violent felony offense that carries a maximum sentence of 1 year and 9 months in prison. While the penalties for a Class 6 felony conviction are less severe than those for more serious felony charges, it is still a serious offense that can have significant consequences. If you are facing a Class 6 felony charge, it is essential to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you build a strong defense and minimize the potential consequences of a conviction.
