Felony Charges Defense Lawyer in Phoenix

Felony convictions can result in significant consequences, including the loss of civil rights and opportunities, which can impact an individual for the rest of their life. Felonies carry more severe penalties than misdemeanor or petty offenses and have a potential prison sentence of over one year. Felony charges don't necessarily guarantee a conviction, and a knowledgeable attorney can help to build a strong defense against felony charges.

If you have been convicted of a felony in Arizona, you must contact an attorney. At Benikov Law, we'll provide you with an experienced criminal defense attorney committed to defending your case and clearing your name. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and establish a strong defense.

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Mr. Benikov was very professional and extremely helpful. He made sure to walk me through the whole process and was always responsive whenever I had any questions. I recommend him to anyone with a legal issue.
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What is a Felony Crime in Arizona?

Arizona considers a felony crime to be any offense that is punishable by a prison sentence of more than a year. This category encompasses a range of crimes, including, but not limited to:

  • Capital offenses (e.g., murder and arson), 
  • Property crimes (e.g., burglary or robbery), 
  • Drug-related felonies (e.g., possession and trafficking) 
  • Violent felonies (e.g., assault and kidnapping)

Types of Felony Charges in Arizona

If you have been charged with a crime in Arizona, the type of charge you may face can either be a misdemeanor or a felony. The kind of charge depends on the seriousness and nature of the conduct. A felony charge is treated with much harsher penalties than a misdemeanor and is often punishable by up to one year in prison. Here are some examples of felony offenses in Arizona:

  • Drug trafficking
  • Drug possession
  • Theft crimes, including identity theft
  • Aggravated or extreme DUI
  • Firearm offenses
  • Sex crimes
  • Domestic violence
  • Child abuse
  • Forgery
  • Violent crimes
  • Traffic violations

The 6 Classes of Felonies in Arizona

In Arizona, felonies are categorized into six classes, with class one carrying the harshest potential penalties and class six having the least severe penalties. Here are the different classes of felonies, including examples of the crimes that fall under each category:

Class 1 Felony

  • First-degree murder
  • Second-degree murder

Class 2 Felony

  • Manslaughter
  • Drive by shooting
  • Sexual assault

Class 3 Felony

  • Certain dangerous crimes against children
  • Aggravated assault (certain violations)
  • Transportation and sale of narcotic drugs or dangerous drugs.

Class 4 Felony

  • Robbery
  • Forgery
  • Possession of dangerous or narcotic drugs.

Class 5 Felony

  • Theft (property or services valued at $2,000 or more but less than $3,000) 
  • Criminal damage (damage of $2,000 or more but less than $10,000) 
  • Fraudulent use of a credit card (items obtained in any six months valued at $1,000 or more) 

Class 6 Felony

  • Shoplifting (property valued $1,000 or more but less than $2,000 or a firearm valued less than $1,000) 
  • Criminal damage (damage of more than $250 but less than $2,000) 
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia

You can find a complete list of felony crimes under Arizona law here.

What are the Penalties for Felonies in Arizona?

In each felony case, the court may, but is not obligated to, apply the general advisory sentencing guidelines for each type of crime when deciding what punishments to impose on the guilty offender.

The following are the advisory sentences for each category of a felony:

  • Class 1 Felony: 25 years to life in prison
  • Class 2 Felony: five years in prison
  • Class 3 Felony: three and a half years in prison
  • Class 4 Felony: two and a half years in prison
  • Class 5 Felony: one and a half years in prison
  • Class 6 Felony: one year in prison

When it comes to sentencing and conviction, the outcome rests in the hands of the judge. However, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to present evidence and arguments to reduce the length of incarceration, even if the person is found guilty. In some cases, a skilled attorney may be able to negotiate to have a crime charged as a misdemeanor that would have been implicated as a felony.

CASE RESULTS

Theft

Case Result: Client found not guilty after jury trial

Domestic Violence Assault

Case Result: Not guilty of all counts

Threatening and Intimidating

Case Result: All charges dismissed

Aggravated Assault

Case Result: Not Guilty on all counts

Child Endangerment

Case Result: All Charges Dismissed

Child Endangerment

Case Result: Not Guilty after trial.

Assault

Case Result: Given a plea to disorderly conduct and no jail.
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Contact Our Felony Charges Defense Lawyer In Phoenix, Arizona

If you or a loved one has been charged with a felony in Arizona, your best option is to seek help from an attorney who is well-versed in felony cases. At Benikov Law, we will provide you with an attentive attorney with extensive experience in felony criminal defense.

We serve the areas of Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe, Chandler, and other locations around Arizona. Please consider reaching out to us for a free consultation of your case to help you understand the best options to move forward.

CLIENT REVIEWS
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Colin B.

A very intelligent and friendly, professional man to work with. He was hired in referral to me by a family member and all the great reviews are true! He worked hard for me on a case for a reasonable price and ended with the best possible outcome.

