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.

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.