Thank you Alex
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Richard H.

He is a very confident and thorough lawyer and very helpful and knowledgeable, I would recommend him to anyone in need of legal advice and/or defense



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M V.

Outstanding character, exceptional legal knowledge of Arizona Law and a strong work ethic. Benikov Law will work tirelessly in their representation of their clients. I would never even consider another firm for any legal representation that I require.

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Ryan S.

Very knowledgeable, professional and trustworthy, I wouldn't hesitate to get Benikov on my side!




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Dustin F.

Mr. Benikov is highly professional and understanding of his client's needs. I will continue to use his law firm for all of my legal matters.



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Daniel R.

Mr. Benikov has always been exceptional at making himself available to answer any questions I’ve ever had with legal issues and never turns me away with even the smallest matters and I respect his genuine care for his clients!

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Patricia K.

Mr. Benikov is always professional and will take care of your matters in a professional manner and I would recommend him to anyone. 5 stars!



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Michael G.

Mr. Benikov helped me with a very complicated and dangerous case involving my daughter.   He was able to get the case dismissed, for which I'm eternally grateful.



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Jody S.

Alex Benikov and his law firm are definitely my first call. He’s knowledgeable, responsive and is a good lawyer to have in your corner




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CASE RESULTS
Extreme DUI
Case Result: Client found not guilty after jury trial
Client was charged with Extreme DUI after police found him asleep in his car in the parking lot. After long jury trial jury found client not guilty of all counts.
Domestic Violence Assault
Case Result: Client found not guilty at trial
Client was accused of hitting his wife and damaging property. After trial with several witnesses, the client was found not guilty of all charges.
Theft
Case Result: Client found not guilty after jury trial
Client was charged with taking expensive sunglasses. After months of working with prosecutor all charges dismissed when it was shown that clients friend was the responsible party.
Domestic Violence Assault
Case Result: Not guilty of all counts
Client was found not guilty of all counts on domestic violence assault after trial. State had alleged a serious injury to victim. Client was facing jail if convicted.
Threatening and Intimidating
Case Result: All charges dismissed
Client was charged with leaving threatening messages for his ex-girlfriend. After negotiating the matter with the prosecutor all charges against the client were dismissed. The Client was also given shorter domestic violence classes.
Felony DUI
Case Result: Charges reduced to misdemeanor
Client was charged with felony DUI for driving against traffic while impaired. Ultimately the case was reduced to misdemeanor from felony. Client had been facing four months in prison if convicted of felony.
Domestic Violence Criminal Damage
Case Result: Client offered a better plea with no jail at time of trial
Client was charged with damaging property belonging to him and girlfriend. At time of trial the state offered a much better plea than originally offered that included no jail instead of 30 days originally sought.
Super Extreme DUI
Case Result: Charged reduced
Client was charged with super extreme DUI but was offered a plea to regular DUI with much lower jail and lower fines.
Extreme DUI
Case Result: Client found not guilty after bench trial
Chose to have the Judge decide the case for strategic reasons. Judge found the client not guilty of all counts.
Domestic Violence Assault, 5 Counts
Case Result: All charges dismissed at time of trial
Client was facing 120 days in jail. All charges dismissed at time of trial when the state was not able to proceed without needed witnesses.
Extreme DUI
Case Result: Extreme DUI reduced to Regular DUI
The client was had their Extreme DUI reduced to a Regular DUI. Client was facing several weeks in jail.
Aggravated Assault
Case Result: Not Guilty on all counts
City of Mesa - Client was found Not Guilty on an all counts including assault. Client was facing 60 days jail.
Child Endangerment
Case Result: All Charges Dismissed
Mesa City Court - Defendant charged with child endangerment. All charges dismissed at time of trial. Client was facing 60 days in jail.
Child Endangerment
Case Result: Not Guilty after trial.
Scottsdale City Court - Client found not guilty of child endangerment after trial. Client had been facing 15 days in jail.
Marijuana DUI
Case Result: Charges reduced to reckless driving.
Mesa City Court - Client had their charges of a Marijuana related DUI reduced to Reckless Driving in the Mesa City Court.

Standard DUI
Case Result: Charges reduced to reckless driving.
Scottsdale City Court - Client had their charges of a Standard DUI reduced to Reckless Driving in the Scottsdale City Court.

Domestic Violence Charges
Case Result: Not guilty after trial
Mesa City Court - Not guilty after trial on domestic violence disorderly conduct. Client was facing 30 days in jail.

Felony Domestic Violence
Case Result: Reduced to misdemeanor with no jail
Maricopa County Superior Court - Client charged with felony Domestic Violence Disorderly Conduct. Client was facing prison time. Charge reduced to misdemeanor with no jail.

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Criminal Defense Lawyer In Phoenix

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Legal Disclaimer:

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Benikov Law Firm's legal team is licensed to practice law in Arizona. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.

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